Spirituality despite having bipolar

Hi @serenity5

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

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?

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?

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 😊

@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?

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 🙂

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?

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

@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?

@serenity5 the Zen meditation was intriguing - very disciplined posture and heightened awareness - so different from relaxed posture and mindfulness. I wasn't physically or mentally up to it at the time.

I've tried metta meditation and found it wonderful. I should pursue it. Last time I tried it while walking a labyrinth which was sort of soothing.

I'm a bit challenged by contemplative meditation aka prayer as I find it hard to empty my mind with the mantra - following the directives of John Main and Laurence Freeman. The "virtual sits" of Richard Rohr of the Centre for Action and Contemplation are easier. I've tried breathwork - both by myself and with guided mindfulness - and counting in cycles of 8. I've not really settled on a routine but should persevere.