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Mentor

How Spirituality Can Help Stress

Posted by Teresa, Volunteer Mentor @hopeful33250, Jul 11, 2017

I recently read an article from Mayo Clinic about Spirituality and Stress Relief. Here is how the article began:

"Some stress relief tools are very tangible: exercising more, eating healthy foods and talking with friends. A less tangible — but no less useful — way to find stress relief is through spirituality.

What is spirituality?

Spirituality has many definitions, but at its core spirituality helps to give your life context. It's not necessarily connected to a specific belief system or even religious worship. Instead, it arises from your connection with yourself and with others, the development of your personal value system, and your search for meaning in life.

For many, spirituality takes the form of religious observance, prayer, meditation or a belief in a higher power. For others, it can be found in nature, music, art or a secular community. Spirituality is different for everyone." The complete article can be found at http://mayocl.in/2u8FOTm.

How has spirituality helped you to deal with stress?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Mental Health Support Group.

blindeyepug | @blindeyepug | Jul 24, 2017
In reply to @abida "I agree one hundred percent with the fact that spirituality helps people out from the darkest..." + (show)
@abida

I agree one hundred percent with the fact that spirituality helps people out from the darkest fears and inconsolable losses.I lost my eldest child 5 years back few months after his twenty second birthday.My world turned upside down but I was always a spiritual person so even such a big loss could not drag me down to a place where I could not climb out.Granted I have days where I do feel low and listless but these moments don't last for long. I have survived it only because of spirituality

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@pdilly The depravity of those teens is just mind blowing. I can't even find the words to describe my shock! Truly, truly sad. I certainly hope society comes down hard on them and they are pariahs wherever they go.

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johnjames | @johnjames | Jul 25, 2017
In reply to @abida "I agree one hundred percent with the fact that spirituality helps people out from the darkest..." + (show)
@abida

I agree one hundred percent with the fact that spirituality helps people out from the darkest fears and inconsolable losses.I lost my eldest child 5 years back few months after his twenty second birthday.My world turned upside down but I was always a spiritual person so even such a big loss could not drag me down to a place where I could not climb out.Granted I have days where I do feel low and listless but these moments don't last for long. I have survived it only because of spirituality

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Jim- I read your post many times, and I can't tell you how much I appreciate it- I too have been in ministry for the past 45 years, served as a Police Chaplain and Army Chaplain- I have had PTSD since my second combat duty in Viet Nam, however I stayed in police work and the chaplaincy ( full time) and then went to seminary and the Army called me back as a full time Army Chaplain- I served on Active duty many years and in this war- I have seen ( as many have) so much death and dying- that I felt more at peace working with those who needed help, prayers, and to walk with them down the road of Suicide Prevention- sometimes it went well and sometimes not- I always wonder what I didn't say that could of saved a life for His glory-not mine. I became a Christian when I was 12 years old in 1957- There is no better feeling of service than serving Christ. - which is an Honor, which is also very humbling - to say the least. I believe without a doubt - I'm here today because of His saving grace- Like all soldiers ( over 85%) was shot in Viet Nam and Blown's up at least once. I should have died- the doctors in Viet Nam told me after I woke up in the hospital -that I should not be here, That I should have died because I had loss more than enough blood to be able to live. Well, we all know that it was nothing I did " for sure " but Gods Grace. Hearing your story really hit home with me. I too suffer from PTSD, Depression and despair, agent orange Parkinson's- many war wounds that I won't talk about- I don't want to sound at all- as if I'm being " Sensational" Never I pray. I feel broken and lost-but I also know the Lord is holding me up and that He is with me always Hebrews 13:5-8. I will pray for you brother and I thank God for you and being open about- being human- as King David did- But never forsaking our faith. jjames

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abida | @abida | Jul 25, 2017
In reply to @abida "I agree one hundred percent with the fact that spirituality helps people out from the darkest..." + (show)
@abida

I agree one hundred percent with the fact that spirituality helps people out from the darkest fears and inconsolable losses.I lost my eldest child 5 years back few months after his twenty second birthday.My world turned upside down but I was always a spiritual person so even such a big loss could not drag me down to a place where I could not climb out.Granted I have days where I do feel low and listless but these moments don't last for long. I have survived it only because of spirituality

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Jim it's the strength of your belief that pulled you out of your entrapment.What you have achieved requires super human effort and I believe that God Almighty held your hand to draw you out of that un ending tunnel.Your loved ones may have helped you but it was achieved by Almighty's guiding hand.In a way you have experienced Him face to face.May God always keep you in the Palm of His Hand .God Bless you and your family Amen

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Mentor
Jim, Volunteer Mentor | @jimhd | Jul 25, 2017
In reply to @abida "I agree one hundred percent with the fact that spirituality helps people out from the darkest..." + (show)
@abida

I agree one hundred percent with the fact that spirituality helps people out from the darkest fears and inconsolable losses.I lost my eldest child 5 years back few months after his twenty second birthday.My world turned upside down but I was always a spiritual person so even such a big loss could not drag me down to a place where I could not climb out.Granted I have days where I do feel low and listless but these moments don't last for long. I have survived it only because of spirituality

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@johnjames

I'm glad you find my words encouraging. Life has been a challenge at times, and even with the faithfulness of God and a lifelong relationship with him, bad stuff happens.

I can tell that you've been through a lot of things that I haven't. I was #21 in the draft lottery back in '72, but because I was going to a Bible college in the fall, I was given a 4D deferment, and I began ministry right out of college. So I never had the honor of serving our country, except spiritually.

During the years of ministry, I enjoyed my work, mostly. I saw my share of holy wars, and some of them affected me. A little different from Vietnam and Afghanistan, but people still get hurt in them.

