Nerve fatigue
Pope Shenouda III discusses the subject of the nervous system, explaining that it is a sensitive system in the human body, and that its exhaustion is not always caused by a spiritual sin, as it can sometimes result from organic or physical causes or from severe exhaustion. He also explains that a person needs rest, and that God has given human beings times for rest and their benefit; therefore, a person should not continually exhaust himself. He also speaks about the effect of noise, excessive work, loud sounds, and some daily influences on the comfort of the nervous system.
Spiritual Message
The discussion moves from physical causes to psychological and spiritual causes, explaining that weakness in spiritual life, excessive attachment to personal dignity, and sensitivity toward the words of others can increase nervous exhaustion. He emphasizes that the mistakes of others are a major point in this subject, because a person may become exhausted because of the actions of those around him. He also points to the importance of humility and patience, especially when a person deals with people whose abilities or ways of understanding differ from his own, explaining the importance of adapting to the level of others’ understanding and dealing with them patiently.
Educational Lesson
Pope Shenouda teaches that a person should not become a cause of exhausting the nerves of others. Therefore, he warns against excessive talking, repetition, unnecessary length, continual complaining, insults, sarcasm, and hurtful words. He also warns against provoking others by revealing their secrets, embarrassing them, or exposing their mistakes and needs before people. He emphasizes that stubbornness, constant opposition, pressure, domination, and placing burdens beyond a person’s ability are all things that exhaust the nervous system.
Practical Application
The practical application is for a person to learn to live calmly, to give his body and nervous system their needed rest, and to avoid exhausting himself or exhausting others. He should consider people’s feelings in his words, movements, and facial expressions, and should not use heavy joking or words that hurt a person’s dignity. He should also control his excessive concern for his dignity and correct his character, because correcting one’s character helps correct one’s nerves. Finally, Pope Shenouda connects calm nerves with the rest of the soul, mind, spiritual life, behavior, and relationships with others, encouraging the person who wants to live peacefully to help others live peacefully as well.
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