Friday, October 10, 2014

Finding nirvana......

The definition for nirvana has to do with 'perfect' or 'idyllic'.  So, what I am going to tell you is this...you probably can't really find nirvana.  You can find peace and contentment.  You can find joy. You can find possibility.  But you will deal with problems.  You will have issues come up.  If you a regular reader of my blog, you know I have problems.  But I am learning how to deal with them from a particular context:  How will this impact my mental health?  I actively look for options when problems come up.  I make the protection of my mental health a priority.  It is interesting to me what a difference that makes for me.  The fact that I'm actively nurturing my mental health is so important. You will notice I'm saying 'I' nurture my mental health.  Which means that I am clear that my mental health is my responsibility.  I need to take my medicine.  I need to learn how to deal with problems.  I need to look for and utilize support.  I need to get help when it is necessary.   I need to take care of myself.   It truly is based on what I do.  If I hide out from taking responsibility, not only won't I reach nirvana, I might land in the hospital.

What I'm finding out that while life isn't necessarily nirvana, it can be pleasant.  It can be fun.  And I can be satisfied with far less than I have thought in the past.  I'm not in a high-powered professional job.  I live a simple life in a small town.  I'm not in a relationship with a partner at this time.  But I am satisfied anyway.  All of this is a little shocking to me.  Whether my expectations that life would bring more led to depression or just contributed is immaterial.  I can tell you that when I began to look for what I really want in life and kept it simple, I kind of did find nirvana.  I'm relatively peaceful.  I'm acting on my values and looking for my path.

How do you find your nirvana?  (Or your close as possible to nirvana.)  By looking for what is in your core.  What is it that you need in life to be satisfied?  Whatever that is will be very personal to you.  I've found that what I need from life has changed from what I needed...or thought I needed...years ago. It is related to my age.  I happily live without the material.  I don't require a car or the best in material goods.  I do require housing.  I require love and friendship.  I don't require a man in my life.  And I AM perfectly happy.  I work for what I need and let go of the rest. What about you?  What is your dream?  How can you achieve it?  No answer is wrong.  This is truly about you.  Spending time exploring what you really want is key to mental health in my opinion.  I would love to talk to you about what you find out.  Feel free to share...

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