INTRODUCTION

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We have previously considered the various 'environments'/spaces - within which we as individuals operate.  These are our 'physical environment'/space, our 'social environment'/space and our 'emotional environment'/space.  These three environments/spaces were considered in SOLAR's - 'Mental & Emotional Healing' Health Tips & Index - (you can access this by clicking here.)

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SELF EMPOWERMENT

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We have also highlighted that the most powerful 'Self Empowering' technique is our ability to respond to any event/anything that happens in any of the three environments/spaces.  So, whether one is being evicted from ones home ('physical environment'/space) or whether one has fallen out with a friend or loved one ('social environment'/space) or whether one has suffered a loss such as bereavement ('emotional environment'/space.)  These are three different spaces, which can affect us in any number of ways - ways that are not always predictable or avoidable - and so, we see therefore that the only 'mechanism' of control we ultimately have, is our response to any situation.  This is the center piece of this system - in ensuring that an individual can maintain 'balance'/'equilibrium' - and therefore mental and emotional stability. 

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We shall consider examples of how this can be put into practice, however, before we do this, there may well be individuals who are currently experiencing mental and emotional distress.  We shall in later 'SOLAR Health Tips & Indexes,' deal in greater depth with that situation.  However, we would say at this point that there is a universal panacea/remedy - for anyone that's currently in a state of mental and emotional distress - at least as a starting point - and that is the 'art' or 'science' of meditation. 

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MEDITATION

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One cannot stress enough the significance of this practice and discipline.  It is almost certainly the body's natural and organic mechanism for ensuring mental and emotional stability - its practice over thousands of years is clearly strong evidence of that - and so we would say at this stage, to any individual that is currently in distress, to consider seriously the practice of meditation, if they are not already engaged in such practice. 

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There are many systems of meditation and we do not make comment about the various systems, ultimately these things are a matter of choice for the individual, therefore it is well worth the time and effort to do some research into the subject of meditation, before embarking upon such a program.  We here at SOLAR recommend the 'ISIS (I Sit In Silence) Meditation technique for our students  - to access this 10 minute meditation practice/technique - click here.

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As we have said, the practice of some form of meditation is vital, if one is to properly survive and thrive in this Modern Age. 

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HEALING STEPS TO HELP MENTAL HEALTH RECOVERY

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1. Do What Is Pleasurable To You

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The pursuit of pleasure is a 'Cosmic Law' balanced by its counterpart the 'Law of Karma.'  Namely, you reap what you sow - and so, seeking pleasure/peace is a useful way to tackling mental and emotional dis-ease.

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One should make time where ever possible, to engage in pleasurable activity, however apparently insignificant that may be - it could be simply keeping the company of people, whose company you enjoy.  Similarly, having a pet or going for walks, reading, painting - any kind of 'hobby' or activity which gives you pleasure - but the central point being - this is an activity, which you have chosen because it brings you pleasure and peace. 

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It seems so obvious - that it almost seems pointless saying - that would be so, were it not for the fact that a great many people spend their time doing things they don't really want to do. 

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Now, clearly there are things which we are obliged to do, such as work or responsibility with family - in relation to these matters one should spend time thinking about them - thinking about these areas in our lives, where we are obligated to perform certain tasks - we should also consider how we can adapt to those situations, or better still, change the situations so that we can derive pleasure from it.  There is no reason why an obligation should not be pleasurable.

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However - with our 'spare time,' there is no such excuse - and we should find ways to usefully fill that time doing things we find pleasant/pleasing/peaceful (the '3 P's.') 

If we find in our spare time, that we are engaged in things that are contrary to what we deem pleasurable - ask why?  Then - after asking this initial question - ask, 'how can I put a stop to this?' 

