Mindful Latter-day Saint Apologetics
Providing thoughtful and faithful responses to criticisms and questions of the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ
Think about some of the articles that have inspired you. Some of the stories you've read. What emotions came up as you've read them? How powerful were the words to evoke such emotions and thoughts? Did it challenge your present beliefs and values? What impact did that have on you as a person? Without honesty, our writing will be flat and ineffective in influencing and impacting other people.
We come to accept the good, the bad, the ugly, and the indifference of our own sense of being. There is a stark contrast between love and hate. Either we love ourselves, love others, and have a love for life; or, we hate ourselves, hate others, and hate our lives. Love and hate are polar opposites. Where there is genuine love hate has no room to grow. Where there is hate there is no real genuine love. This is true with genuine and mindful forgiveness.
The ability to mindfully and critically read information is to objectively learn new ideas and concepts. To accurately take notes is to translate what you have gained insight on and share that with others. What you do not want to do is to develop content that is merely copy-and-paste of other peoples writings. This is only done when you are quoting from another person.
One of the key observations that link mindfulness, meditation, and happiness is this: The ability to regulate and manage our emotions. It is one of the mainstay recommendations and truths I share with my patients when sitting in counsel with them. We either are learning how our emotions work so that we are adequate in managing them. Or, we are giving ourselves permissibly over to our emotions so that they manage us and our lives.
One of the desired outcomes of strategic content writing and publishing is the ability to think critically. Not only to think critically, but to be able to think mindfully, critically, and creatively. The ability to bring relevant content that is impacting, influential, and engaging begins when we are capable of generating content that provides solutions o specific issues. At the same time, determining which solution is the more practical one for our readers.
When we are sick, unhealthy, and feeling less than adequate - we suffer depression, anxiety, and even spiritual deprivation (meaning, lack of meaning and purpose - feeling unfulfilled). Any casual research will show that there is a definitive link between unhealthy eating habits, sleep, and depression and anxiety.
We are our own self-critic and judge. Therefore, this week's writing challenge is to focus on delving into ways an individual may begin to exercise a daily discipline of self care where they show kindness and compassion. Break free from the inner critic that plagues our thoughts and creates barriers to personal and spiritual growth. By focusing on how one is able to show kindness toward self is key to how we operate out of a sense of worth and power.
This is the second weekly round up regarding some writing, and blogging, that I have done at my various websites. From daily devotions, entering into a first every short story contest, to working on two WIP's for publication, and even producing some apologetic articles on religion.
Taking pride in who we are, our meaning and purpose, and how we reach out and serve others is healthy and contributes to our overall happiness. It also keeps us focused on what matters to us - what we value as most significant and important - while learning from our failings. Without appreciation for our accomplishments, we may find ourselves wallowing in self-pity, remorse, and struggling to overcome the shame and guilt of our failures.
Developing the right type of attitude will determine whether or not the reader will understand the message. This fits within our clear understanding and purpose of writing. As writing is a passionate form of communication and expression. If our writing is vague, lacking any supportive evidence, or poorly constructed, then the attitude may come across as being lazy and slothful. If our writing comes across with strong language that is vitriolic we may risk causing our readers to be offended and even communicate defensively (think about some of the social media commentary going on regarding particular hot topic content). It is our disciplined goal to be objective, while remaining passionate, regarding particular subjects.
Focusing on the person that matters the most - ourselves - we free ourselves from the fears and doubts that inhibit our creativity.
Seek ye out of the best books, words of wisdom ~ Doctrine and Covenants 88:118 ~ Good books are as friends, willing to give to us if we are willing to make a little effort ~ Gordon B. Hinckley ~ The best investment one ought to make is finding those books that inspire, empower, and… Continue reading The value of good books
If you are interested in helping with the type of content this website provides, and you are an active Twitter User, then place your vote: What types of articles are you more interested in reading, commenting on, and sharing when it comes to web content? #POLL — Timothy Berman (@SeattleGhost) January 11, 2018
Mindful Latter-day Saint Apologetics 
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