A Spiritual Path to Healing
Listening to the inner workings of your spirit, especially as it relates to inspiration, direction and revelation is one of the Hard Doctrines of Christ. When we are taught to "surrender to Christ" - it does not mean to surrender your decision making to someone else (however good intentioned they may be). It does mean that whatever recommendations or directions are given must have a spiritual stamp of approval. Which means that in your heart of hearts, it feels right.
In my practice, I have a handout that I often will give to someone. This article, entitled
Valley of the Shadow, discusses overcoming depression and offers a list on things to consider in the recovery process.
I give this article, not because someone
suffers from depression, but as a review of what you may need to
consider in your own recovery - for whatever may be going on in your
life. The recommendations are so basic that many simply overlook them.
They are mostly things that we all know we should be doing anyway,
however, for whatever reason is being neglected.
Here's how it works. Prior to
reviewing this list of recommendations, offer up a prayer. In essence
you are asking God or Heavenly Father that whatever I need to start
doing - make it jump out at me. You are looking for one, maybe two
things, definitely not everything. You are seeking a starting point -
not the complete package. For some, the inspiration is as easy as
sitting in the sunshine for 30 minutes each day. Others, simply to
drink more water - trying to work up to 8 cups per day.
More important than what you do, is that you have listened to an inner prompting and direction. As you listen and obey, you will be guided step by step to better physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health.
More important than what you do, is that you have listened to an inner prompting and direction. As you listen and obey, you will be guided step by step to better physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health.
WARNING!!
I must warn you however, this process
requires you to be brutally honest with yourself. The spirit will
whisper to you things that you may not want to do. It may tell you to
exercise or change your diet in ways that will be difficult. When you
begin rationalizing or justifying why you cannot do a particular thing,
that is your signal that you are arguing against the inspired
direction.
So, are you ready for a challenge? Remember to ask for direction and for something to jump out to you.
Exercise
- 6 days a week, you must be moving you body doing something that would
be considered exercise. Walk, swim, or cycle, you've got to do
something. Log how many minutes each day. Set some goals. Remember: A
goal not written, is only a wish.
Sleep
- we've been taught from childhood that we need eight hours each night.
Understand that hours of sleep BEFORE midnight are more beneficial than
those after. Schedule bedtime so that you get at least 8 hours. You may
need more or less, but plan on eight. Figure what you really need and
sleep in a DARK room.
Deep Breathing
- Oxygen is vitally important for good brain function. Take time to
breath deeply each day. Think of it as clearing out the cobwebs in the
lungs and brain. You may want to try Dr. Andrew Weils programs.
Avoid Negative Thinking
- Stinkin Thinkin! Are you sarcastic, pessimistic or talk too much
about what is wrong? Certainly, we must live in this world of grief,
sorrow and gloom, (and we are not promoting naivete), but as you focus
on the positive, your brain will begin to change in good way.
Water
- Drink Eight - 8 oz glasses of water per day. Start each morning with 3
cups at least a half hour before breakfast. It should be pure, filtered
water. Drink from glass containers. Avoid plastic.
Diet
- This is what has gotten so many in trouble as far as depression is
concerned. You cannot expect to be healthy if your body is taking in
harmful chemicals, preservatives, food additives and the plethora of
unnatural foods. Eat whole natural foods! Enjoy a plant-based diet
loaded with fruits, nuts, seeds and vegetables. At our home, we are
vegetarians that cheat. Bottom line is you need to grow up and eat
healthy.
Spiritual Activity
- Truly, this is a key to overcoming depression. Develop a spiritual
pattern of daily prayer/meditation/contemplation and scripture study.
Avoid reading a certain number of chapters or pages, rather spend 20 to
30 minutes each day. It is okay to spend all of your time on just a
verse or two. Ponder and reflect on what scripture means in your daily
life. Memorize favorite verses.
Classical Music
- Music can fill your soul with light or darkness. Relaxation or
tension. Classical music, harp music and lovely melodies really can
soothe the soul. Download or purchase music that will lift your soul.
Listen to it. Really listen. I'm not talking background music, I'm
suggesting sitting and consciously listening.
Sunlight
- We all need light. Make the effort to get in the sunlight every day.
It is healing, it will increase your vitamin D. Most depressed people
are vitamin D deficient and taking a supplement is not as good as the
Vitamin D created by sunlight touching your skin. Depending on the
fairness of your skin, you will be able to tolerate more or less direct
sunlight. Remember, you do not want to get sunburned.
Kyle D. Christensen
February 5, 2014
