[Little Lulu]

I have been leaning more and more on 'spiritual' concepts during times of anxiety, stress, and depression ... things like meditation, prayer, spiritual texts, trust, etc. The thing I like about this approach is that I am not looking to another 'person' to fix me and I am involved in my own healing process.

I would love to hear the experiences of others who are using some type of spiritual principles for healing and how these ideas are working in their lives.

[(JD)]

[Hobbit House]

I also use meditation.

[jean17]

Originally Posted by Little Lulu

I have been leaning more and more on 'spiritual' concepts during times of anxiety, stress, and depression ... things like meditation, prayer, spiritual texts, trust, etc. The thing I like about this approach is that I am not looking to another 'person' to fix me and I am involved in my own healing process.

I would love to hear the experiences of others who are using some type of spiritual principles for healing and how these ideas are working in their lives.

Dear Little Lulu, I think that you are on to something. I've been in therapy for ever and am currently half way through DBT. I've just recently felt that, again, this isn't helping me. So I gave up trying so hard. I found a prayer that really helps me. "Lord, help me to surrender all to your precious mercy. Help me to be willing to change, learn as You so desire." It's too early to say whether or not it is really helping, but I sure feel better right now.

Originally Posted by Little Lulu

I have been leaning more and more on 'spiritual' concepts during times of anxiety, stress, and depression ... things like meditation, prayer, spiritual texts, trust, etc. The thing I like about this approach is that I am not looking to another 'person' to fix me and I am involved in my own healing process.

I would love to hear the experiences of others who are using some type of spiritual principles for healing and how these ideas are working in their lives.

Hello Little Lulu: Yes, this is exactly what I'm doing & how I feel about it (not looking for another person to fix me.) Basically I have adopted the ancient Tibetan Buddhist practices of Lojong & Tonglen, as expounded upon today by the Buddhist nun Pema Chodron.

The one area in which I have had to diverge from Ani Pema is with regard to sitting meditation. Whenever I try to do sitting meditation, I keep falling asleep! Then I start to tumble over & this wakes me up with a jolt! This keeps happening over-&-over the whole time I'm trying to meditate. So, instead of doing sitting meditation, I've implemented a simple yoga routine. It accomplishes more-or-less the same thing, but I don't fall asleep!

I've also cut back significantly on the amount of time I spend on-line. I now use that time for reading such books as those written by Pema Chodron, Jon Kabat-Zinn, & Parker Palmer, among others. I also read Zen poetry of which I am fond. When I am on-line, I try to spend at least some of my time watching YouTube videos of talks on spiritual subjects. I particularly enjoy listening to the Australian Buddhist monk Ajahn Brahm whose talks are uploaded onto YouTube. I also like to watch videos on such science topics as cosmology. I find keeping up with current scientific theories to be a useful adjunct to my spiritual endeavors. Thanks for asking!

[Little Lulu]

Wow - great responses from everyone so far - thanks to you all. I just knew I was not alone. How can prayer, meditation, cutting back on electronics, surrender to a 'higher power', watching uplifting YouTube videos (I do this also) not be helpful?? And all of those things are free and accessible to me at an time.

The 'medical model' did not bring the healing I had hoped for but the spiritual approach has been everything I had hoped for and then some.

What a great crew here at Psych Central!

[vans1974]

Originally Posted by Little Lulu

I have been leaning more and more on 'spiritual' concepts during times of anxiety, stress, and depression ... things like meditation, prayer, spiritual texts, trust, etc. The thing I like about this approach is that I am not looking to another 'person' to fix me and I am involved in my own healing process.

I would love to hear the experiences of others who are using some type of spiritual principles for healing and how these ideas are working in their lives.

In DBT, research demonstrated that just praying for help and strength is a coping skill...obviously praying to die isn't. It really helps me and gives me hope. I find when I lose hope, I'm introuble, and need some serious help! Best of luck!

[blur]

Originally Posted by Little Lulu

The 'medical model' did not bring the healing I had hoped for but the spiritual approach has been everything I had hoped for and then some.

unfortunately, therapy and meds never really helped me either but working a 12-step program and doing inner healing prayer have helped me quite a bit. i think if therapy works that is great, but spiritual means are also excellent and for some of us even more effective.

