Spiritual Services - How to Schedule a Breakdown
Trigger Warning - Mental health is discussed
It’s no secret that spirituality and mental health are closely linked, with tumultuous life events often sparking awakenings and shadow work being at the core of spiritual practices. As practitioners we must be constantly checking in with ourselves, what are we projecting out into society, does our work align with our values. It can be taxing and heavy work but it is unavoidable and necessary. We do this work so that we can help others along their healing journey.
It’s all a big balancing act, reminiscent of the major arcana tarot card, Temperance. Knowing how to show up for others and the community in general, innately requires us to show up for ourselves. Recently I have had a head on battle with my own mental health. This has forced me to completely reevaluate how I approach my spiritual work, forcing my hand in me making huge shifts in my professional and personal life to make space for my healing. In a time where social media has us all by the balls and self promotion is the key to success it’s incredibly hard to take a step back. This leads many practitioners to continuing to push themselves to a breaking point. I was heading down a dangerous path with overworking and overextending myself.
Self employment and owning your own business is wonderful and so incredibly freeing. However, on the flip side you are your own sick pay, taking time out for a business owner can mean risking your own security. Unfortunately this leads to many practitioners pushing themselves too far. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying that you need to be 100% mentally healed to do this work; I’m not sure that's even possible. It is about owning up to your own struggles, taking accountability and prioritising you own healing. It is possible to provide spiritual healing whilst dealing with mental health issues but only when you bring in that Temperance-like balance.
Mental health is invisible, (alike much of our spiritual work) so is historically bypassed. Sadly this even takes place within the spiritual community. No amount of spiritual work is going to heal trauma, no tea will heal a broken heart and a crystal won’t stop depression in its tracks. We must turn to medical professionals for help. I do firmly believe that spiritual practice can help, only if one practices accountably and doesn’t use spirituality as a means to bypass pain. Once again it is about balance, spirituality can be a support but it shouldn’t be a crutch.
So, what now? I am in essence scheduling a breakdown. It’s time to reevaluate, reassess and rework how I work to make room for my own healing. I am doing this so that I can authentically help others. In my work I have given this advice to others so now is the time for me to follow it myself.
If you are dealing with mental health issues please reach out to support from medical professionals or support services.
A complete guide to support services organised via country can be found via: https://unitedgmh.org/mental-health-support