Thank You Thursday - Reflection by Dean Sue

Another week has flown by and we are still facing the challenges of Covid 19. This week is Mental Health Awareness Week and for all of us I guess our mental health and wellbeing has been challenged during this Covid 19 pandemic. For many the isolation of being at home on your own is hard. For many living in close proximity with other family members is challenging and for others the daily task of shopping and exercising brings anxiety. And as we move out of lockdown other concerns are raised about the economy which then creates anxiety about our jobs and our income.
 
As I have moved through the week I have been reflecting on the question: How can we take care of our mental health and wellbeing in these times? A question that is being answered by many people through articles in various newspapers ranging from: ‘Mental Health Awareness Week: Everything you need to look after your mental wellbeing, from books to apps;’ to ‘Mental Health Awareness Week: top tips for keeping well during lockdown.’
 
These articles talk about structuring your day, getting up early, having regular exercise and eating healthily. There is not so much about reflection and prayer or mindfulness or meditation. As you would expect, as a Christian Leader, I value the structure of daily prayer, I am energised by reflecting on scripture and I value praying with others in our community and throughout the world. My faith is important to me and I think is key to my wellbeing and mental health.
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As you know, through my weekly blogs I have been reflecting as I undertake my daily exercise routine. I have spent an hour each morning walking in St James’ Garden and as I have become less anxious, I have walked the streets of the city. As I walk I have begun to notice more and more things. I have noticed the flowers, I have become aware of the season changing and I have become aware of the beautiful architecture in our city. And as I walk, I pray and offer to God grateful thanks.

What I have learnt is to look around me and observe and to be grateful for the little things. All the little things I see help my wellbeing and my mental health.

God has given us so much to help us ride this pandemic, if we just look and observe what is around us. So as we say thank you to God on this thank you Thursday let us be grateful for the little things, for those little things that help our wellbeing and our mental health. Let us also be thankful for all who work to help those whose mental health is challenged by life.
 
If you are in need of assistance regarding your mental health, the Mental Health Foundation offers many resources online for help and support: 
https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/your-mental-health/looking-after-your-mental-health. 
 
The Church of England also offers resources on their website:
https://www.churchofengland.org/faith-action/mental-health-resources. 

With our metal health and wellbeing in mind can I invite you to take time out to reflect with us and to worship the God who knows and loves you through this Ascension Day Service.

Dean Sue

While you're here:
Why not prepare for next Sunday's worship? Our preparation sheet for adults and for children can be accessed by clicking on the Resources tab of this website: https://www.prayerforliverpool.org/prayer-resources.html.