“A desire to be in charge of our own lives, a need for control, is born in each of us. It is essential to our mental health, and our success, that we take control.” – Robert Foster Bennett
According to Wikipedia’s definition, mental health is defined as “an individual’s ability to enjoy life and procure a balance between life activities and efforts to achieve psychological resilience. Mental health is an expression of our emotions and signifies a successful adaptation to a range of demands.”
The above definition’s main point is being united with your thoughts. The suggestion that you are at peace with who you are in thought and neither have an internal conflict or dialogue going against your natural state of wellbeing.
Mental health can be a difficult area to diagnose, since outward appearance may not be obvious to many. One of the greatest influences on my own mental health has been the regular undertaking of self awareness and spiritual practice whilst integrating personal development. To use a metaphor such as health and exercise, you develop and extend the ability of your mind to become your humble servant. This is opposition to your mind becoming your slave. Working on oneself by extending your minds ability to deal with external situations in life, fosters personal growth.
Spiritual practice means being aligned to a greater purpose in life. It means living and abiding by universal laws and principles which govern humanity. The Law of karma and giving are two main principles that bring one into alignment with greater meaning.
Similarly, personal development or personal growth is the process of self improvement in order to become a better version of oneself. It is the attainment of goals, tasks, plans and actions which may be orientated toward fulfilling some of the following aims:
- Improving self awareness and self knowledge,
- Building identity,
- Developing or strengthening talents,
- Improving or identifying potential,
- Enhancing lifestyle or the quality of life,
- Fulfilling aspirations and improving social abilities.
As personal development and a spiritual practice are combined with health and wellbeing, a wonderful life emerges. A life filled with meaning, purpose, direction, joy, inspiration and excitement.
In aligning with these virtues, you become the architect of your destiny which greatly benefits your life, since you no longer feel helpless or a victim of your circumstances.
