Finding Holy Calm and Keeping Cool

This morning, Archdeacon Rachel Mann shared a Thought for the Day on BBC Radio 4, reflecting on finding holy calm and keeping cool under the heat of pressure:

Good morning. In the past few days, I suspect many of us will have been feeling under pressure. In weather terms, high pressure has translated into searing temperatures that, for some, will bring pleasure and for others, like me, deep anxiety. Politically, too, many would argue that the temperature has been rising for the Prime Minister, as well as on those who seem keen to replace him. In the pressure cooker world of politics it looks things will reach boiling point today.

Pressure, both metaphorically and literally, can create stress. As someone who lives with intestinal failure and is, therefore, at constant risk of dehydration, the current weather is both dangerous and stressful. I have to give myself intravenous fluids just to stay well. I know I will need to find places where I can cool off. And as the heat spikes, I will feel the psychological pressure rise too. I know that pressure at work can push me to the edge of my professionalism.

Especially when I am dehydrated, I find it difficult to remain calm and clear-thinking. When the work temperature goes sky high, I am so tempted to flip my lid. When that happens, as the psychologist Dan Siegel suggests, the part of the brain which regulates the emotional flight or fight response takes over. I then find it incredibly challenging to regain control of my rational self.

The seventeenth-century theologian Jonathan Edwards suggests that one response to life’s inevitable pressures is to seek after ‘holy calm’. He suggests that as a person grows into the likeness of Jesus they will be drawn to love their neighbour as themselves. Edwards says this ‘Love will prevent broils and quarrels, and will dispose to peaceableness.’

In the bible, Jesus offers himself as a place of calm, where the weary and stressed can find refreshment. He says, ‘Come to me all you who are weary and heavy laden and I shall give you rest.’ Intriguingly, in Matthew’s gospel, the original word used for rest also means pause, space, and repose. Jesus seems to be saying, in the face of life’s pressure points, come to me and I will give you space to pause, reflect and find a beat of calm.

Whether we are in the political hot seat or simply sweltering in the heat this coming week, I am convinced that finding space for calm and rest will be both necessary and welcome. While there are well-established techniques, like mindfulness and deep measured breathing, which will help, I will also seek to go deeper and find holy calm, that rest offered by Jesus which helps me keep my cool whatever comes my way.