This week being Education Week serves as an excellent reminder that lifelong learning is not an ideal that we want to encourage just in students. Continuous learning is a lifelong process that plays a critical role in both intellectual wellness and workplace performance for every individual, no matter what stage of life they are in. As the world rapidly evolves, the need for individuals to continually update their knowledge and skills has become more pressing. This practice not only enhances personal growth and cognitive well-being but also significantly contributes to professional success.
In Preach My Gospel, charity is defined as "the pure love of Christ." This profound form of love encompasses patience, kindness, humility, selflessness, and enduring love. Charity is more than just an action; it is a deep-seated virtue that drives individuals to care genuinely for others' well-being without expecting anything in return. When individuals embody charity, it transforms their interactions, fostering an environment of support, understanding, and genuine care.
In our increasingly digital and urbanized world, the concept of "green time"—time spent in natural environments—has emerged as a the antithesis of "screen time", a powerful antidote to the stresses and strains of modern life. Green time is more than just a pleasant diversion; it's a crucial component of holistic wellness, offering profound benefits for mental, emotional, and physical health. From reducing stress to boosting creativity, the positive impacts of green time are well-documented and widely recognized by researchers and wellness experts alike.
In today's fast-paced and complex world, having a clear moral compass is essential. This internal guide helps us navigate the myriad choices and challenges we encounter daily at home, in the workplace, and beyond. A moral compass, rooted in a robust set of ethics, not only enhances our spiritual wellness but also promotes integrity and trustworthiness in all aspects of life.
Disease prevention is a proactive approach to health that focuses on maintaining health and avoiding illness before it starts. Unlike curative measures that treat diseases after they have developed, preventive strategies aim to reduce the risk of disease occurrence. This paradigm shift towards prevention is crucial for enhancing quality of life, reducing healthcare costs, and promoting long-term health.
Humility is a cornerstone of Christlike character, embodying a deep recognition of our dependence on God and a sincere acknowledgment of our imperfections and incomplete knowledge that leads to being teachable. As taught in Preach My Gospel, humility is not about thinking less of oneself but thinking less about oneself, prioritizing the needs and welfare of others over personal ambitions and allowing the Lord to strengthen you as you do His will. This principle is especially important in a religious workplace, where humility can enhance spiritual and professional environments.
I always feel appreciated when colleagues ask me about how things are going with sincerity. It's one thing to hear, "How's the research?" but much more meaningful when someone asks, "Did you hear back on that manuscript you submitted last week?" It shows that they actually care about what I'm doing, so I try to reciprocate and do the same back.
Several months ago, I started saying a prayer of gratitude every morning when I wake up. This is based on what President Nelson taught: “Each new morning is a gift from God. Even the air we breathe is a loving loan from Him. He preserves us from day to day and supports us from one moment to another. Therefore, our first noble deed of the morning should be a humble prayer of gratitude.” I start my prayer by thanking Heavenly Father for the air I breathe that is a loving loan from Him. Then I continue my prayer of gratitude. In my prayer, I thank God for BYU, for my colleagues at BYU, for the leadership at BYU, and for the students at BYU. Following my prayer, I read at least one verse and ponder it. I learned to do this based on what Elder Costa does: "When I wake up, instead of looking at my phone, I say a prayer. Even a simple prayer. Then I read a scripture. This helps me with my weekly covenant that I make as I partake of the sacrament to 'always remember Him.' When I begin my day with a prayer and a scripture, I can 'remember Him' when I do look at my phone. I can 'remember Him' when I face problems and conflicts, and I try to face them like Jesus would."
