Chronicles of a Healing Soul

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
Subscribe to my Substack!
...
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;" all rights protected under the Creative Commons License; 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
Subscribe to my Substack!
...
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;" all rights protected under the Creative Commons License; minor changes made to the length of the track.

Quick Announcement

Just wanted to say hi! My next full episode will come out this coming Tuesday, April 15. I will begin a mini series on empty spaces, in which we will kick off the conversation by discussing stillness and silence.
Until then, may you find little moments of stillness and rest well.
 

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
Subscribe to my Substack!
...
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;" all rights protected under the Creative Commons License; 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!
Music Credit: Kate Kody, "Butterfly;" all rights protected under the Creative Commons License; minor changes made to the length of the track.

Right Now But Not Yet - The Update on my Back

To read my poem 'Right Now But Not Yet,' subscribe to my Substack!
What happens when perfect spiritual realities meet imperfect physical realities? My story is just one answer to that question. Within the last couple months, I have been experiencing miraculous physical healing while also painfully aware of my humanness. Maybe you can relate. Or maybe you're only aware of the painful realities of your existence. Or maybe you're so caught up in the miraculous. Wherever you find yourself, in this podcast I encourage you to be curious about what could more be true.
Music Credit: Kate Kody, "Butterfly;" all rights protected under the Creative Commons License; minor changes made to the length of the track.

Mr. Dave's Story - Victory Amidst Cancer

Cancer. Nobody wants to hear that word. Nobody likes the things associated with that word... at least, not normally. But through an incredible and unexpected journey, my father-in-law, Dave, came to associate his own cancer journey with the love of his Heavenly Father. 
When I sat down to interview 'Mr. Dave' (as the students at his workplace call him), I was honestly not prepared for the incredibly raw yet inspiring story I was about to hear. I could never have expected to hear about such physical and emotional pain intermixed with such faith in a loving God. 
What an honor to get to carry his story on my own space here online. 
May this story meet you wherever you are today. And know that whatever you are walking through, you are not alone!
Music Credit: Kate Kody, "Butterfly;" all rights protected under the Creative Commons License; minor changes made to the length of the track.

The Ceramic Flower Pot - On Identity and Entering New Year

It's so good to be back!
After a much needed holiday, I'm back with excitement for this New Year! Even though I'm laying on my bed because of ongoing back problems, I decided to record a podcast anyway! I'm learning to live joyfully amidst pain.
So, join me in my ponderings as I reflect on the new year and everything I've been learning about identity. Stick around until the end to hear me compare myself to a flower pot!
Music Credit: Intro music for this podcast was mixed by the lovely STELLA! 
My Reading: "The Ceramic Flower Pot" by Elizabeth Hayashi

Advent Special: An Unexpected Love

Christmas is a season when we ache to be loved. But what does it mean to be loved at Christmas time? Does it mean that we get the most glittering gift or that we have the most beautiful family? Or is it possibly something deeper? 
Do you believe love can meet you in the dark moments of your life? I invite you to investigate a love that is real enough to meet you wherever you are today.
 
Music Credit: Intro music for this podcast was mixed by the lovely STELLA! 
My Reading: "An Unexpected Love" by Elizabeth Hayashi
Scripture Reference: Luke 1:26-40; Matthew 1:18-25

Advent Special: Encounter with a Shepherd

Is it truly "the most wonderful time of the year"? While Christmas can be a happy season, it can also be a heavy season. The grief is real. 
But let me ask you something: Do you believe there is a joy that can meet you where you are, despite the grief and pain? I believe it can, but it's gotta be real and powerful. And what is powerful enough to source that kind of joy? Is it possible that the answer lies within the Christmas story itself? Find out with me as we explore this powerful topic.
 
Music Credit: Intro music for this podcast was mixed by the lovely STELLA! 
My Reading: "Encounter with a Shepherd" by Elizabeth Hayashi
Scripture Reference: Luke 2:8-20