If there are other things you want to tell me about, don't worry about being sensational.

Jim

REPLY
johnjames | @johnjames | Jul 25, 2017
In reply to @abida "I agree one hundred percent with the fact that spirituality helps people out from the darkest..." + (show)
@abida

I agree one hundred percent with the fact that spirituality helps people out from the darkest fears and inconsolable losses.I lost my eldest child 5 years back few months after his twenty second birthday.My world turned upside down but I was always a spiritual person so even such a big loss could not drag me down to a place where I could not climb out.Granted I have days where I do feel low and listless but these moments don't last for long. I have survived it only because of spirituality

Jump to this post

Thanks Jim, But please don't think what you did and the ministry that you were involved with- was and is more important- the battle of spiritual warfare is worse ( God tells us- as I'm speaking to someone who knows ) Jim- we both and all Christians - who really follow the Lord - is going to be in a war that is harder to fight. You are on the front lines and the dark side of this world and the one who looks to destroy all believers- is our enemy- again you know better than I. Sometimes when I look back- fighting in a war against another country ( if you will) is very hard, and scary, the unknown of when you will be shot or killed- is always on your mind- you live in fear, but it's an enemy that you can get away from for a time and re-group and rest before the next battle- but a spiritual battle I feel is " constant and every minute of the day" I don't sleep much and still hear my brothers and sisters crying for help or in pain and seeing the dead- plays in my mind and heart 24-7 ( like any other soldier who has been in combat- it's not something we talk about in church or a dinner with friends- only with other soldiers and chaplains, ( ministers and counselor's) why? why would I want to share such stories with other folks and give them nightmares- ) We need to protect those who innocent - I believe you share some of the same dreams in different ways- but still - makes for a night to want to pass as soon as possible, I hate the nights- yet wish I could sleep- " Make sense? " God Bless you for listening and sharing a very like time in your life- in my prayers jjames.

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Parus | @parus | Jul 30, 2017

Spirituality has been a source of strength for me since my youth...I am a spiritual being and not a religious one. I see religion as man-made.

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liz223 | @liz223 | Jul 31, 2017

I agree with you. I believe we are spirits who live in a body and have a soul.

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GailBL, Alumni Mentor | @gailb | Jul 31, 2017
In reply to @liz223 "I do meditation on my own which has been a great help. I have learned to..." + (show)
@liz223

I do meditation on my own which has been a great help. I have learned to simply find a quiet place, be still, relax and take a deep breath, hold a bit, let it out and repeat as many times as I choose (without counting).. I focus on my breathing. When outside thoughts enter my mind, I shove them away and continue to focus on my breathing. After I practiced this a few times a day for a few weeks, I can now do it anytime. It even did away with my "white coat syndrome" at my doctor's office. My BP has gone from dangerously high to normal. It is great, makes me feel relaxed and IT WORKS. 🙂 Hope you will give it a try and it will cost you nothing. My husband says he cannot do it. I don't understand why not, but perhaps not everyone can, at least without more instruction or a different method. Good Luck!

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@hopeful33250. Thanks for the link and your response. We have been moving to our daughter's house in Rancho Mirage while her home in Yorba Linda is being remodeled. We have lived with our daughter, my stepdaughter, for 1.5 years now. It's stressful moving again even though it's temporary, probably for 6 months. Anyway, that's why my response is so late.

I started journaling during my divorce in 1977. It was so helpful that I continued for about 20 years. I go back and read the journals occasionally. Some parts are poems as I read them now. The book I mentioned in my previous post is an excellent one. Now, I will check out your link.

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Mentor
Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Jul 31, 2017
In reply to @liz223 "I do meditation on my own which has been a great help. I have learned to..." + (show)
@liz223

I do meditation on my own which has been a great help. I have learned to simply find a quiet place, be still, relax and take a deep breath, hold a bit, let it out and repeat as many times as I choose (without counting).. I focus on my breathing. When outside thoughts enter my mind, I shove them away and continue to focus on my breathing. After I practiced this a few times a day for a few weeks, I can now do it anytime. It even did away with my "white coat syndrome" at my doctor's office. My BP has gone from dangerously high to normal. It is great, makes me feel relaxed and IT WORKS. 🙂 Hope you will give it a try and it will cost you nothing. My husband says he cannot do it. I don't understand why not, but perhaps not everyone can, at least without more instruction or a different method. Good Luck!

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@gailb Wow - you have been busy! It sounds like we have a lot in common - journaling during a divorce and all. Going back and re-reading past journal entries is a great lesson in our own personal history, isn't it?

Teresa

REPLY
JK | @contentandwell | Jul 31, 2017
In reply to @liz223 "I do meditation on my own which has been a great help. I have learned to..." + (show)
@liz223

I do meditation on my own which has been a great help. I have learned to simply find a quiet place, be still, relax and take a deep breath, hold a bit, let it out and repeat as many times as I choose (without counting).. I focus on my breathing. When outside thoughts enter my mind, I shove them away and continue to focus on my breathing. After I practiced this a few times a day for a few weeks, I can now do it anytime. It even did away with my "white coat syndrome" at my doctor's office. My BP has gone from dangerously high to normal. It is great, makes me feel relaxed and IT WORKS. 🙂 Hope you will give it a try and it will cost you nothing. My husband says he cannot do it. I don't understand why not, but perhaps not everyone can, at least without more instruction or a different method. Good Luck!

Jump to this post

@hopeful33250 Teresa, I really think journaling is a great thing to do, but unfortunately I have not followed thru with it well. I could kick myself that I did not record my transplant from pre-transplant to post-transplant. I could have done it then but now things are pretty blurred in my mind.
JK

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