In this episode, Steve Cuss explores the nature of reactivity and its impact on human connection. He shares personal tools for managing reactivity and emphasizes the importance of self-care as a chaplain. The podcast also discusses the role of family of origin in shaping relationships, the Enneagram's impact on spirituality, and upcoming interviews on bridging Christian beliefs and experiences.
Relaxing into being human-sized enhances our capacity to connect with others, even those with whom we disagree or have difficulties.
Prioritizing our own well-being and self-awareness enables us to have a positive impact and avoid causing harm in the name of Jesus.
Deep dives
Relaxing into Being Human-Sized
The podcast explores the idea of relaxing into being human-sized and the positive effects it has on our relationships and connection with ourselves, others, and God. By embracing our humanity, we deepen our capacity to connect with others, even those with whom we disagree or have difficulties. Relaxing into being human-sized also enhances our ability to connect with God's presence. The host emphasizes that the only thing we have to offer the world is a well self, and by prioritizing our own well-being and self-awareness, we can have a positive impact and avoid causing harm in the name of Jesus.
Lessons Learned as a Hospital Chaplain
The host shares personal experiences from working as a trauma chaplain, emphasizing the importance of self-care and self-awareness. By attending to our own emotional well-being, we become more effective in helping others during their most difficult moments. The host reflects on the assumptions he carried, such as always needing to know what to do in any situation, and the need to make people feel better. He acknowledges the necessity of being present to oneself, others, and God, while managing reactivity and preserving a human-sized perspective.
Recognizing the Importance of Self-Care
The podcast highlights the significance of self-care and its impact on our ability to help others and experience a deep connection with God. It draws parallels to the instructions given on airplanes to put on your own oxygen mask before assisting others. When we take care of our emotional health and attend to ourselves, we enhance our capacity to love and serve others authentically. It also enables us to stay connected to God's presence and not lose sight of our faith in challenging circumstances.
Exploring Reactivity and Being Human-Sized
The podcast introduces the concept of reactivity and its impact on our ability to remain human-sized. Reactivity encompasses instances where we either become bigger than human or smaller than human, disconnecting us from our true selves, others, and God. By staying aware of our reactivity and actively practicing self-regulation, we can experience deeper connections, maintain awareness of God's presence, and live more authentically as humans. The host mentions that future episodes will delve into systemic impact and how our family of origin affects our current relationships.
The first episode of Being Human With Steve Cuss, in collaboration with Christianity Today.
Steve talks about the nature of reactivity, how it disconnects us, and how being a ‘well self’ is kept for human flourishing. Steve shares much of his own journey and gives a couple of tools to manage reactivity.
For more about Steve, and to download his video ‘The 4 Spaces of Anxiety’ visit www.stevecusswords.com