“We are not human beings having a spiritual experience, we are spiritual beings having a human experience..”
It’s a realization that must come to everyone eventually. Beyond all the material pleasure-seeking, the everyday war for survival and self-centered interests, there is a longing to rise above it all and feel one with creation. The spiritual dimension is to realize you are not trivial and transient like a drop in the ocean but you are the very entire ocean yourself. This is where lies a tremendous source of self-empowerment, the one source we need to be more aware of especially during the tough times.
The art of healing and ushering a spiritual breakthrough in times of despair is to detach from the passing drama of life. On reaching the tipping point of stress, depression, and chaos, you have two choices. Either you entertain a meltdown or use the intense upheaval of energies taking place inside like fire to burn through all the roadblocks and rise above it all.
This is how it’s done–
Yes, Do Cry Your Heart Out!
The effects of a certain distress leave its psychosomatic footprints. It’s natural to wake up to a bleak morning not feeling so good and a lump of tears stuck in your throat. Instead of gulping the damn thing down or put a lid on your resentments and desperation, allow the tears to fall. Have a reaction. The point to be remembered here is to find a safe place when letting it all out.
Let out and go all of the things that do not serve you positively– a toxic relationship, an unrewarding job, the clutter of material things you have no use for, a degenerative habit of yours you know is no good– all of it needs to get flushed down and free up space for new things to happen. At the end of it, what remains is yours. Accept it!
Perhaps every individual has their own cross to bear and you will have your share.
Own it!
Take A Break, But Do Not Escape
Escapism is an instinct we often get mixed up with the idea of taking a break. On reaching a tipping point, the weaker part of you will want to defect, resign, break up, ghost out, or vanish. Refrain!
Collect all the anxiety and simmer it down. Embrace what in the yogic philosophy is karma. You must perform and go on performing your ordained function in the grand scheme of samsara without attaching to their outcomes.
Instead of trudging on, take some time out to do something that makes you happy. It can be as simple as re-reading a favorite book or thoroughly motivated as to take a yoga teacher training in India. Aim to conquer the obstacles, not abscond from the battlefield.
Get Moving, Get Physical
One crippling aspect of depression is the lack of will and energy. The deprivation of the spirit leads to stagnation. Instead of jumping headlong into the dark pits of depression, you need to bounce back up and progress. Translate this formula into your physical life.
Get exercising, go on a hiking trip, train at yoga teacher training in India, get dancing to your favorite jazz. Subvert the downward pulling effect of distressing times and break straight out of stagnation.
Indulge In Self-Care
You may be stuck in a bad relationship or have work stress stacked too high but that doesn’t render one ineligible for some loving. Give yourself the nurturing and care you deserve anyway. Draw a warm aromatic bath, keep a reserve for rich chocolate and soul food, get a sensual massage once in a while, make love absorbingly and elaborately, have perfume and scented candles. Let all the bitterness wash away and get your senses all perked up.
Creative Expressions
Seek ways to innovatively express yourself. Make way for catharsis through art. Use colors that suit your mood, write a few lines or read from a book that reflects your feelings. Listen to a song of mourning, loss, and despair to find the reflection of your inner scape in the universal.
Nothing is out of bounds when you are looking to purge by tapping into your creative side. Even baking a cake works!
Author Bio- Manmohan Singh is a passionate Yogi, Yoga Teacher and a Traveler in India. He provides yoga teacher training in Nepal, yoga teacher training in Kerala and India. He loves writing and reading the books related to yoga, health, nature and the Himalayas. His strong connection with Yoga and the Himalayas has made him organize yoga, meditation and Ayurveda tours, and retreats in the Himalayas.
