I think he is right. I think the distinction between an illness of the body/mind and the self is essential both for folk experiencing/suffering from mental illness and for those who don’t. You are not your mental illness. The body is only one aspect of who we are.
WIL, thank you so much for this it made me cry. I’ve. Ever, ever heard it put that way before–my presense, my SELF IS NOT SICK. wow!!!!!!! Is it on YouTube too?
Amy Jo
I know – isn’t it so cool? But think about it….what makes up a “being?” I believe the human or mortal part is made up of the mind and body, and the spiritual or immortal part is the “presence” or self (a.k.a, the Divine, God, etc.) Thinking of it in terms of God, our Creator, connects all the pieces of the religious/spiritual puzzle for me. I can’t quote the bible verses, but phrases like “the Great I am,” “be still and know that I am,” “what you do unto others you do unto me,” and “made in His image” all point to this “self” – the part that isn’t sick, the only part that really matters because it is forever. The mind and body are temporary. Reminds me of a quote I read years ago that has always stuck with me: “I’m not a human being having a spiritual experience. I am a spiritual being having a human experience.”
I posted some more MOOJI, inspired by you and crediting you. How can we hold onto these….”truths” every day and remind ourselves when the illnesses get strong? How do you do it?
I keep searching and learning new truths such as this. It’s a never-ending spiritual journey that doesn’t always “feel” good. I also have to talk about it with others, who understand, daily and honestly. And finally, I write a lot and create a lot of digital art (and some paintings) that reflect these truths, so that I am constantly reminding myself.
That’s excellent!! I need to make some friends like you and your around here outside if blogging. I have one friend who loves to talk about this stuff too but he’s eight hours away–the one I write about that sculpts and has had his hips and knees replaced from serious RA. But it’s not daily. I’m not finding a way to make it part of my life like I want to.
Write into the Light 
I think he is right. I think the distinction between an illness of the body/mind and the self is essential both for folk experiencing/suffering from mental illness and for those who don’t. You are not your mental illness. The body is only one aspect of who we are.
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Yes, just one aspect. Thank God! because it is usually the most painful aspect for me 😉
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You are refreshingly honest!
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thank you, Mollie 🙂
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WIL, thank you so much for this it made me cry. I’ve. Ever, ever heard it put that way before–my presense, my SELF IS NOT SICK. wow!!!!!!! Is it on YouTube too?
Amy Jo
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I know – isn’t it so cool? But think about it….what makes up a “being?” I believe the human or mortal part is made up of the mind and body, and the spiritual or immortal part is the “presence” or self (a.k.a, the Divine, God, etc.) Thinking of it in terms of God, our Creator, connects all the pieces of the religious/spiritual puzzle for me. I can’t quote the bible verses, but phrases like “the Great I am,” “be still and know that I am,” “what you do unto others you do unto me,” and “made in His image” all point to this “self” – the part that isn’t sick, the only part that really matters because it is forever. The mind and body are temporary. Reminds me of a quote I read years ago that has always stuck with me: “I’m not a human being having a spiritual experience. I am a spiritual being having a human experience.”
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I posted some more MOOJI, inspired by you and crediting you. How can we hold onto these….”truths” every day and remind ourselves when the illnesses get strong? How do you do it?
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I keep searching and learning new truths such as this. It’s a never-ending spiritual journey that doesn’t always “feel” good. I also have to talk about it with others, who understand, daily and honestly. And finally, I write a lot and create a lot of digital art (and some paintings) that reflect these truths, so that I am constantly reminding myself.
LikeLike
That’s excellent!! I need to make some friends like you and your around here outside if blogging. I have one friend who loves to talk about this stuff too but he’s eight hours away–the one I write about that sculpts and has had his hips and knees replaced from serious RA. But it’s not daily. I’m not finding a way to make it part of my life like I want to.
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Amy, isolation will make anyone crazy, even those who don’t have mental illness.
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