How My Spirituality Has Helped My Mental Health

I find that nurturing my spiritual side benefits my mental health in many ways. Practicing quiet mediation and prayer daily brings me a sense of deep relaxation and has the power to calm my often racing thoughts. Connecting to a higher power helps me develop gratitude and positivity which help guide me through depressive moods. With stillness and prayer, I find I can cultivate a sense of detachment to let go of what it happening, step back from my thoughts and focus on acceptance. I feel a sense of trust in the universe and I know that whatever happens and however it works out, it will all be OK. With the Baha’i Faith, I have found a supporting and loving community of people who share my beliefs and values. Through practicing kind thoughts and acts of service, I find a sense of purpose which helps me along my journey of recovery.

The mindful activities that I find nurture my soul include being outside in nature, either near the ocean or in the Australian bush. Gardening and bushwalking are two of my favorite hobbies. Connecting with others, either through kind words and actions, or by having meaningful conversations always makes me feel inspired. Music, listening to it, singing and dancing has the power to uplift my mood, and makes me feel closer to the people around me. Art and creativity helps me detach, stops my thoughts and let’s me express my inner being. The one thing that guides me most, is prayer and readings, and this is one of my favorites:

“Be calm, be strong, be grateful, and become a lamp full of light, that the darkness of sorrows be annihilated, and that the sun of everlasting joy arise from the dawning-place of heart and soul, shining brightly.” — Abdu’l Baha

I believe everyone has their own path to spirituality, and it can help you towards healing and recovery.

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