Writing Vibe: I am looking out the window at the freshly mowed diagonal rows of green grass, inhaling peppermint and lemon oils from the diffuser, and listening to the brilliant thought-provoking music of Nina Simone.
We continue our Radically Inclusive theme for the month of May and June. This is another transparent post as I share about a community of persons that are easily overlooked and misunderstood-those who suffer and those that thrive living with mental health issues. May is Mental Health Awareness Month. According to the National Alliance of Mental Health millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental illness. This month is a time to raise awareness of those living with mental or behavioral issues and to help reduce the stigma so many people experience.
I was diagnosed with depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, and since this COVID pandemic, anxiety. There are some of us that live with these diagnoses and when we encounter difficult times to thrive, others can notice a difference in our communication and the way we show up in the world. Often you will notice our absence from social media, lack of response via email, and even no return in phone calls. There are some of us that can keep our commitments and maintain our usual behavior but will be dying on the inside wishing we can just stop but we know if we do, we have no idea what will happen. We might get in bed and not get out for days, we might not eat, we might eat too much, we might even wish we didn’t exist.
We cannot assume we know what people are dealing with when we encounter them. If you meet someone that seems indifferent, simply offer the greeting of the day, ask if there is anything you can do to support them, and do not try to diagnose them. There are various 24 hour hotlines and online chats that have been able to help others as the world is growing to understand the value of mental health support.
As I live a life of mindfulness, I realize many of us are living the best we can. Be gentle with yourself and with each other. Honor your commitments as best you can and do your best to communicate with others when you need support.
Assignment
Be intentional about the physical space you need to create a peace of mind.
Invite fragrances that awaken your positive energy.
Surround yourself with colors that give you joy.
Listen to music that moves you beyond your negative thoughts.
Revisit your tribe-squad-your people and dismiss those that exude negative Energy.
Prayer
God of our weary years,
God of our silent tears,
Surround us with your presence during our most uncomfortable times.
Especially when we are wishing we knew how it felt to be free.
Divine one, reflect your comforting and encouraging embrace when we feel that
getting out of bed, bathing, and working, is not a desire.
May the positive energy from our inner beings, our community, our
ancestors, and the Source of Life remind us that we are not alone.
