I am going through a very scary phase in my journey. I realize if I had some kind of faith, the path would go easier. I used to have faith, of no specific godhead, or creator, higher self, but kind of all blended together. I lost that faith for years. I am working on trying to bring that back in my life. A friend suggested meditation practice, and continuing my readings, you tubes with buddhist practice. Has anyone else found themselves in the same situation; looking for spirit during depression/anxiety. Can you share your experience with me?
Spirituality : I am going through a... - Anxiety and Depre...
Spirituality
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samack
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Sorry I can't help as the only spirit I like comes in a glass!
How funny!!
Hi Samack, I grew up Roman Catholic but had not practiced for years. I started going back to church 3 weeks ago with some friends of mine. For some reason, it brings me a calm and peace that I did not have when I used to go years ago. It made me focus on something bigger than myself. It can also be very emotional for me. The music, the readings, the homily. I still struggle daily right now but I do a lot of internal prayer and try very hard not to go to the bad thoughts place. I think whatever you decide to try, it is worth it and you can keep trying until you find something that helps you in your journey.
Hi I went on a search for spiritual truth when I was younger and it was only Jesus and the Christian God that responded to me and let me know in no uncertain terms that they existed and loved me imperfect as I am In UK we are urged to replace Christianity with yoga, meditation and Bhuddism but in Hinduism the ultimate point of yoga is to open your chakras so a demon can enter - Ganesh et al are all demons
The Christian God could make us all worship Him if He wanted but He gave us free will to find our way to Him or not
I wish you well on journey
bless you.
YES! So glad to know that you are taking a similar approach to mine. But first things first- I know life seems hard sometimes but dear friend, the bad moments will pass. I am speaking from personal experience.As a child I was brought up as a Catholic. I used to associate church as a safe place. Christmas was one of my favourite times of the year. But as I grew up I became less and less religious. During my college years I really started questioning things that I learned at church. As time passed I totally abandoned religion. I went through some really difficult circumstances in my life not too long ago and when I least expected, I ended up with a nervous breakdown. It was a really painful experience! It was during this period that I started listening to talks by Christian priests and I even started reading the bible. My mental health was still bad but I started experiencing some hope, joy and mental peace even if it was intermittent. Since then, I have been seeing a psychiatrist and have been on regular medication and things have taken a turn for the better. My mental health has improved remarkably! I continue to read the bible and to consume Christian media content. I take courage from the stories in the bible. I try to convince myself that the universe has a purpose, that I am loved, that the suffering that I am going through has a purpose too, that love is what holds us all together, that we are all part of a universal symphony.
Dear Friend, please don't lose hope. I will be praying for you. Please remember that YOU ARE NOT ALONE.
Bless you.
I appreciate you reaching out, but these posts always end up the same....they end up pushing religious beliefs here. I like to talk about politics, and am inclined to swear on occasion. But neither is allowed here. If faith in god could heal me, I wouldn’t need this site. And those who say then just skip this post, then just skip any posts about politics and swearing too. Cherry picking what’s okay and not okay here is a tall order, sometimes we just want a light subject to talk about and I understand that too, we need breaks, but posts about religion never end well.
I'm sorry this topic offended you. Just trying to find inner strength that is missing in me.
You don't offend me, nor that your looking for spirituality, that's a fair question. It's just that on a site for anxiety and depression some have issues about faith and religion, maybe a different forum on Spirituality would be more helpful...it's also that a lot of people want to go down that road of religious dogma when this topic comes up...and it's like gasoline on a fire if anyone disagrees, and that's been the same case for years here, it’s why we have endless wars over religious beliefs.
Point taken.
After my mum died I went to church after ex amount of years. None of my family are religious, my husband comes to church to support me. We have made some good friends and we both enjoy the service. It is a way of finding your way, I have not so far taken communion, I have not been re christened which is what this church does. Nobody tries to push you into anything, they are all very kind people.
Well I am Muslim the best advice. I would give you without being offensive is that you should follow your heart. lots of kindness and support 🙏
I think faith in a higher power is essential to mental health. It can definitely be in the life energy that ties us all together. It doesn’t have to be a specific faith. (Judeo-Christian here)
How do you come to believe?
When I look at things like the periodic table of the elements, I know these things did not happen by chance or by accident.
Matter is neither created nor destroyed…it is only transformed into a new form. The matter of the universe has an origin. That origin could be called a Creator. That Creator must transcend boundaries of time and space. Without beginning. Without end. Existing at all points in time simultaneously. Existing in all places simultaneously.
