Mindfulness App: "How We Feel"
Jerry M Cline
One of my favorite apps is called "How We Feel."
I think this is a great way to practice Mindfulness.
The "How We Feel" app focuses on Mental Health, by identifying your mood and giving you short 1-3 minute strategies to either reinforce a good mood or recover from a bad mood.
In fact, one of the best things I like about this app is that it helps us name our feelings with specific terms instead of simply "good" or "bad."
This app reminds you to check in with yourself on the time scale you determine. I recommend at least twice a day.
After you check in, the app may direct you to specific techniques based on your mood or you can search the library for helpful activities. Its a great way to get to know your emotions, be mindful, change your thinking, and do something different. It also encourages you to move your body through exercise and engaging with community.
As an added exercise, I recommend taking the opportunity to check in with your Body and Spirit.
Wellness is a state of being dependent upon a healthy Mind Body, and Spirit.
When I check in twice a day, my alarm reminds me to check in with my Body first. Often I find my mouth is dry or I have an acing muscle - an awareness of my body that I was ignoring prior to my scheduled check in. I am committed to addressing any issues with my body. For example, if my mouth is dry, I grab a water bottle with electrolytes and drink it. And I don't put it off. If my muscles are sore, I stretch immediately.
Next I do a Mind self check. I use the "How We Feel" app for that.
Last I do a Spirit check in. For me, the #1 gauge of my Spirit is gratitude. So I try to find something to be grateful for in the moment. If it is difficult to do that, I know I need to take a time out to strengthen my Spirit. I also check in with my Spiritual Disciplines. For example, am I praying the way I have decided is best for me, am I fasting at the interval I'm committed, am I reading the Bible (not just commentaries and studies which I love!), am I being generous with my time, talents, & treasure (the triple tithe), am I honoring Sabbath (I don't pigeon hole myself to a particular day of the week), and am I maintaining fellowship with those I love. If my Spirit needs help, I don't ignore it: I schedule a fast or sabbatical; I stop what I am doing and read at least a chapter in my Bible; I send a quick text to someone I have neglected (that's guaranteed to result in more fellowship); and etc.
I encourage you to develop your own check in with Mind-Body-Spirit and to do it regularly.
Once it becomes a habit, you can rely upon the work you put in to sustain you when you really need it. It is true that we reap what we sow.
Blessings,
Dr Cline
