“All glimmers and resources are reminders of the with-ness and witness of a God who loves us madly. . . . Whether goodness comes through common or specific grace, it is a form of tangible hope.”- Aundi Kolber
“Resurrection is in our cells.”- Ryan Kuja, therapist
“And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.”- Romans 5:5 (NIV)
Aundi Keller concludes Chapter 6 of Strong Like Water as she notes that we carry trauma and pain in our body like a story. Yet, the strength like water that becomes embedded in the core of who we are provides a paradoxical hope.
And, Aundi encourages, that’s how we come alive. Because we practice resurrection every time we help our body feel safe. Above all, the author observes, seeing resurrection is no small thing. Especially in a world with much pain and destruction.
In addition, Aundi advocates a protocol known as bilateral stimulation. You use this protocol any time you take a walk, swing your arms, or look side to side. Dr. Laura Parnell likes to refer to this process as ‘tapping’ or ‘tapping in.’ Hence, in this way you internalize a resource so that neural pathways connect it to your brain. That makes is more accessible when you are in the window of tolerance.
Furthermore, Aundi explains:
“Bilateral stimulation helps make us more present and accessible to resources, which we can experience in a richer and deeper way. . . . Just celebrate what this means. Even when life is profoundly hard, we are invited to partake as we’re able, in goodness. . . . This reflects what our God is like — with us, always working for, in, and through even the most direct circumstances, always.”
In conclusion, Aundi exhorts, work to release shame and remind yourself that you’re a beloved survivor. That, in and of itself, can be an empowering resource.
Today’s question: How do you see goodness as a form of tangible hope? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Peak and pass – emotions”
