Curiosity and Wonder During Difficult Times

[vc_row padding_setting=”1″ desktop_padding=”padding-one”][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]By Anne Peters, LMFT

We often praise our children for their curiosity, but what about ourselves? Let’s start by defining curiosity: asking questions, expressing interest, paying attention, and wondering. So often, we as adults can fall into the routine of what we already know and do not always stop to simply wonder. What if we do?

Perhaps one of the most important benefits of curiosity, especially in a time like this, is its ability to help us navigate change and the unknown with less anxiety and fear. So now that we know the benefit, how can we practice this? Read on!

– Assume less and wonder more – Notice those moments you jump to a conclusion or make a snap judgment. Use these moments to invite your curiosity in and take a second to wonder.

– Practice courage in the space of “not knowing” – It’s in this wonderful place of “not knowing” where new wisdom can emerge. Just notice when you are rushing to find answers and see if you can just sit in the unknown for a moment. This can bring waves of insight and trust when you least expect it.

– Use curiosity to inspire and lead others – The best part about curiosity? It’s contagious!

Even Einstein himself encouraged us to “never lose a holy curiosity.” Especially in difficult times, I encourage you to simply take a moment to wonder. Be curious.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Welcome Rev. Kyle Barton!

[vc_row padding_setting=”1″ desktop_padding=”padding-one”][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]LSI is thrilled to welcome Rev. Kyle Barton as our new Spiritual Life Leader. Pastor Kyle’s role will primarily focus on providing faith-based programming on LSI’s two residential treatment campuses, Bremwood in Waverly and Beloit in Ames. He will oversee the Spiritual Life program, which offers voluntary activities, such as music and art, for children to enjoy, and lead regular chapel and youth group sessions. We are also excited to expand our Spiritual Life program to further support LSI staff and serve as a representative to the ELCA community.

Pastor Kyle began his ordained career with a call to St. James Lutheran Church in Allison, Iowa, after completing a bachelor’s degree at Wartburg College in Waverly and a Master of Divinity degree at Wartburg Theological Seminary in Dubuque. Prior to his call to St. James, Pastor Kyle served as a pastoral intern in Dubuque at St. Peter Lutheran Church while also working as an on-call chaplain for Mercy Medical Center in Dubuque.

“I am excited to engage God’s children through the ministry that is LSI,” Pastor Kyle says. “I am pleased to have the opportunity to journey alongside the clients, staff, and benefactors of LSI, all the while living out the Gospel promise of Jesus Christ. I look forward to getting to know the greater LSI community in the months to come.”

In his free time, Pastor Kyle enjoys spending time in the outdoors with his family through a multitude of activities such as camping, hiking, boating, fishing, skiing (Nordic and downhill), and hunting, in addition to traveling around the country and abroad. In his previous call, Pastor Kyle also thoroughly enjoyed volunteering as an EMT with the Allison Ambulance Service.

We look forward to seeing the many ways Pastor Kyle will make a life-changing impact on the children and teens we are privileged to serve![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Pockets of Joy

[vc_row padding_setting=”1″ desktop_padding=”padding-one”][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]By Anne Peters, LMFT

We are now officially a year into the pandemic; a year into mask wearing, social distancing, and certainly an increase in worry and fear. It has not been easy. Although we are hopeful we will continue to make progress towards returning to a new normal, we know we are not there yet.

A coworker of mine presented this idea of “pockets of joy.” I love this idea. We cannot take away the overarching fears, worries, and unknowns, but we can instill small pockets of joy (or COVID breaks) to step away briefly and truly experience a moment of joy. We would love to know – where do you find your pocket of joy?

Here are some ideas and ways I’m going to welcome more joy in my life moving forward. I’m thinking of all the things I miss from life pre-pandemic and how I can bring some of this into my life, safely, for the time being.

1. Get dressed up – OK, if I’m honest, I’ve been LOVING living in comfy pants for the last year. However, I miss the confidence from putting on my favorite outfit. If this is something you miss, pick a day and get jazzed up! Set up a Zoom get-together with some friends and all wear what feels most comfortable to you.

2. Bring in some new life – Get some fresh flowers or a new plant and set it in your home. It’s no secret seeing or smelling some beautiful flowers can bring us joy.

3. Get wrapped up in a story – Pick a book off your shelf and get reading! There’s no better getaway from everyday life than to escape into the pages of a book. Get a recommendation from a friend or sign up with your local library. So many libraries have online options to read your book from your device – for free!

4. Enjoy memory lane – I just did this yesterday, and felt so much peace. At first, I was worried I would begin to feel sad about the experiences I cannot currently do (travel, gatherings, concerts, etc.). The feelings I got were the complete opposite. I started to feel so grateful for the past experiences of my life. I started to think about what I am most excited for when I’m able to get back into the “real world.” I also looked through every single picture from when my 65-pound dog was a 7-pound puppy, and really, what’s better than that? (So cute!)

5. Be still – When was the last time you sat in complete silence and allowed yourself to just be? It’s a gift to be able to simply be with ourselves and our thoughts. Get a cozy blanket, sit back, and enjoy the peace and quiet of life.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]