I had an informal discussion recently with a woman who had been diagnosed as manic/depressive. During her life-journey, she began to realize that she was more than just a physical and psychological entity with mental highs and lows; she was a complex individual. She stated that her spirituality helped her understand this.
Today, she spends much of her time talking with young adults, helping them realize their full potential, even if they may have mental challenges. She counsels them to look beyond a physical and psychological diagnosis and “Be the best you, you can be.”
She also credits her Christian faith as a huge help in giving her mental balance. And, she uses her own experience as an example to help others find a sense of individuality apart from brain structure or chemistry.
As any one of us considers our own individuality – and how we can be our best – we, too, must not neglect the importance of our spirituality. Spirituality is an aspect of life that is completely different from the physical body. It is a place in thought where we can find our relationship to God, and a sense of peace.
Unconditional Love can be a key to regaining and then maintaining our mental equilibrium. This Love comes from a source greater and beyond our physical senses. You may call it God, Allah, or something else, but it is undeniably important for our well-being. When one feels unconditionally loved, it can stabilize the ups and downs of life.
Years ago, I had a friend who suffered from a form of mental illness that often left him afraid. One day, when we were visiting, he slammed my leg with the car door and said he would keep pushing until my leg broke. His unfounded fears had turned into irrational anger. I talked with him about how divine Love could enable him to feel loved and subdue his anger. He eventually settled down and released my leg. We sat on the curb and talked for quite a while about God’s unconditional love for him. He returned to his motel room (he was homeless), and within a short time, he had a home and a more stable life.
Life is not always easy, but there is an unconditional Love that helps balance each of us. It enables you, too, “to be the best you, you can be.”