Could the bed you are sleeping on be causing you pan? Most definitely, yes! Last week I went on vacation and slept in some very uncomfortable beds. After the first night on one creaky old mattress, I could barely turn my head. I ended up sleeping on the firm couch and my pain went away. I remember several years back my husband and I stayed at a bed and breakfast that had an incredibly soft mattress. As a side sleeper, I loved this. As a back sleeper, this mattress messed his back up for days! So yes, the bed you sleep in does make a huge difference.
Even our pillows and chairs can bring us relief or cause us pain. Basically, where and on what you take refuge will either bring you peace or pain. The Merriam-Webster dictionary definition of refuge is a shelter or protection from danger or distress. So, where do you find your shelter? Is its protection 100% full proof to withstand any storm? Think of the parable of Jesus sleeping in the boat as he and the disciples sailed across the water. When a mighty storm arose, the disciples were consumed with fear, but Jesus just kept sleeping until they woke him. He simply told the storm to stop and peace was restored.
I wonder what would have happened if the disciples stayed calm in the storm knowing that they were with the son of God so more than likely they would be perfectly fine. In turbulent times, I can forget that God is with me and everything will be fine, too. One of my friends was just recalling how often in times of trouble her dad would say, “It will all work out ok”. That is so the truth.
So whatever you are going through right now, take refuge in remembering that you are being held safe in the bed of the Lord. Remember the saying, you’ve made your bed, now lie in it? Choose wisely.
Psalm 91:2 NIV I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”
Voyage to HEAL Weekly Task
Stretch: Speaking of laying in your bed, let’s do that! Grab that releaser ball, place it anywhere along your back (please avoid any surgical areas on the spine), and open up. As you lay here, talk to your body giving yourself permission to feel safe and let go.
Exercise: A stable pelvic floor and core are essential to lessening any ache or pain in the body from head to toe. Stay lying in your bed if you would like. Activate the pelvic floor and core, and raise your legs to tabletop with hips and knees bent. Then do 20 toe taps or whatever you are able to do. Always, remember to breathe and don’t let your belly pop up.
Habitual Change: If you are very sore when you wake up in the morning, you may want to consider a new mattress if this is feasible. If not, you may try a mattress topper or stretch before you go to bed.
Perspective enlightenment: I trust in God to be my refuge. I am safe in his arms. There is nothing I cannot confront.
Journaling option: Dear God, show me how I can put my trust in you more than ever before.
This week’s blog post coincides with week 2: I am safe. You can purchase this week in the store on the webpage. You can also purchase the Inner Peace Meditation CD or start your full online Voyage to HEAL. I also have an Ergonomics for posture and pain control video series that provides options for alternative ways to sit, stand, and sleep to help relieve pain. Click here to visit the online store to find all of these items. Most importantly, start being kind to yourself always. As God gives you grace, so should you give it to yourself. Stop fighting yourself. Instead, love yourself.
Godspeed on your Voyage to HEAL
Love,
Jocelyn
