POST-TREK READER WEEK 2
Are you frozen?
I’m not talking about the weather…Do you feel like you are still in shock upon returning from your Trek? Or have you filed away the summer as the past, and decided it is time to move on…But in doing so your summer processing just stopped?
Often in life, “freezing” is the reaction to very powerful experiences. People can go into a state of shock and therefore suppress their thoughts and emotions, which just intensifies the original memory. This can be the reaction to both euphoric and traumatizing experiences.
Though it is difficult, it is very helpful – for long-term emotional health and moving forward – to shake ourselves out of shock, and to process.
Take a few moments to journal or talk with a Trek buddy about these questions.
Where in your present life do you notice you’ve stopped processing your summer?
What does “freezing” look like for you? Are you avoiding by watching TV, eating, staying busy?
Application
Though it might be difficult or painful, spend 10 minutes listening to God and asking him to bring up memories from the summer. Ask God where he was during those moments. Ask him where he is right now.
Respond in a way that makes sense to you: write a poem, paint, create a graph, be silent, be loud, be yourself – but respond.
Urbana: In the Urban Poverty Track you will have opportunity to play a key role in helping to assemble and send medical kits that the conference will be putting together for southern African health care workers. That can be a great way to move forward in your process.