Depression and Spirituality

Three gifts of Silent Solitude

Taking the time to learn about how my mental health and illness impact my life has allowed me to deeply ponder the Word and the image I reflect in Christ.       

Although many Christians would not embrace major depressive disorder as an “approved” illness Christ would assist me in managing, their opinions don’t matter to me anymore.  I tried it their way.  I failed.

Now I am taking a different approach.  An empowering approach.  In deciding to educate myself about mental health, mental illness, balance and self-care, I’ve discovered many precious jewels of Truth revealed in the Word, in addition to discovering gems within my own soul that are resources to assist in my daily recovery.

The Gifts of Solitude

1.     Friendship with the Spirit – Without access to a telephone, cable or even a large network of supportive friends, I was alone many days in silence.  Initially, aware my depression could thrive in isolation, I was intentional about grooming my relationship with Christ and growing spiritually.  Many days and nights were spent listening to sermons, Gospel music and engaging in positive self-talk in order to remain encouraged, uplifted and in the healing process.

The results were tremendous.  I began to see me, a person recovering from mental illness, in the Scriptures.  I began to hear the Word preached in ways that guided me into healing and ministered to my often sad, emotional state.  I wasn’t rejected by God, even though some in the church would have me believe that.  I was accepted by God in spite of any illness that sought to keep us apart.

2.     Friendship with myself – I learned how to begin being happy with me and my own company.  This world is gifted in leading me to believe I need something other than me to find happiness.  Or, I know this is true for me, I used to think I needed other people’s approval to embrace myself or confirm a new path in life.

That’s not true anymore.  Since I have spent so much time with me, I learned how to like myself and enjoy my company.  I started pursuing hobbies that in the past were only sincere wishes.  It is amazing how much money you don’t need to enjoy the world around you.

3.     Peace with others – For me, forgiving others for anything is very important because Christ forgave me for so much.  What is interesting is that as I began to grow stronger within me, by being gentle with myself, I resumed being gentle with other people for their faults and shortcomings.  We are all human, prone to err and in need of our Savior’s redeeming grace.  It’s okay for you to be you because certainly it is okay for me to be me.

In accepting my depression and learning how to manage it, I have moved into a more secure emotional and mental frame of mind.  The Word of God and my faith have ushered me into a form of self-acceptance that was elusive for many, many years. 

This solitude has allow me to accept the fact that I’m different, I’m okay and all will be well.  How do I know?  Because I am created in God’s image and God said so.  My God does have the final say, you know!

Be blessed,

Michelle

Mothering the Child Within at Every Stage of Life

Mothering Our Inner Child

Remembering moments of motherly love can bring reminders of a mother’s tender care, balanced with thoughts of her firm words of correction.   Fortunately, my mother is still alive.  Remembering her on Mother’s Day forth a variety of feelings and memories.  However, my mother’s day was mostly spent wondering how mothering the Child within is an important practice to pamper the mind, body, soul and spirit.  In fact, it is one way to empower yourself.

One Moment of me Mothering the Child Within

What does a mother do? Before she becomes a mother, she receives an impartation to bring forth life.  Something catches her eye, tickles her mind or heightens her awareness and she opens up to receive.  To celebrate the special moment that life began, she nurtures and cares for herself and the unborn Child within.  Eventually, life comes forth.

When we tend to our inner Self, we are mothering the child within.  We are honoring our own lives, empowering ourselves and continuing to walk on the path of wellness.

Today, have you positively impacted the Child within?  Balanced living includes stepping back to rejuvenate, restore and reconnect with our own needs.  We still need inspiration and attention.  Our Inner Child doesn't disappear as we age.  No, she is within and needs to be encouraged, nurtured, heard and able to enjoy moments of tender care for the Self. 

Does the mother in you care for her Inner Child?  Healthy mothering looks like tender, careful, patient attention to the complete needs of the child.  When mothering the Self, the first assignment is to discover the need.  Any form of discomfort can be a signal that we are not at ease.  For infants, a cry signals a wet diaper or loneliness.  How does your Inner Child send signals of dis-ease?  How do you know when your Inner Child needs motherly attention?

Mothering the Child within requires developing the ability to listen to the Self.  Often, an attentive ear is needed to hear the gentle nudge requesting attention of some sort.  Even a belly ache, slowly healing sore or unexpected tears are signs that a moment of care is needed.  Are you paying attention?  Are you mothering you?

Sweet smelling candles and bubble baths are one way to nurture and caress the body.  But what habitual, healthy practices are in place to soothe the mind, inspire the spirit or calm the nerves? Shopping is rarely healthy, although habitual.  The spirit also needs to hear words that encourage, inspire, comfort and challenge.  The eyes need to drink in powerful images that spark joy, wonder and reflection.  These words or visuals can prompt thoughts or actions to awaken lost dreams long forgotten.  Are you mothering you?

Certainly mother's day is a special day.  For many, it is cause for celebration.  For some, it brings forth horrid memories and uncomfortable truths.  Regardless of what that day does for you, remember to mother you.  You do it for you.  At some point, every one of us had a mother.  Let’s continue to nurture the gift of life that she gave.  Let’s continue mothering the Child within in order to capture wellness in heart, mind and soul.