There are many different descriptions psychologists and personal motivation coaches give to describe this process - terms such as, 'drawing boundaries,' 'creating your own personal space' etc... Yes - that's all part of the process, but it is much more basic, more fundamental than that - it is your 'entitlement' to spend - especially, your 'free time' (however you define that) doing things you find pleasurable, pleasing and peaceful (the '3 P's'.)  We will again remind you of the balancing Law to this 'pleasure principle' and that is the Law of Cause and Effect/Karma.  Both these Laws are real and ignoring either is a recipe for mental and emotional strain and suffering.  So be wise with your 'pleasures' and note that everybody else has a right to enjoy the '3 P's' as well. 

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If you find that currently your time is occupied, especially your spare time doing things you particularly dislike - our experience has shown that a careful examination of the cause - who/what is to blame, may lead back to you -   particularly when our spare time.

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A careful examination will show, that it is often not others who are to blame, when our spare time is spent doing things we don't want to do.  You will often find that somewhere along the line, you have 'consented' to this process - the remedy is simple - put an end to it - by ceasing your consent and where possible the activity.

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2. Solitude

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'Solitude' sounds like a frightening word - since it is often wrongly associated with 'lonliness' - but a careful examination will show, that the two things are not the same.  So we can put it another way 'spend valuable time with yourself' - 'spend time thinking about yourself and your life' and 'how and what you would like to see in your life' - positive things! - This is the process of introspection.

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This process of 'introspection'  should be carried out daily, even if its just for a few minutes.  Get yourself a little 'Black Book' - your 'personal internal diary' - l and write down any thoughts that arise from such time 'spent with yourself' - in this way.   For further information on this process, you can click the following link - you will find information about 'Self Auditing' under the 'fourth heading' on the page - to access - click here.

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This process can be carried out anywhere - it can be carried out first thing in the morning with a cup of tea, coffee or other warm, wholesome drink which you enjoy, before you start the day.  It could be time spent in a shower or bath - driving or commuting to work - being in a crowd physically does not prevent the process taking place.  The important part/essence of this process, is that you spend time thinking positively about what you would like to see - yourself to be - becoming and to 'BE.'

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3. Controlling your social environment

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'Like attracts like' - as the saying goes - and if your not in an 'ideal' place/position - then there is a good chance that you will attract those of a similar disposition. 

But do not be frightened by this saying because there is another saying that says 'opposites attract.'  - So what's happening here?  Well - what's happening is - you can choose which principle you want to operate - you can resign your 'Will' and simply allow yourself to attract whatever state you feel at any point in time - or you can exercise your 'Will' and positively attract the company of those you would like to see around you - but you must first 'be like' that 'ideal Self' you would like to see in others. 

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Unfortunately, in this modern society there are toxic people who knowingly or unknowingly can have a negative effect on your own life.  The first thing to do is to understand that this situation in personal relationships is a reality.  The second point is to actively take steps to remove yourself from these situations, this will vary from situation to situation.  But what you must take from this lesson is the understanding that the toxicity of other people is real, you should take note of it and where possible avoid it or take steps to remove those relationships from your life.  Ultimately we are all unique individuals 'attempting to express ourselves' - don't let other people 'express themselves' at your 'expense.' 

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4. Intuitive Guidance

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Learn to develop and trust your instincts.  To be able to do this safely and effectively you must first understand your 'physical,' 'social' and 'emotional' environment/space.  If you take a few minutes every morning as suggested above, spending time in 'introspection' - then you will in time automatically develop this 'understanding' of your 'environments.'  Once this is secured - your instincts will become more reliable - do not throw away 'logical thought,' but find a harmonic balance between your instincts, which will be based upon your experience and knowledge of your environment - and the obvious logical thought processes that you have.  The ideal is a practical balance between the two. 

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Countless people have testified that the more they practice relying on their 'gut instincts' or 'intuitive instincts' - the more trustworthy those instincts become - again, as in all things use balance and common sense. 