I think Christianity comes the closest to exposing the true nature of humanity…self serving, in need of forgiveness, capable of great love.
I use to go to church just before covid. The church ended up bringing politics and telling everyone in the church not to take the covid vaccine. I thot that was unethical of them to do that. I am looking at other churches. If you believe this will bring you peace then do it. I know I would if it helped me.🌻
samack• in reply to
I am not interested in institutional religion for myself.
I was at a low ebb 2 or so years ago when my life and business collapsed. It felt like I had reached the end of times. I found myself starting to centre on my inner life mainly because my “real” life was such a shit storm.
I began by paying attention to, and journaling, my inner experiences. Making them “real”. This led to carrying out an examen of my life as I searched for the links in the chain. Moments where I had felt truly alive and purposeful.
The Heart speaks through images and symbols and sometimes words. It is our silent observer and guide. The more we listen the more we want to listen and the more we learn of ourselves and others and everything all around. The joyous experience of living within this mysterious sense of Oneness where all our cares float away.
Little hints and cuddles in the darkness waiting to offer us hope and light. But, it is not an easy path for the Spirit is shy and speaks only in silence. It is always there but so easily drowned out by the intrusions of our left brain - constantly analysing and breeding anxious thoughts within the noise of the modern world.
It is said that the “Wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit”.
The Daoists speak of this Wind as the eternal and unknowable Dao. An energy that flows like a River.
Be still and behold. Be still and you will know. But, it takes practice that begins with a loving yearning. An act of faith.
This is a beautiful piece of writing. It is so inspirational to me. Are you from the land of El Camino?
Dear Samack
Yes, my family are from a small town on a steep hill that overlooks the Bay of Ferrol. We live about 250 yards from the English Way of El Camino - The Road to Santiago. It is a beautiful and mysterious place full of ancient traditions and strange myths. An amazing antidote to the chaos and meaningless frenzy of the modern world.
I remember as a boy relaxing as I rested my back on an old walnut tree watching the world as it seemed to watch me. That sense of being a witness to something greater and observing some magically evolving plan. In these moments, I used to imagine the tree as the roots of some other boy in some far off land sitting lovingly me tree. And with those imaginings, always came this sense of peace and Oneness as if I was inhabiting some eternal space. These moments are rare but ever present and can only be grasped in a gentle ungrasping. It is a paradox beyond the logical left side of the brain that can only be somehow understood and realised in the moment through right brain thinking . And then it is lost leaving just rainbows of long forgotten dreams.
I was listening to a talk the other day by Emma Slide. She wrote a book about her spiritual experiences - Set Free: A Life-Changing Journey from Banking to Buddhism in Bhutan - which you may enjoy reading. Emma says that every morning she wakes up to embrace the idea that each day offers a new opportunity to lead a precious human life. Precious because:
1. it offers a fresh beginning untainted by what has been and is gone; and
2. there are infinite possibilities to how we seize and live that day; and
3. we are each unique and filled with extraordinary potential; and
4. to be human is rare;
5. life is short ever hanging on a thread.
The idea in 5 is surprisingly powerful if at first deeply alarming - living life with death on our shoulder may seem very frightening but if we truly embrace it, this opens the door to a new sense of freedom that is wholly liberating. It allows us to live every moment as if it is to be our last - to live and cherish each and every second in the present.
So, tell me what would you do in the next 24 hours if today was to be your last?
Love G
I dream about walking the camino, I'm not fit enough!! But I can maybe do a leg? Sadly, I understand the camino is filled with tourists, which doesn't do it for me. Just like Lourdes. I am not Catholic but it calls to me. You should write, maybe essays, and publish them. Do you speak Galician or Spanish? Ive been to Spain but not up north (Barcelona, Madrid, Andalucia....)
Yes, the Camino has unfortunately lost its way…..
I speak Spanish but can understand a little Galician especially if I’ve had a few beers!
Northern Spain - from San Sebastián to Santiago via Santander is a wonderful and truly authentic part of Spain. Maybe we should try it as a three legged sponsored race for a mental health charity. Could be a bit like that scene from the 39 Steps….
Love G
I would live my last day exactly the same as i live every day. My home and family are the most important things in the world to me. If I could have one thing for my last day it would be to feel physically well so I could enjoy my loved ones.
Yes, I can understand. Anyone can have a 'loss' of faith, especially if life seems set against you; and especially now, with Covid still rampant.
I'm not going to endorse a particular faith; everyone has the one they were brought up with, even if they have rejected it, it will still colour their life to an extent.
