To continue talking about my musical inspiration for recovery and living peacefully with mental illness, here is another contribution. Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys. I've heard before that Brian Wilson had mental illness. But I've never understood exactly what we were talking about. The other night, I saw a movie called "Love and Mercy" about his experience. I have to tell you that I found the movie very moving. Brian Wilson has been through it. He's dealt with physical abuse at the hands of his Dad. The emotional abuse continued into his adulthood and through his success in music. He lives with Schizoaffective Disorder. He still suffers through auditory hallucinations. He abused drugs and alcohol. He experienced a divorce and estrangement from his children. He was under the control of a Svengali-like psychologist attempting to control him for access to his money. He has been over-medicated and medicated for the wrong illness. Brian Wilson and his wife, Melinda, are survivors.
As I was watching this movie and while listening to the music, I realized how much I have always connected to the music of The Beach Boys. Some of the more relaxing and fun experiences of my lifetime occurred as I listened to Beach Boys music. As we know, their music is upbeat, fun, and full of life. What it is not is down and an indicator of the struggles that Brian has been through. It was amazing to realize how much Brian Wilson struggled. He is the genius behind that music. And he hid an enormous amount of pain while creating it. Now, we have many examples of supremely talented individuals who live with mental illness.....Robin Williams springs to mind. But I'm still kind of surprised when I hear that an artist who has contributed to my life has dealt with the struggle that many of us living with mental illness have experienced.
Seeing this movie has been inspirational. Brian Wilson has talent and money. Yet, he still had to really work to deal with the consequences of his illness. A significant part of this movie revolves around a love story...how his (eventual) wife, Melinda, was a strong impetus for healing. The most important aspect of his story that gives me inspiration is that someone...anyone...who loves us can kick-start our recovery. My daughter was the human being who most contributed to my current life filled with peace. Her love and willingness to stick with me made all the difference. Melinda Ledbetter Wilson did the same for Brian. And truly, that gives me hope. Love is the answer. Even to the complicated questions. We can all be there for someone needing the love. Hope you choose to take on that challenge today. Let's talk!
Sent with ALL my love......
http://yhoo.it/1NRGDEc
As I was watching this movie and while listening to the music, I realized how much I have always connected to the music of The Beach Boys. Some of the more relaxing and fun experiences of my lifetime occurred as I listened to Beach Boys music. As we know, their music is upbeat, fun, and full of life. What it is not is down and an indicator of the struggles that Brian has been through. It was amazing to realize how much Brian Wilson struggled. He is the genius behind that music. And he hid an enormous amount of pain while creating it. Now, we have many examples of supremely talented individuals who live with mental illness.....Robin Williams springs to mind. But I'm still kind of surprised when I hear that an artist who has contributed to my life has dealt with the struggle that many of us living with mental illness have experienced.
Seeing this movie has been inspirational. Brian Wilson has talent and money. Yet, he still had to really work to deal with the consequences of his illness. A significant part of this movie revolves around a love story...how his (eventual) wife, Melinda, was a strong impetus for healing. The most important aspect of his story that gives me inspiration is that someone...anyone...who loves us can kick-start our recovery. My daughter was the human being who most contributed to my current life filled with peace. Her love and willingness to stick with me made all the difference. Melinda Ledbetter Wilson did the same for Brian. And truly, that gives me hope. Love is the answer. Even to the complicated questions. We can all be there for someone needing the love. Hope you choose to take on that challenge today. Let's talk!
Sent with ALL my love......
http://yhoo.it/1NRGDEc
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