By Rev. Dr. Cynthia Lindenmeyer
Director, Chaplain and Scholar Wellness Providers
In March 2020, I crossed paths with a outstanding scholar. She was unhoused and a single dad or mum, however she was fiercely decided to pursue her training.
Regardless of the huge weight of her circumstances, this scholar was hopeful and acknowledged that getting an training was the important thing to a brighter future. I additionally marvel if it was this scholar’s hope and concentrate on service to others that made her so resilient.
Statistics from the Nationwide Alliance on Psychological Sickness paint a stark actuality. One in every five adults experience mental illness each year, but solely half obtain the assist they want.
The scholars I see aren’t any completely different. Some face crushing adversity and whereas all of them intend to fulfill their issues with steadfast resolve and full their instructional objectives, many nonetheless wrestle.
Nevertheless, I imagine there may be some psychological aid – and a dose of fortitude – for these college students who wrestle with ambition or drive, even within the face of non-public challenges.
Psychological well being might be bolstered by having a objective. Realizing one’s objective transcends self-absorption and emerges from a deep-seated need to contribute positively to the world.
As we enterprise on our personal distinctive quest to grasp and fulfill our objective in life, we’re compelled to confront the suffering that pervades our world. This direct confrontation of struggling – and the belief that the world at massive might be higher – is represented by sacred activism.
What Is Sacred Activism?
At its core, sacred activism is an acknowledgement that our particular person life journeys are intertwined with all of humanity, and our actions hold the power to create positive change far beyond our immediate spheres. The identical sense of objective and group is felt by veterans, first responders, and medical personnel who serve the wants of others.
Sacred activism embodies the interconnectedness of all beings. As we take part in acts of service and advocacy, we not solely alleviate the struggling of others but additionally nurture a way of success and self-worth inside ourselves.
Nevertheless, this path requires self-reflection. To embark on this journey, pause in quiet reflection and ask your self: “What breaks my coronary heart?” It’d simply unveil your objective and invite you to transcend your ego by embracing the interconnectedness shared with all residing beings.
Within the pursuit of sacred activism, spirituality turns into not a mere perception system however a lived expertise — a communal endeavor grounded in practices of forgiveness, meditation, prayer and love. These practices are virtues to be cultivated via intentional effort and communal assist. They type the cornerstone of a holistic strategy to psychological well being, one which acknowledges the intrinsic hyperlink between particular person well-being and the well-being of the group.
In a tradition that always exalts individualism, embracing sacred activism calls for a radical shift in perspective and a dedication to residing as an integral member of a bigger human household. By acts of service, advocacy, and solidarity, we will all affirm our shared humanity and journey on the trail towards collective therapeutic.
The College Provides Psychological Well being Sources
As we commemorate Psychological Well being Consciousness Month, allow us to honor the transformative potential of sacred activism. To start your journey, please attain out to the College’s mental health resources.