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5. Living in the moment

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Try to be present and pay attention to the 'moment' - what is occurring 'now' in 'your life' - seek to enjoy the 'now-ness' of your life - treat it as preciously as you treat every breath.  Do not allow the baggage of the past to become a 'burden' for the present and a millstone around your neck for the future.  Regard all experience, particularly those you would regard as 'negative' - as being challenges, which you will overcome - and which will, ultimately make you stronger - if you have a faith of some sort then this can also aid you in understanding this concept. 

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You can also use 'breathing' itself, as an exercise for living in the moment, especially when you feel anxious or feel the oncoming of an anxiety or a panic attack. 

Remember - 

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(i) To live in the moment.

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(ii) Say to yourself quietly and softly - 'I am living in the moment' - and have no worry about anything - past or in the future.

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(iii) Then, take long and deep breaths - in through your nose and out through your mouth.

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This practice can be done anywhere.
 

6. Self Love

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It sounds strange to talk about 'self love' in a world that is almost completely self centered and egotistic - but it is important especially for those who are coping with mental illness, to love themselves and not engage in 'self blame.' 

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This form of 'self love' is not self centered and egotistical/narcissistic - but it is the 'healing love' from the 'healing energy' or 'Life Force' energy, which ultimately cures all sickness. This 'self love'/'healing love' is induced by the patient themselves and so therefore, if the patient does not love herself or himself and is 'unforgiving' to themselves - then the 'presence' of this healing love is diminished.  This is what is meant when we say 'love yourself' - love yourself - so that you can heal yourself! - OK help from others is welcome but ultimately if you have this 'self love'/'healing love,' that is more than sufficient for you to make complete recovery and to heal yourself.  Again, this healing love is something that is disregarded, misunderstood - but it is real - and has many names. 

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There is a sacred aspect to this healing love - but such is, its universal power, that it does not require any specific acknowledgement of faith.  It does however, require a belief of its presence - in you, as a human being - this is a state of 'conscious awareness' of its Existence. 

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It is this 'conscious awareness' of its Existence that enables it to operate within you.  Some individuals focus this 'conscious awareness' through such acts as 'prayer' or 'meditation' - these techniques are helpful - since not only do they bring conscious awareness but they also bring 'focus' and 'attention' - all of which assist in intensifying this power - this 'self love'/'healing.'  But such practices are not absolutely necessary, a simple belief will cause the process to commence - and in that process you will develop an 'intuitive understanding' as to what is happening with you - thus it can be seen that the 'healing process' is unique to every individual case. 

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CONCLUSION - THE HEALING PROCESS

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You should understand - especially if you are recovering from a mental or emotional dis-ease that nature herself is a 'curve' - often there will not be a 'straight line' to recovery - but a curve that goes up and down - be conscious of this and try to find a balance in the progress you make.  Do not set your goals unreasonably high and most certainly do not regard challenging days as failure or defeat.  Remember - the curve that nature herself has - and try to ride the curve with her to your recovery. 

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In this process seek help wherever you can - as they say 'a problem shared is a problem halved' - and simply to have the opportunity to talk to someone else about an issue that is troubling you, can be of immense relief.  If you have put into practice, what has been suggested above and have begun to take control of your social environment/space - know that you will attract those who will be of assistance to you. 

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Also remember that, your road to recovery like everything else in our life is unique to you.  Whilst you could draw strength from other people's situations - stories - almost certainly yours will be different.  Your life comprises the unique experiences that have brought you to where you are - similarly with your recovery it will be unique and may not necessarily follow the pattern of others.

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There are some universals however, such as 'hope,' 'faith,' 'belief, 'Will' - in a word positivity!  - With such qualities you should know that your recovery is not only possible - but very likely.  This whole area forms a major part of what is known as 'Self Healing' and we cover this subject in greater depth, in the 'SOLAR - Self Heal And Live Life' materials. 

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It is said that - 'time is a great healer' - and so, with recovery - 'patience' is an important quality to have - 'Patience' - and - 'Hope.'