For anxious clients I have worked with over the years their inner lives are often all but quiet. Inner self-talk rattling off often irrational worries and negative self-beliefs keeps their minds noisy and their life restless. Coming across the book, Finding Quiet, by J.P. Moreland I felt it might be a practical tool for aiding those struggling with anxiety. After reading it I felt it was much more than that.
J. P . Moreland is the Distinguished Professor of Philosophy at Talbot School of Theology, Biola University in La Mirada, California. He is a Christian philosopher and apologist, who speaks globally about the Christian faith. I have never heard him in person but I have heard a number of his videos that are on Youtube concerning Christianity and Science, and videos about the Christian life. His speaking is impressive and exudes such confidence so when I read his book, Finding Quiet, I was surprised to read about his struggle with anxiety, panic attacks and depression. His book is a helpful guide on those mental health issues but the much more -- is his honest telling of his journey in overcoming mental health issues of anxiety showing the reality of a “thorn in the flesh” life struggle instead of a quickie Christian miracle.
Coming at life with a Christian worldview, I do believe Jesus is still in the miracle business yet in most of our lives our reality is God coming along aside our journey. Through the storms of life and our healings physically and mentally are often a process He helps us through. I share in the beginning sections of my book, Living More Than OK, of life difficulties that led to depression which took time to conquer and still pops up into my life. What I enjoyed about Finding Quiet, is that J. P. Moreland honestly shares his difficulties and the holistic manner of attack that has helped him live and flourish beyond anxiety.
I will touch on a few highlights of things that helped him in his battle with anxiety. I do encourage you to look for his book online in paperback and ebook. Also you can check with your local library as another way to find a copy of this enjoyable read.
One of the most important points he brings out in his book in the importance of self-compassion. I like how Moreland says it, “It’s actually all right with God if you are nice to yourself!” (page 56). In this section he brings out the truth of Jesus’ teaching in Mark 12:31 “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Then also Luke 6:31 “do to others as you would have them do to you.” We can’t be loving and compassionate to others if our self-talk is full of negative put downs on ourselves and we have no love for self. Of course Jesus is not telling us to go to the extreme of being narcissists. The truth rings true in listening to those being controlled by depression or anxiety their self-talk is often full of negativity towards themselves and their lives. I remember to this day much of the negatives I placed on myself during my past deep depression.
On self-compassion he brings out 4 points that should be heeded by all of us in how we treat ourselves. 1) adopting feelings and attitudes toward oneself that are not oppressive and harsh, 2) setting aside being inordinately self-judgmental…e.g. I am such a failure…, 3) not slandering and demeaning oneself, 4) not beating oneself up and demeaning oneself.” (pages 57&58). That piece of insight in and of itself is worth your time in reading his book.
Another point he brings out that is so helpful with anxious and depressed people is the importance of an attitude of gratitude. He mentions much of the research done by Dr. Emmons of UC Davis, who is a prolific researcher on gratitude. His studies have shown the mental and physical health benefits of being grateful. I often recommend the thankfulness journal idea which many have found helpful in reframing how they look at events in their daily lives. If we look for things in our daily lives to be grateful for, we can then see the sun rays often come through the cloudy events of difficulties in our day.
I also appreciated his thoughts on reframing our negative self-talk to positive and he brought out the concept of meditating on God’s word. Taking time to quietly reflect meditatively on God’s word is important in shaping our self-talk in a positive fashion. With client’s from a Christian worldview I often discuss meditating on verses of the Bible that relate to their concern or the use of meditating on the Psalms. With those of differing worldviews, (e.g. Buddhism, Hinduism, or Atheism), I encourage them to look at their religious tradition literature and meditate on thoughts from their traditional worldview. Mediation and learning to slow down is so important to quiet down the anxious mind.
These are just a few of the ideas Dr. J. P. Moreland provides in discussing his journey. I encourage you to read his journey to gain a fuller viewpoint on these point he makes as well as other ideas. As a Counselor I am thankful he encourages those truly struggling to seek professional help. He honestly shares experiences that show in the Christian community there is still stigmas about those seeking profession help with mental issues. I often tell my college students when a family member goes to a doctor for a broken ankle or an illness such as diabetes there is immediate support. “Oh my poor Uncle Joe, he is down with diabetes. How can we help him.” But let Uncle Joe go to a Psychiatrist for depression. “Hey did you hear Uncle Joe is off his rocker? He went to a shrink.” Thankfully there are people of Dr. Moreland’s stature who are honest and open to show there is nothing wrong with getting help for something like anxiety so he can continue to be more effective for God.
Reflection: What do you feel when you hear a friend or family member is dealing with depression or anxiety? Have you battled with any mental health concerns? Here is a link to one of my favorite Dr. Moreland videos on Youtube give it a listen is it is worth your time. It is titled Loving God With All Your Mind -- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j3pTZgiqcwM
