Find Your Sacred Space
Words of Inspiration
“Don’t turn away. Keep your gaze on the bandaged place. That’s where the light enters you.”
~Rumi
Mindfulness is more than a strategy to calm down and relax. Practicing mindfulness helps create a rhythm; it balances body, mind, and spiritual well-being. But frequently, we need to pay more attention to the critical psychological aspects that arise from this simple practice that can take as little time as a few minutes a day. In today’s topic, we will explore five exercises of letting go so that you can re-engage your psychological health and well-being from a balanced perspective.
Definition of psychological health
The World Health Organization recognizes psychological health as “a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.“
In this instance, psychological health is not just the absence of mental illness or a disorder. It is a state of physical, mental, and social well-being.
Definition of the body-mind connection
The body-mind connection is the relationship between the mind and body. The mind can influence the body, and the body can control the mind. This connection is crucial because it shows reciprocity in emotional, cognitive (mental), and physical health.
For example, if stressed or anxious, the body may react by tensing up, increasing our heart rate, or making us nauseous. Or, if we have a cold, our bodies may produce more mucus to protect us from and expel the virus.
The body-mind connection is also meaningful because it shows how our physical health can affect our thoughts and emotions. For example, if we are not getting enough sleep, we may be more likely to feel irritable or have trouble concentrating. Or, if we are in pain, we may be more likely to feel depressed or anxious.
The body-mind connection is a two-way street. What happens in our mind can affect our body; what happens in our body can affect the mind.
What is holistic health for body, mind, and spiritual well-being?
Holistic health is a health system, personal or prescribed, that takes into account the complete physical, mental, and spiritual well-being of the being. It is not just about the absence of illness or disease. The holistic health paradigm can include traditional medicine. It can also include alternative medicine approaches, such as Eastern Traditions that focus on unifying body, mind, and spiritual meridians. Holistic techniques can also include alternative treatments such as cupping, acupuncture, massage therapy, chiropractic adjustment, or homeopathy.
Why are alternative treatments necessary?
We have long known about the placebo effect. We understand the power that the mind has over healing the body. The power of positive thinking is a significant factor in healing. Studies have shown that people who believe they are receiving treatment, even if it is fake, will often experience actual results.
The placebo effect is a psychological phenomenon whereby patients experience improvements in their condition. This change occurs because they believe that the treatment will work, not because of any specific treatment.
Meet on the client’s playing field
We are all different. Some people are innovative, while others are stronger. Some may be more emotionally in tune, while others may be highly motivated by outside influences. While we may have answers medically or psychologically speaking for what may be happening, patients always understand their plight much better than we ever will as professionals.
With the placebo effect in mind, we need to meet the client on their playing field.
We can provide the tools, but if the patient is not ready or does not believe the tools will work, they will not.
The power of the placebo is why it is always important to be respectful and humble when working with clients. It helps them to gain belief in the administered intervention. It is not about us as practitioners but about your client and their healing journey.
“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” -(African Proverb)
The 5 exercises of letting go for psychological health
Forgive yourself
Forgiving yourself is one of the most important things you can do for your psychological health. It is impossible to move forward if you are constantly dwelling on past mistakes. Forgiving yourself will allow you to move on and live in the present moment.
Let go of grudges
Holding a grudge is like carrying around a heavy burden. It takes up psychological space and can lead to anger, resentment, and bitterness. If you want to let go of a grudge, try to see things from the other person’s perspective. Everyone makes mistakes, and everyone’s journey is personal.
Let go of negative thoughts.
Negative thinking can become a self-fulfilling prophecy. If you believe something terrible is going to occur, it will likely happen. If you want to let go of negative thoughts, try to focus on the positive. Train your mind to look for the good in every situation.
Let go of perfectionism
Perfectionism is the belief that if something is not perfect, it is not good enough. Perfectionism is an underlying cause of the anxiety present around inadequacy. If you want to let go of perfectionism, try to focus on the process, not the outcome. Be proud of your efforts, not just the results.
Let go of your need for approval.
Approval from others is not necessary for happiness. Your happiness is an inside job; support from others only amplifies its effect. Ultimately, the need to please others is a significant source of anxiety and stress. If you want to let go of the need for approval, try focusing on your own opinion, not the opinions of others. Even if the support you seek is from a significant other, ultimately, it is you that you have to live at the end of the night, and that need for approval far outweighs any effect the support from others creates.
A Guided Meditation
Sit in a comfortable position with your eyes closed.
Take a few deep breaths and allow your body to relax.
Focus on your breath and let go of all other thoughts.
Imagine yourself surrounded by light.
Allow the light to fill you with love.
Now, imagine forgiving yourself for all your past mistakes.
Allow that light of forgiveness to wash away all your guilt, all of your shame.
Now, imagine forgiving someone who has hurt you in the past.
Can you feel that heaviness lift from you?
Allow the light of forgiveness to fill you up with compassion and understanding.
Finally, imagine letting go of all your negative thoughts and beliefs about yourself.
Allow the light of love, acceptance, and compassion fill you with confidence and self-esteem.
Take a few deep breaths and when you’re ready, open your eyes.
Conclusion
Psychological health is more than just the absence of disease or illness; it is a state of complete physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. The mind-body connection is a vital part of achieving psychological health. You can create balance and harmony in your life by taking the time to care for your body, mind, and spirit.
Remember, it is not the destination that is the reward. It is the journey. As always, my friends, I thank you for joining me on this journey. May blessings find you as you navigate your life mysteries and advance confidently in the direction of your dreams.
More from Dr. Tom
4 responses to “The Bandaged Place of Light”
I could be here at your site for hours, Dr. Maples. What a powerful and very truthful post on the subject of inner healing which for many is not popular. Healing takes courage, and deep conviction to face the beasts and wounds within which is such hard work, invoking fear, terror, hate, anger ….. and so on. I’ve personally been on my own healing journey since 1984 when a NDE occurred. I returned knowing for the first time how desperately I needed to change. I was 27 years old at the time. I attempted mainstream psychologists for help but that did not work out. So, God took me aside and with a very special Spiritual Team that is still with me today, real healing began. Torturous path I chose to take on, yet today I stand free (far from perfect!) from that which had held me prisoner within! As I described in my post today, I have returned to the Child, a place I treasure beyond measure. God bless you for the work you do and I “see” many more embracing your message in the coming times. May your day be filled with wonder! xo
Thank you for this reminder of the works to be undertaken. We are spiritual beings on a human journey, and that is what makes the movements of soul a precious event.
I really need to work on those 5 exercises, thank you for sharing.
Time, effort, consistency, and a willingness to revisit them. It’s a practice, not a perfect when it comes to engaging dialogues for inner growth. Thank you for stopping bye and commenting!