Originally Posted by The Skeezyks

I now use that time for reading such books as those written by Pema Chodron, Jon Kabat-Zinn, & Parker Palmer, among others.

i've read great things about parker palmer but have not read any of his books. strangely enough, i've recommended his book let your life speak to two friends who really found it helpful in figuring out their career aspirations. gotta love quakers.

[ChipperMonkey]

Yes, I turn toward my spirituality quite often. I can honestly say that it is one of my most powerful healing tools, and I wouldn't be doing nearly as well if I didn't have a sense of spirituality. Sometimes I feel bad that others don't have this tool to tap into, as its so incredibly healing for me.

[jimmy rich]

My current process is to seriously and studiously use the 3rd step of AA = Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood God.
This time I did it seriously and intensely and it took me into a vast, empty yet wonderful place, state where the little me disappeared and all there is/was is a happy and FREE totality or ONENESS. Putting words to this is quite difficult and I've acquired a lot of words thanks to sharing meetings. I was empty handed and not sure what to do with myself next so I decided to Turn it over and see what happens when I'm no longer trying to run my life. The peace and FREEDOM that came with letting go and SURRENDERING to a higher power or god is wonderful and so I'm staying with this surrendering attitude/action as much as possible. I tried this many years ago BUT did not do it consistently or seriously so I gradually slipped back to personal, egoic depression/futility. I thought that therapy, self esteem and other "mental" processes would do the trick and it did for a while BUT I eventually ran out of steam! I am going to stay with this letting go and surrendering for as long as it takes now that I see it is the only thing that is going to work (for me). I have memories of giving up and letting go in the past and miraculous things happened but never realized I'd need to keep surrendering ALL the time - not just on weekends or when I am in trouble. My other exotic spiritual experiences came at the height of a TERRIFYING event and it depressed me to believe I could only "get there" through FEAR AND TERROR! I'm sure glad to now know that I can get THERE by just surrendering and letting go anywhere, anytime but as much and often as possible so it becomes my ordinary state rather than an exceptional or occasional state. I need to constantly and permanently TURN IT OVER - not just dabble with it!
good luck all,
jim

[StarFireKitty]

Absolutely Little LuLu It is for me as important as utilizing medical, intellectual avenues available for healing and developmental use. I utilize many meditation therapies as well as I do my personal invocation, intentions and commands in governing my own choices in alignment with Divine.

I also do believe in getting a boost up with medications where applicable. Also, micronutrients, exercise compatible to personal being etc. I also use YouTube a lot have found a wealth of information to assist.

[Gus1234U]

there is an interesting link to a post by the Chat Leader of the Spirituality Chat, HippieBea, in the Chat announcements section, on how she recently used 'smudging' and spirit guides to help her rebound from a crisis. it is interesting for me to ponder what "helpers" are available to us, that we never call upon....

http://forums.psychcentral.com/chat-...n-eastern.html

[glok]

I employed all hypotheses ventured, including spirituality. Plath had is right: "I talk to God but the sky is empty."

[Fuzzybear]

[silver132000]

Thanks for this posting I've been doing a lot of spiritual healing for myself. I have a great network of professionals also that embrace my spirituality and allow me to be fully myself. So its a win win win situation. My psychotherapist does deep meditative therapy with me, and lots of talk and its very good. I also get therapy from my psychiatrist which I know is a rarity I learn great things from both of them.

I've experienced some very fast spiritual growth however and have had difficulty with grounding. I definitely still take all my meds, and listen to my doctors though. The combination helps immensely.

Its nice to see spiritual people about.

[Restin]

[QUOTE I would love to hear the experiences of others who are using some type of spiritual principles for healing and how these ideas are working in their lives.[/QUOTE]

The great author, C.S. Lewis helped me greatly to have a deeper spiritual experience that goes with my psychotherapy. Especially his little book, "Mere Christianity". Also Harry Guntrip, a famous modern psychoanalyst has a book titled "Psychotherapy and Religion". His research and therapy methods have helped me integrate my divided self parts and inner child problems. I've always believed in God, but these people have been able to offer me a deeper experience than I got from listening to sermons at church.

