Reasons to
Seek Counseling

Areas of
Expertise

My Counseling
Method

Marcus Flathman,
Clinical Psychologist

God in the Alarm Clock:
Six Ways to Open Our
Spiritual Eyes

The children’s hymn is right: the whole world IS in God’s hands. Here are a few ways to see more of God in our world.

1) Actively Assume That God Is Near. Take just 10 minutes at least once a day, even if you are skeptical and uncertain, and say: "I will look at EVERYTHING that happens in the next 10 minutes as though each and every thing has a spiritual depth, a meaning rooted in love."

2) Use Every Sense. "I touch my desk, I touch God. I hear street noise, I hear God. I eat an apple, I taste God. I smell, I see ...." God embraces our entire physical reality. Stop and focus on your senses individually. See if you can experience God’s presence in each.

3) Remember Who You Are. Look in a mirror and say this: "I am made in the image of God! God has made me good!" These are the truths of faith. Throughout the day remind yourself that, at your core, you are deeply loved by God.

4) Find God In Your Relationships. Relationships put flesh and bones to God’s love. Listen for God’s voice in the sacred spaces between yourself and others.

5) Dare To Be Human. Experiment with an attitude that says: "I am limited. I am not God. I am tiny ... and I am precious." Our limitations are a gift from God. They make possible the human qualities of surprise, growth, and trust.

6) Catch Yourself Doing Things Right. Children respond to positive feedback. So do our souls. Watch for chances to encourage yourself. Be specific, use your name: "Jane you have really participated in God’s love this morning. Nice going!" Let’s catch our luminous moments. The more we celebrate being spiritually aware, the more open to God’s presence we will become.

About the Authors:

Dr. Marcus Flathman is in private practice in Santa Barbara, California.

Andy Rutrough is a poet, a writer and pastor at St. Thomas Lutheran Church in Richmond, Kentucky.

Flathman Psychological Services
.................Marcus Flathman, Ph.D ................

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