Chronicles of a Healing Soul

Empty Spaces #3 - Solitude vs Lonliness

I recorded this episode for anyone who has felt isolated due to chronic pain or illness. In fact, the invitation extends to anyone feeling lonely at all. Hello friend! I know. I get it. I've been there. And today, I am exploring the idea of loneliness. What is it? What is the core need behind loneliness? Is it possible that solitude can actually be a tool to combat loneliness? It might sound like a far reach. But hey, it's worth exploring, right? Join me today as I share some from my story and also share a poem about someone in the Bible who also felt lonely and unseen. Support my Work: https://buymeacoffee.com/elizabethhayashi [https://buymeacoffee.com/elizabethhayashi] Subscribe to my Substack [https://elizabethhayashi.substack.com/]! ... My Reading: "Woman in the Desert" by Elizabeth Hayashi References: * Here is the quote by my Substack friend who helped inspire today's conversation: "Solitude is a spiritual discipline, an intentional separating from people with the purpose of being free from the ‘need’ for people and our dependence on receiving their affirmation. Solitude also sets aside time to be alone with our Father. Loneliness is a manifestation of our dependence on the affirmations of people. Almost like a withdrawal symptom. Of course, affirmation isn’t bad in itself, but to depend on it for our peace is out of balance. Solitude counters the overbalance." (by Scott Boley; here's his Substack [http://substack.com/@scottyjim]) * Song reference: "I'll Be Here" by Joel Ansett Scriptures: * "He has also set eternity in their hearts..." (Ecclesiastes 3:11) * Psalm 139 * Genesis 16 Music Credit: Kate Kody, "Butterfly; [https://freemusicarchive.org/music/kate-kody/prosecco-cafe-1/butterfly-1/]" all rights protected under the Creative Commons License; [https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/] minor changes made to the length of the track.

Empty Spaces #2 - Stillness asks for Surrender

Tense. Clutching tightly. Always running. Do you relate to any of these descriptions? I know I often do. I have historically preferred control over letting go. And to be fair, it's a hard thing to do! But I'm here to say that surrender is so safe. And so needed. Last episode, I explored the need for stillness. And today, I explore the heart posture behind stillness. Namely, surrender. I share a story of learned surrender in my own life. And then, I illustrate a picture of surrender through a parable of a lamb and its Shepherd.  May you know that you are not alone in clutching so tightly. May you be freed to open your hands. Support my Work: https://buymeacoffee.com/elizabethhayashi [https://buymeacoffee.com/elizabethhayashi] Subscribe to my Substack [https://elizabethhayashi.substack.com/]! ... My Reading: "Where the Wolves Stopped - A Parable" by Elizabeth Hayashi Scripture Reference: "Whom have I in heaven but you... (Psalm 73:25) Music Credit: Kate Kody, "Butterfly; [https://freemusicarchive.org/music/kate-kody/prosecco-cafe-1/butterfly-1/]" all rights protected under the Creative Commons License; [https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/] minor changes made to the length of the track.

Empty Spaces #1 - Found in Stillness

It's funny. In this current moment, as I'm typing these words, I'm doing about four different things at once. That is the kind of person I tend to be. And maybe you can relate. I have noticed that in an attempt to 'make things okay,' we tend to slip into anxiety loops. Or we slip into denial, using noise to drown things out. Either way, it's worth leaning into the stillness and silence.  Join me, as I dive into this topic, facing the discomfort of stillness and how it just might open our minds to something better: A truth that says, "God is God. And I'm okay."   Support my Work: https://buymeacoffee.com/elizabethhayashi [https://buymeacoffee.com/elizabethhayashi] Subscribe to my Substack [https://elizabethhayashi.substack.com/]! ... My Reading: "Diary Entry: January 28, 2023" by Elizabeth Hayashi; and "A Necessary Discomfort" by Elizabeth Hayashi Scripture References: * "Be still and know that I am God..." Psalm 46:10 * God's voice described as a 'still small voice': 1 Kings 19:11-13 * Verse about 'losing your life for Christ': Matthew 16:25 * My poem, "A Necessary Discomfort" is based on this verse: Isaiah 30:15 * Closing Scripture reading: Lamentations 3:24-26, 28 Music Credit: Kate Kody, "Butterfly; [https://freemusicarchive.org/music/kate-kody/prosecco-cafe-1/butterfly-1/]" all rights protected under the Creative Commons License; [https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/] minor changes made to the length of the track.

Why God Cares About Self Care - Encouragements for Pursuing Wellness

So many things in life demand our attention that sometimes we forget about our physical health. Hey, I've been there, so I know. But today, I am stepping back and talking about the importance of prioritizing our physical health. Not because we need to measure up to some standard. But because our bodies have such inherent value. As a Christian, I talk about how God values our bodies and wants us to take care of ourselves. In this podcast, I also celebrate the invisible work being done by those who are seriously chronically ill or in pain. It does not always feel like a glamorous lifestyle. But it is worthy work done to honor a worthy body. Keep it up, my friend.  Support my Work: https://buymeacoffee.com/elizabethhayashi [https://buymeacoffee.com/elizabethhayashi] Subscribe to my Substack [https://elizabethhayashi.substack.com/]! ... My Reading: "Why God Cares About Self Care" by Elizabeth Hayashi Scripture References: * "Don't grow weary in doing good..." Galatians 6:9 * "Consider it all joy..." James 1:2-4 * "He trains my hands for battle..." Psalm 18:34 * "Offer your bodies as a living sacrifice..." Romans 1:2 * "You are altogether beautiful, my love..." Song of Solomon 4:7 * "He brings forth food from the earth..." Psalm 104:14-15 * The verse about Jesus wanting the resurrected girl to eat... Mark 5:43 * The verse about Paul telling his mentee to care for his stomach... 1 Timothy 5:23 * "Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit... 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 * The accounts of Jesus death as referenced in my essay are Matthew 27:32-36; Mark 15:21-41; Luke 23:26-56; and John 19 * "I am fearfully and wonderfully made..." Psalm 139:14 Music Credit: Kate Kody, "Butterfly; [https://freemusicarchive.org/music/kate-kody/prosecco-cafe-1/butterfly-1/]" all rights protected under the Creative Commons License; [https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/] minor changes made to the length of the track.

Practical Tips for Coping with Chronic Pain

If you are facing chronic pain, you are not alone. My brother Jonny and I have both experienced serious chronic back injuries, in which we faced years of pain. We made it through, but we know how hard it can be. And we want to take a moment to share some of the practical tips and tricks we learned along the way. Join us for a conversation on exercise, self care, and dopamine regulation. As mentioned in the podcast, everything discussed in this episode is meant for entertainment alone, not to provide any kind of medical advice. Please consult a doctor if you are dealing with serious prolonged pain. Subscribe to my Substack [https://elizabethhayashi.substack.com/]! Music Credit: Kate Kody, "Butterfly; [https://freemusicarchive.org/music/kate-kody/prosecco-cafe-1/butterfly-1/]" all rights protected under the Creative Commons License; [https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/] minor changes made to the length of the track.