I can't help but contemplate how long we will find ourselves trying to pick up the pieces, post-pandemic.
I look around at the residual effects that are still very much apparent and can't help but wonder about all the ones that we don't see; the people who suffer silently because their reality or current situation will not permit it. And the fact that it is still frowned upon in this day and age, to seek the help they require to get through to the other side of this damnable cursed depression that has wiped across the entire planet, is abominable. It may not be the root cause for some, but it has definitely been a tipping point for many.
It was not that long ago that I, myself, was counted among the silent. It is not a healthy way to deal with or cope with such a precarious condition, but it's what a majority of people have, and are still doing. It's a damn shame that we haven't evolved to a point in humanity where our mental health is not regarded in the same vein or perhaps in some ways even more important than our physical health.
Everyone has a story, and perhaps unabashedly telling our own stories can help us, or help others heal, but that is not for everyone. We must find what works for us as individuals, even if it is taking a very small step. Take that step if it helps you to forget or brings you to 'another place', or if it has a soothing or relieving effect for you.
Then, lather, rinse, and repeat!
And when you feel you're ready, take another step.
One of those steps for me was reading. Lots and lots of reading. I read a few Eckhart Tolle books, beginning with A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life's Purpose. I read, no, I ingested and savoured that book from cover to cover, and I do intend to read it again and again. It spoke to me so profoundly, my copy is dog-eared and has highlighted text in several areas of pretty much every single page. I have grown quite fond of this, now little old man, with his strange Mr. Bean'ish-like mannerisms, and dry British sense of humour. But there is such wisdom in his words, just ask Oprah!
Another book of his I am reading, which I began reading immediately after I finished the aforementioned one, is The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment. It speaks of learning to live in the 'present moment'. I would pick the book up, read the same paragraph about 5 times, and here's the kicker...because I was not focused on reading, I'd put it down on the bench beside me, and close my eyes to listen, feel, and enjoy the warm sun on my legs and the light summer breeze blowing across my face. Hah! The wisdom of his words was imparted upon me rather quickly in this one, eh? LOL
Perhaps this summer I will finish the book, we shall see.
Anyway, wisdom is meant to be shared by friends, not selfishly hoarded! If you have an interesting title that you think I might relate to, do tell!
Comments
Post a Comment