Being fully present takes work. In this digital “on demand” world, how can we pull away to engage in the here and now? How can we fully enjoy life?
When I went to the beach with my friend, her daughter and four of her teenage friends, I saw a vivid example of how easily we forget the world and focus on our digital devices. You can probably guess what happened. With the beautiful ocean in the background, the girls sat in one room with their attention glued to their mobile phones. Rather than taking full advantage of face to face time, they texted each other while in the same room.
But here’s the good news: studies show that women still long for real community/girlfriend time. Women want to share true feelings with one another in a safe environment.
Now think about your outreach gatherings. How can you help foster these kinds of interactions with women who need to “press pause” in their hurried lives?
Practical tips for hitting reset at your outreach:
- Have women take a digital detox and unplug from all devices.
- Practice the discipline of simplicity.
- Encourage “table talk” with questions assigned to each table after the speaker, instead of having a special feature.
- Allow silence and time to journal thoughts after someone speaks.
- Get creative together e.g. paint, craft, draw, knit, decorate, cook, etc.
- Serve others in need e.g. throw a baby shower for a crisis pregnancy center.
- Listen to music and be still.
- Count your blessings. Write them down. Share your gratitude with others.
- Try aromatherapy and give women the opportunity to express how essential oils make them feel.
Too often we shift into autopilot during our day-to day-activities, and even in our outreach planning. Why not hit the reset button, and explore new possibilities?
“Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow. Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you.”
– Psalm 25:4-5, NLT
Anne Schneider
Northeast Field Director
August 24, 2016