You can search for another if you wish, but some can be very strict and impose attitudes you aren't comfortable with.
It might be a thought to try to find a book which covers all the world faiths in a general way. That might give you an insight as to what is around, I don't know if you are looking to change, or reinforce your basic faith.
What I do when I have a faith crisis, it to get out into a park or open space where I can see the clouds, trees, plants, water and maybe small furry things and birds. I sit and watch what is going on, feel the breeze and the sun, listen to the water and watch the shadows change throughout the time I am there. I also take a book, not anything heavy in tone, just something to lighten the mood. I may or may not read. I also take water and something light to eat. Please don't leave rubbish if you take food.
Cheers, Midori
First, kudos on looking for a faith to lean on. Second, having faith can keep you going when those feelings bog us down. I know my faith carried me on more than one occasion. I drew on it through music, reading, meditating and really focusing on it. It may be that it just got my attention on something else and that carried me through the day. I just know it worked. Prayers for your faith journey.
When this spell came on cuz a friend who was like a daughter to me beated me and my granddaughter PTSD was added to my depression this has been a few years back because my family and I world was turn upside down. Granddaughter was pre teen I got her help as soon as I noticed signs. But didn't think of myself.I kept the Lord hidden in my heart afraid if I continue more hurt and pain would be there to. A few years of so much hurt and pain I feel realized I need to get back where I was always happy, that was when he came first in me and my life. Took baby steps but I came across a mediation with God word (Bible) it hit home to me of what I've been going through. My life isn't perfect but I react differently to the bad,hard days. I spend as much time with the Lord everyday. I start and end my day and and so much in between. I laugh, have peace 90% of the time. Not so angry. Still have ups and downs but the Lord gets me through them. I will be praying for you. Encounter peace is the mediation I listen to nightly.. u tube has many too of The word of God. Hug.
What a relief it must be. Thanks for the prayers.
You might find reading the books by English author C.S.Lewis helpful. He loses his faith when his wife Joy dies . Eventually he finds faith again , but it is a long hard road.I think there is something in our brains that wants a higher power, a need to believe in something more than ourselves. When you are ready God will find you.
yes I have been meaning to read him. I saw the movie about their relationship. Anthony Hopkins as I recall.
the thoughts and prayers from y'all gives me strength to power on in my search. Thank you
Interesting take on Spirituality I myself am a Muslim but I have great respect for all religions and I have visited Lourdes in France several times .
My birthday falls on the same day the Virgin Mary ascended to the heavens and this many times how I would celebrate my birthday.
But since I have been for Umra, the Muslim mini pilgrimage it is best I focus on one religion
Faith has always been a great source of strength and support and it is very true that faith is having trust and knowing there is a great external power that continues to look after us abc protect us
Many times we will all go through challenges but it is often for our own betterment in the grand scheme of things
I hope your faith continues to provide you with the comfort and support you are seeking
Faith is a beautiful quality. I grew up fairly atheist. I await connection with source. I find comfort in all. I admire the deep faith of a Muslim friend of mine who has gone through more trials than anyone I know.. he stops short of suicide because of his beliefs. Anyone else without faith would have left this world. Thank you Roukaya.
I’ve heard several stories like yours, of people who seem to be desiring of spiritual connection, yet it does not seem to be finding them. I was there too, as a young adult.
As I read your posts, I hear respect for everyone’s path, and for yourself, openness to some paths, and closedness to others.
Hi I also have moments of lots of faith and than none I’ve always had duality in my journey and it includes being completely surrounded and fanatical about God and religion, spirit than doing a complete turn around at other times with zero God and at times feel controlled via demon.I embrace it all and in all actuality would love nothing more than a life partner to embrace God and this whole aspect of life. I’m hopeful not really. Anyways good luck faith is an individual journey yet I think it could be best shared with others important to us. I also have experiences that prove my faith. I look back I had zero support and a lot of adversity yet somehow a guiding force intervened for my benefit taking me out of certain situations and putting me in others people around me experienced massive change and so have i. I could easily become a fanatic others remind me of moderation yet I would prefer fanatical experiences with someone? I love faith and the amazement and surprises that come with
I would suggest working the 12 step of AA or any other fellowship. You can substitute the powerlessness over Alcohol with something what makes sense to you. The key part is the inventory. You list down the good and the bad characters and with the help of some friends you can see the selfishness and self-centeredness and then get into Meditation. Jumping straight into meditation might not be a better experience.
oh I see all the errors of my ways. I know 12 step programs can be a life saver. Thanks for your thoughts.
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