Spirituality despite having bipolar

[serenity5]

Hi all, 

I’ve recently joined and would love to know from anyone who is spiritual and has bipolar disorder, how you’ve balanced these beliefs with a grounded life and recovery from an episode (particularly manic) that may have involved spiritual beliefs in some way. I’ve always been spiritual but my episodes have made me scared to embrace this side of me. This year I have realised this is an important aspect of my life, but I still struggle with being scared, despite my practices only consisting of meditation and yoga - which is recommended for people with a mental illness anyway. ☺️

[tacocat]

Hi @serenity5 

Just wanted to send you a quick welcome message. Thanks for sharing, and we look forward to seeing you around the forums 🙂

[Dimity]

Hello @serenity5 

Interesting questions.

There's s blog I read that suggests we're bihabitational beings, that we live simultaneously in both a material and a spiritual realm at different levels. If you're Christian it means we're immersed in God's Kingdom whilst also going about our lives.  As someone with bipolar who's experienced religious delusions I'd have to say it can get messy and difficult - and scary - if/when the realms seem to overlap and directly interact. But if we respect all living forms and accept the kernel of consciousness in each, it's possible to see that rich tapestry  without calling on extra supernatural persona especially malevolent ones. 

That probably doesn't make much sense. 

Perhaps you're spiritual but not religious?

[serenity5]

I like what you said about respecting the conscious of each living being, focusing on simply that and the presence of God throughout life has grounded me. I am increasingly more connected to learning about Buddhism, but I respect different forms of religion as interpretations of the same God or life force. How do you stay religious without feeling fear of yourself and your mind? 

[Macey]

Jesus saiys

"But a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth, for the Father is seeking such as these to worship Him. God is Spirit, and His worshipers must worship Him in spirit and in truth.”

@Dimity @serenity5 sounds spiritual and not religious to me 😊

[serenity5]

@Macey 

I would love for you to explain this quote from Jesus from your perspective. 

@Dimity 

How do you feel comfortable being religious after an episode involving your beliefs? 

[Macey]

Hi @serenity5 and not right sure can explain simplicity of jesus words here. can a fish explain water it swims in?.

seems like jesus words here dispells religion in fava of connection  with God which bible can tell you more like gospel of john in new testament. Very lovely book 🙂

[Dimity]

Hi @serenity5 

My psychoses were many years ago and from what I remember only a couple of the earliest ones had any religious themes. I guess that with all of them  I had to re-engage and get on with life afterwards despite initial misgivings and it got easier with time. 

Buddhism seems to have a lot to offer - at one stage I tried zen meditation with a former Japanese monk but I haven't read very much about Buddhist teachings.

@Maceyyour post reminded me of the simplicity yet hidden depths of the parables.

@serenity5 have you come across contemplative meditation and centring prayer? There are so many approaches to meditation. It's hard sometimes to relinquish the ego to move into a meditative space - at least it is for me. What meditation techniques work for you?

[serenity5]

@Macey Oh how lovely - this is how I interpreted but wanted to know your interpretation. 

[serenity5]

@Dimity Wow, it would be amazing to talk to a monk. I have felt drawn to zen buddhism as it focuses less on text and more on practice, but there is a Tibetan Buddhism centre where I live so I may start going there. I have normally focused on breath work or mindfulness, but I am hoping to start metta/loving kindness meditation. As for parables, Zen Buddhism has paradoxical statements which are meant to spark thought and feeling. Any advice for the meditation you mentioned?