If spirituality is the coin; mental health and psychology are two non-separating sides of the coin. This World Mental Health Day, we dive into the ‘spiritual and psychological’ aspects of our being as ModMonk Anshul explains the two key aspects that’ll help maintain sound mental health, especially during the pandemic.

A human’s thinking process and patterns are fixed with layers of conditioning through multiple centuries that result in psychological breakdowns and self-destructive or constructive behaviours. We’ve even accepted mental disorders and other aspects of mental health as we are told, without understanding or questioning it.

Can we maintain a well-balanced mind, and can we cultivate this as an important aspect in children as a thumb rule of living a happy life? Yes, but there are challenges.

For many, spirituality is an area they rather not deal in or want to keep aside when you speak of mind and body fitness. But if you want to be happy with a sound mind, you will be spiritually inclined, whether you know it or not, whether you believe it or not.

This Mental Health Day, I persuade you to go on a journey of understanding yourself that purely means to be aware of your actions, reactions, triggers, things that makes happy or upset you, words or tone, emotions you dwell in more often.

While making decisions – what is your state of mind? Are you honest? Do you function through love or fear of judgment? When you start understanding all this, you uncover facets of your being and personality and look at what is happening in your mind. This will help to uncover the root causes of your suffering, or pain or heartache.

THE BEGINNING OF YOUR JOURNEY



This journey of self-exploration is the first step into ‘spiritual awakening’.

This will help one understand the psychology of self, but it cannot be without spiritual awareness. Spiritual awareness solely means, being completely present and an absolute observer of your being (spirit). When you are witnessing and scrutinizing the behaviours, attitude and root causes of your nature, you have to be free from the attachment of ‘ME’. You need to see yourself, this body and the world around as an observer, only then you get a holistic view and be completely non-judgmental about your choices, behaviours and patterns.

THE NEXT BIG STEP

Once we are spiritually aware, the concept of acceptance seeps in. Acceptance here means no more conflict in mind or body about the situation one is in. What is, is. And when there is acceptance in this form, your karma (action) is not oriented in previous or future results, rather they are in the present. One start becoming aware in the present moment, as they are spiritually aware, and understand what they think and how they react, their patterns begin to change. There is a shift in your mental state and psychology.

Then one will start looking at life including everything; work, personal life, every relation, goal, ambition through a holistic view. Through the eyes of the universe, you start realizing that you are part of a much bigger picture and are still important for your own growth and people around. It is at this level of awakening that you will start to experience sparks of conflict-free state of mind.



I advise, when looking at creating and maintaining a healthy state of mind from now on, be ready for some unpleasant memories while you uncover. While doing it keep your spiritual awareness at high alert to look at things non-judgmentally. Remember, when you start cleaning a corner of the room; the first thing that comes out is dirt. The same principle applies while cleansing the mind and soul. Just have the courage, don’t get overwhelmed or afraid.

Disclaimer: The article is authored by ModMonk Anshul, Business Psychologist, Spiritual Coach, Mystic. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author’s and do not represent those of GlobalSpa.