I wish I hadn't sworn
But I understand why I did...
Perhaps you read my Instagram post on “Why I Swore in the Church Car Park.” You might think I’m a heretic, or maybe you can relate?
The post wasn’t a justification of my reaction, but rather an attempt to provide context for it—because it might help.
It might help the faith-filled person who sometimes finds themselves smacking their fist on the steering wheel or swearing under their breath in the frozen food aisle of Tesco.
Or the Jesus follower who just can’t shake that feeling of shame no matter how much they pray.
Or the woman who feels completely numb and finds it easier to zone out rather than lean in.
We all have a window of tolerance.
The window of tolerance is a concept that describes the zone of arousal in which we can function most effectively. When we are within this window, we can handle stress, stay connected to others, and respond to challenges with resilience. However, when we are pushed outside this window, we can either become hyper-aroused (feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or angry) or hypo-aroused (feeling numb, depressed, or disconnected).
The goal isn’t to justify these reactions but to understand them. By recognising when we’re operating outside our window of tolerance, we can start to take steps to bring ourselves back within it. This might involve deep breathing, prayer, or simply taking a moment to pause and reset.
A wonderful way to come back into your window of tolerance is with a Breath Prayer. I love Breath Prayers because they involve and bring health to your Body, Soul and Spirit.
Inhale for 4: Thank you God that you guard my heart
Exhale for 8: Thank you God that you guard my mind
What this isn’t is a justification of how I reacted.
It’s more to put my overreaction into context, because it might help.
It might help the faith filled person who sometimes finds themselves smacking their fist on the steering wheel or swearing under their breath in the frozen food aisle of Tesco/Costco.
Or the Jesus follower who just can’t shake that shame feeling no matter how much they pray.
Or the pastor/parent/friend/spouse/ who feels completely numb and feels more comfortable zoning out rather than leaning in.
If you need it, I pray it helps you.
Love
Jo