Tag Archives: Emmet Fox

Nudging: Claim my “bread”

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Backstory: The idea for this nudge came from the book The Sermon on the Mount by Emmet Fox. It basically comes down to embracing the fact that God (Mother Earth, the Universe–whatever term you choose) always provides. “Bread” in this instance may be actual bread, though it really means everything we require for a healthy, happy, free, and harmonious life.

Then it’s a little more. It’s a call to stop being so stubbornly self-sufficient. And that’s what intrigued me, so I thought I’d explore it. Do I need to work on stopping all the doing in my life? (Yes.) Do I need to allow some good to come to me for a change? (Yes.)

Last year, a close friend was rushed to the emergency room and received a very scary diagnosis. I was terrified, and I desperately wanted to do something to help her and her family. She, naturally, resisted at first. We’re grownups, we’re proud people, we can take care of ourselves–right? I told her I understood, for I saw myself in her. I asked her to allow me to step up, and she finally accepted. It felt really really good to be there for her, even in small ways. She has since recovered, and I am reminded that my friends would like the opportunity to give to me on occasion too. Sometimes we can give each other the gift of giving to each other. I know that last sentence is a bit of a tangle, but when I break it down, it makes sense to me.

I’m not sure where this nudge will take me, and I’m eager to try it out.

Nudged: Look to books for inspiration

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Backstory: I’m getting ready to launch 52Nudges 2.0, and my last task before I finalize The List is to look to some books for inspiration. To find some new nudges, I might pick up books on:

  • Travel
  • Health & Fitness
  • Spiritual Growth
  • Self-Improvement
  • Creativity
  • Financial Planning

Take some time this week to look over your shelf–or wander your public library–and see what comes. If you need ideas, check out the list of resources under “For Inspiration” in the right column of this page.

Then mark your calendar…

52Nudges 2.0 starts Sunday, September 8!

What Happened: I looked over my rough list of Nudges and noted a healthy dose of tasks under Self-Care, De-cluttering, Creativity, and Passion & Play. But Spirit seemed to be lacking. So I pulled a few books that have long sat on my shelves and dove in for inspiration. First up, The Sermon on the Mount: The Key to Success in Life and The Lord’s Prayer: An Interpretation by Emmet Fox.

My intention was to skim, but I was quickly reminded how it’s often those “little” books that get you into “trouble”. A quick skim? Riiight. I ended up reading just a couple of pages every day, taking notes, mulling over the lessons. There’s so much more I want to get from this, but at this point, here are some of the ideas that might make their way onto The List of Nudges:

  • Allow one channel to close; look—with excitement and anticipation—for its replacement to open
  • Claim my Bread (i.e., stop being so stubbornly self-sufficient and allow someone to help me)
  • Pick an affirmation and work it to fruition
  • Pick a random passage from the Bible and really study it
  • Let something go (100% turn it over to God*)
  • Practice scientific prayer
  • Buy a new candle and light it every day with prayer requests for others

The Ah-Hah: As the lessons and ideas sank in, I was struck by something rather profound. Let me give a little backstory: After I moved cities 10 years ago, I made a real effort to keep in touch with the long-time friends I’d left behind. With most, the effort was reciprocal, and I continue to be grateful for the gifts of those deep relationships.

But one in particular has been the source of some pain. Even though I’ve reached out to my old friend with calls and cards and text messages, the only times I’ve heard from her is when she’s needed favors. And not just small things. I’ve been asked to do big jobs for her for free “because we’re friends.” Earlier this year I allowed myself some clarity that this was no longer a friendship, and I let it go.

I recalled this history as I read Sermon on the Mount this week and it dawned on me: I am such a hypocrite! It’s not that I’ve been unequal with a friend, it’s that I’ve been a taker with God. How often do I get in touch just to say “Thinking of you!” or “Wassup?” or “Have a great day!”? Um, never. Once in a blue moon, like when I am inspired to write in a gratitude journal, I remember to say “Thank you” for life, for love, for clean water and the roof over my head, but most days, our one-sided conversations are all about “This is what I need…want…please help…I’m begging you….”

So I’m going to include some weekly nudges that will help me build a better—more personal and appreciative—relationship with God.

As you consider possible nudges for yourself, you might think about which relationships in your life need nurturing. Perhaps you can take a first step toward healing a rift with a family member, reconnecting with an old friend, or getting to know one of your co-workers. Or perhaps the relationship you most need to attend to is the one you have with yourself.

*For simplicity, I am using “God” here. Please substitute whatever term or name works for you.