How to Stop Impulsive Behaviors - 19th Sun of Ordinary Time - Episode 38

Be with the Word

Overall Takeaway

Many of us need to learn to down-regulate and re-focus our attention on God in order to better cope with the challenges of daily life. Learn a simple process that can help you slow down before making an impulsive decision.

Key Verses from Sunday Readings

“Then the LORD said to him,

‘Go outside and stand on the mountain before the LORD;

the LORD will be passing by.’”

“Kindness and truth shall meet;

justice and peace shall kiss.”

“‘Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.’

He said, ‘Come.’

Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus.

But when he saw how strong the wind was he became frightened;

and, beginning to sink, he cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’”

Where Catholicism Meets Psychology

In this week’s gospel, Peter follows his heart and asks to go out to our Lord. While he’s focused on Jesus, he’s walking on water, but when he notices the wind and the waves, he starts sinking. We often focus ‘on the wind and waves’ of our lives and lose our focus on Christ.

However, Peter has great resiliency. As soon as he begins sinking, he calls out immediately to Jesus for help. He draws his trust and resiliency from Christ.

Christ calls Peter in the midst of the wind and the waves; He calms the storm after Peter walks out to him. In order to hear and respond to Christ, we need to not only quiet our external environment but also quiet ourselves internally. We need recollection.

We need to learn to filter out unnecessary external stimuli so we can focus on what’s important. We need to attend to our physical bodies, slow down our breathing, down regulate so that we can problem-solve with God’s direction, presence and assistance.

Action Item

This week when we are tempted to be impulsive, try the following technique. Remember SLPTA:

S: Stop, don’t act immediately.

L: Listen internally, reflect, check on your emotions and your physical state.

P: Pray and be recollected.

T: Think about the best course of action in this situation.

A: Action. After slowing down and moving through these steps, then decide on your action.