Spirituality... Mental Health... Self-care... Oh my!

Once upon a time, spirituality and religion were considered an indication of mental illness.  This is an understandable assumption when you consider the atrocities committed all over the world in the name of God, or in the name of the church, or because someone claimed that the voice of God told them to do something.  As time has gone on, however, scientists have begun to measure the positive impact that religion and spirituality have on both mental and physical health.  In fact, now it is believed that people who have regular spiritual practices are better able to deal with the highs and lows of life.

As for me, I strive to be a more spiritual person.  Every day I plan to pray, meditate, exercise, eat reasonably well (although I do like unhealthy snacks), be nice to people, be nice to myself, drink water, and get closer to God.  Of course I also have my regular job, my responsibilities in church, and my family.  Its a lot to juggle, and in order preserve my sanity (my mental health), I write things down... ideas, plans, goals, prayers, wishes, hopes... they all go into my planner so that I have some semblance of order, and I can maintain balance.

Somehow, this is all related to self-care.  My homie Alex says, "I noticed that when I am spiritually fulfilled or enlightened, that my mental health does not plague me as much and I feel that my overall physical health is in tact (no pains or aches).  Is there a connection?  Is it mind, body, soul; soul, mind, body; or body, soul, mind?"

Over the course of the next few weeks we are going to explore the relationship between spirituality, mental health, and self-care, culminating in a Wisdom Workshop on October 20, 2018, where three experts will share their perspectives on the topic in person.  Follow our journey on this blog, and on our Facebook page.  Hopefully we will learn something together!