In a new book, a Sugar Land man and amateur photographer opens up about his personal journey with mental health — and shares the practices that have helped along the way. The book is equal parts workbook, self-help guide, memoir and prayer book.
Roger Hutchison poses for a portrait Tuesday March 14, 2023, at Joseph S. and Lucie H. Cullinan Park in Sugar Land. He said he finds solace walking in the park, and that it has helped him to better manage his anxiety.In a new book, Roger Hutchison opens up about his personal journey with mental health — and shares the practices that have helped along the way.
The book can be used by an individual or as part of a small group, he says. Each chapter revolves around a one-word theme and can be read as a meditation on that topic, either daily or week by week.He also envisions the book as something that can be turned to in a moment of need. “But I am vulnerable and open. Part of the gift of my experience is being able to share my story,” Hutchison writes.“It literally helped me see who I am — and where I had work to do,” he says.Hutchison, who serves as director of Christian formation and parish life at Palmer Memorial Episcopal Church, says Hurricane Harvey was the beginning of the end for him.
It wouldn’t be the only time a panic attack landed him in the emergency room. The second time, he was convinced he had colon cancer. Hutchison got a tattoo of a bluebird, which he writes is a “symbol of hope, love, and renewal.” The new ink also ended up being a conversation piece. In “The Art of Calm,” Hutchison finds relief in photography, which helped him see his surroundings more clearly.Hutchison also started going for long walks and connecting with new friends.
Readers “find his work engaging, thought-provoking and inspirational,” says Airié Stuart, vice president of Church Publishing Inc. “He reminds readers that they are not alone and there are ways to cope and manage one’s personal stress and anxieties,” Stuart says. “He asks questions and offers exercises and spiritual reflection that can help them express and work through their own struggles.”Each chapter in “The Art of Calm” starts with a quick prayer, like “Christ, be with me in my anger. Christ, be with me.”“I tried to write them just from the depth of my soul,” Hutchison says. “These prayers are raw. I wanted that.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Sugar Land man sentenced to 50 years for fatally shooting tattoo artist in 2016Abdul-Rahman Khan, 27, was sentenced Thursday to 50 years in prison by the Harris County...
Read more »
Dog disease forces closure of Sugar Land Animal ShelterThe City of Sugar Land announced the city’s animal shelter expects to be closed for the next four to six weeks after taking in a dog that tested positive for distemper.
Read more »
Sous Vide City Ham With Balsamic Brown Sugar Glaze RecipeSous vide makes it easy to produce a juicy, evenly cooked Christmas or Easter ham. A dead-simple glaze of balsamic vinegar and brown sugar finishes it off.
Read more »
6 strategies for cutting down on excess dietary sugar and fatOur nutrition columnist LeeAnn Weintraub on ways to lower intake of sugar and fat.
Read more »