Episode 12: How to Dive Deeper In Our Gospel Study
In this episode, I introduce S.W.I.M., a strategy designed to help us in our quest to become gospel scholars. This model makes us more aware of which thinking strategies we are using when we read and study the scriptures and conference talks. President Nelson has invited the women of the church to become gospel scholars. This implies more than simply reading our scriptures every day --- although that is definitely part of the process — but becoming gospel scholars requires us to be more intentional about how we read and how we engage our minds in the thinking process.
S.W.I.M. is a model used to gauge our reading styles based on what we hope to get out of our gospel study on any given day.
Since swimming is a water sport, I thought it would be fun to liken the S.W.I.M. Model to some popular water sports.
“S” stands for SKIMMING THE SURFACE, so we can relate SKIMMING to the sport of WATER SKIING.
“W” stands for WONDER ABOUT THE WORDS, so we can relate it to the sport of SNORKELING.
“I” stands for INQUIRY & INVESTIGATION, so we can relate it to the sport of SNUBA DIVING.
“M” stands for MEDITATION & MYSTERIES, which means we are digging for hidden or buried treasures. We can relate this to the sport of SCUBA DIVING.
Water ski readers spend their time on the surface, focused on speed, and covering broader areas of study.
Snorkel readers recognize certain triggers that cause them to wonder about their reading, so they pause and take a look below the surface. Their purpose is to determine if there might be a reason to dive deeper. Snorkel readers can explain the meaning of what they're reading to others.
SNUBA readers inquire by asking questions as they read. Their intent is to find answers to specific questions. They spend time in investigation mode, unpacking passages, and making connections, and they engage the Holy Ghost by inviting him to teach them as they seek their answers. SNUBA readers can explain what they're reading and expound scripture.
SCUBA readers read with the express intent to dive deeper into specific gospel topics. They engage the Holy Ghost as a partner throughout the process of exploring specific doctrines. They consult with experts by bringing in multiple sources from which to gain a deeper understanding of what they're reading. SCUBA readers are comfortable and at home expounding scripture.
Most of us move fluidly through all four of these styles of reading and studying the gospel. But being cognitively aware of them can actually enhance our overall experience. There is no “right or wrong” way to study the gospel, but there are good, better, and best ways.
It’s important that we learn to recognize what I call “PAUSE AND PONDER PROMPTINGS.” These are like signposts that signal when we need to pause and put our face in the water, and when we need to dive deeper.
DOT Invitation:
Take the S.W.I.M. challenge by asking yourself which type of reading you do the most and how much of that time is spent skimming wondering, inquiring and investigating, and meditating.
Set a goal this week to dedicate at least one 1-hr block of time where you can practice some deep-sea diving.
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