We all change drastically over time: we learn, we grow, we change. Sometimes, we become better versions of ourselves, but other times, we change in such ways that we would rather go back to how things were before. Our mental health is severely impacted by the way we see ourselves and what and who we aspire to become in the future can leave both positive and negative imprints on our soul. If you’re feeling stuck and are desperately looking for something to “snap” you out of the gloom, you can try going on a spiritual journey:
The sense of awe
Those among us who have been fortunate enough to experience the sense of awe change their behavior for the better, according to Kirk Schneider, PhD. He defined the sense of awe as “the humility and wonder or sense of adventure toward living”.
He stated that being in awe means also to be deeply moved and to feel even more alive. As thrilling and exciting as this feeling is, people often shy away from it because it also makes us see ourselves as fragile and weak. Still, feeling intuitively that you’re a small part of something much larger than yourself makes you more humble and benevolent, more generous and kind.
Look for different meanings in life
When you start searching for something bigger and looking for the meaning of life, you soon understand that there isn’t a single answer that can be considered right.
Still, nothing in this life is simple, and we often need help if we are to fulfill our true purpose and not only to discover it. Institutions such as the Masters Institute of Creative Education are a great starting point for all those who are hoping to define their paths and who want to channel and express their creativity through a skill. Creative and restless souls often need gentle guidance to finally be able to express what lies in them, and this is a great way to do it.
The road to recovery
If you realize that you’re struggling to function and have unhealthy coping strategies, the road away from depression and anxiety will be easier with a sense of purpose. People who are mentally healthy usually have a strong sense of purpose, and they have healthier lifestyles and habits too: they tend to exercise moreand have healthier ways of coping with stress and anxiety.
What is more, being able to deal with stress and not allowing it to consume your life will help you feel better both spiritually as well as physically.
The importance of having a purpose
Even though we might believe that we have a purpose in life, actually knowing what that purpose might be is really difficult. Yet, when you have a strong sense of purpose, your memory, as well as your overall cognition, improve significantly.
More importantly, people who have been able to identify what their purpose is are more satisfied with their lives and their overall well-being. Those who understand what their purpose is at a young age are less likely to engage in risky behavior and delinquency, and have higher self-esteem and much more confidence than their peers.
What you gain from it
When you experience a sense of awe and understand that you are an important part of something bigger, you feel like you belong. You understand that you might be small but that you are still important, and this makes you feel validated as well as valued. With a purpose in life, you start paying more attention to your mind and body and become a healthier and more resilient individual. You start doing things that make you feel good and feel better connected to the people around you.
Spiritual journeys and looking for the purpose of life are very tricky, and if you’re hoping to go along that path, you should look for some guidance. Finding a positive vision will help guide you forward but working with a professional and a mentor will help you navigate the tricky path that lies ahead. It is through closeness and intimacy that we manage to improve our mental health and ease the symptoms of anxiety and depression.