Uncertainty Aversion

Dear Northminster,

I am a big believer in the thought that a) you never know when the Holy Spirit is going to speak to you & b) you never know whose mouth the Holy Spirit will use to speak. This week the Holy Spirit spoke to this pastor (me) through the voice of internet creator Emile Ennis Jr. in his video about Uncertainty Aversion. Seriously, if you have the time, click this link and go watch his video. He is upbeat and explains uncertainty aversion in a very accessible/relatable way.
 In this video, he defines uncertainty aversion as, “the distress we feel when outcomes are unpredictable. When not knowing what outcome comes next creates more stress than the change itself. When we have the tendency to favor the known verses the unknown, including the known risks verses the unknown risks.” He goes on to state that, “I’m just exhausted by not knowing how everything is going to change, especially when the world already feels unstable.”
 Uncertainty aversion is not the fear of change. The fear of change says, “I like things how they are and I don’t want them to change.” Uncertainty aversion says, “I don’t know how things will change, so I’d rather them not change.” This may be the reason some folks stay at bad jobs or in bad relationships longer than they should. It is likely why it takes a long time for churches to change even small parts of their ministry. And I would hazard a guess that uncertainty aversion is also why it is hard to pass laws that would result in widespread change in our country. Everyone I know complains about the health insurance systems in the US, but switching to another model scares people because the results of that change and uncertain. We know that our judicial system unfairly targets and punishes people of color and other minorities, but many are scared of any alternative because we don’t know if it would still give us the feeling of protection.
 If you are feeling the weight of uncertainty aversion, you aren’t alone. As someone who admittedly loves things that are unique and novel, I am also tired and feeling myself retreat into the familiar and the known. If you are feeling this too, what do we do with this emotion? We let ourselves feel it and work through the emotion so we can move beyond it. Do this exercise with me:

• One hand on your chest, one on your belly, and close your eyes.
• Deep breath in 2, 3, 4, hold 2, 3, 4, exhale, 2, 3, 4 and hold 2, 3, 4.
  (this is called box breathing)
• Ask yourself, “Where in my body do I feel anxious or stressed? Where does that emotion live?” and allow yourself to feel the discomfort of that feeling for a minute or two.
• Ask yourself, “What uncertainty am I worried or anxious about? Why does this uncertainty make me feel worries or anxious? What am I afraid will happen?” and allow yourself to ponder for another minute or two.
• Another deep breath in (through your nose) 2, 3, 4, hold 2, 3, 4, audibly exhale (through your mouth), 2, 3, 4 and hold 2, 3, 4. Do this again.

This practice will not necessarily make your uncertainty aversion go away, but it will help you notice when it arises. And when we can notice and name emotions when they appear, we can better deal with them rather than be controlled by them.

Blessings, 
Pastor Chris