[lizardlady]

Little Lulu,for me tending to my spiritual needs is part of taking care of my mental health needs. Actually for me the spiritual, psychological and physical are all intertwined. Thankfully I have a pdoc with similar beliefs. I take my meds. I need them to give me the base I need to work from. I also have to take care of my physical needs, food, exercise, shelter, etc. My spiritual stuff is more... I can't think of the words I want. I am not a religious person, but I consider myself spiritual. I guess the most important thing I need to do for my spiritual self is to connect with the outdoors. I also meditate, read uplifting books, watch uplifting movies (I will confess that what's uplifting for me might not be for others) and cuddle with my furbabies.

BTW, good question.

[archipelago]

I use mindfulness and meditation from Buddhism plus Tai Chi from Taoism. Spirituality is very important and powerful whatever beliefs you have.

[sideblinded]

What a great question and topic!

I have recently reunited with going to church. I have also been listening to uplifting Christian music. It helps me a great deal to hear worship music. I have also been reading mindfulness books. Also I have been praying more than ever. It is rebirthing me. I really believe that my life is changing for the good. I feel hopeful.

[CANDC]

Originally Posted by silver132000

Thanks for this posting I've been doing a lot of spiritual healing for myself. I have a great network of professionals also that embrace my spirituality and allow me to be fully myself. So its a win win win situation. My psychotherapist does deep meditative therapy with me, and lots of talk and its very good. I also get therapy from my psychiatrist which I know is a rarity I learn great things from both of them.

I've experienced some very fast spiritual growth however and have had difficulty with grounding. I definitely still take all my meds, and listen to my doctors though. The combination helps immensely.

Its nice to see spiritual people about.

I use meditation and mindfulness to find a quieter place inside. For me yoga and Qi Gong (breathing and energy grounding) to help ground the energy released during meditation.

or qi gong

Tai Chi is a moving form of Qi Gong. Best to start with Qi Gong or yoga.

[CANDC]

Originally Posted by SideBlinded

What a great question and topic!

I have recently reunited with going to church. I have also been listening to uplifting Christian music. It helps me a great deal to hear worship music. I have also been reading mindfulness books. Also I have been praying more than ever. It is rebirthing me. I really believe that my life is changing for the good. I feel hopeful.

Yes I love the music in church and the organ and singing.

Besides prayers, I have also tried following the breath. It helps me focusing away from thinking more to listening.

Basically internally count 1 on the in breath and 1 on the exhale, then 2 on the inhale up to 10. THen begin again at 1 - if you lose count just go back and start at 1. no judgement!

[hippiebea]

Originally Posted by silver132000

Thanks for this posting I've been doing a lot of spiritual healing for myself. I have a great network of professionals also that embrace my spirituality and allow me to be fully myself. So its a win win win situation. My psychotherapist does deep meditative therapy with me, and lots of talk and its very good. I also get therapy from my psychiatrist which I know is a rarity I learn great things from both of them.

I've experienced some very fast spiritual growth however and have had difficulty with grounding. I definitely still take all my meds, and listen to my doctors though. The combination helps immensely.

Its nice to see spiritual people about.

There are some Great Grounding exercises to be utilized. One is to simply get outside ~barefoot ~ and simply "feel" the Earth Mother beneath your feet. Or work in the dirt. (even inside if you have houseplants)

My favorite is the "Roots" or "Tree meditation" I use this often.

Tree Meditation for Grounding | Walksoftly2's Blog

Brightest Blessings!
PEACE

HippieBea

[Pikku Myy]

I utilize these beliefs & techniques everyday in my life Maybe with a little Pikku twist, lol Hippiebea and her weekly Spiritual Chat help me stay grounded and focused when I steer off the path Which tends to happen every so often. But once you find the comfort and piece within yourself.. no telling what you can accomplish

[bipolar angel]

Side blinded, me too. I feel better just praying to a higher power-can I say that here-not breaking religion rules??for me, it helps me to make sense of my life, if I feel there is a reason behind things happening...and what I will take from it to help me in future.example, I had awful post partum depression, at time thought nothing could be worse. Now many yrs later, I am betr able to deal with event causing depression now and how to monitor my moods.

[kristaok]

I use word of faith, you could look into Kenneth Hagin - The Believers Authority