There are certain things that I do to maintain good mental health that also have a connection to the pillars of Lent: prayer, fasting and almsgiving.
I find that silence is very effective for disconnecting from all the noise throughout the day. Silence is a way to quiet the mind. For we receive all kinds of stimulation in the brain daily. It refocuses us and helps with our concentration, making us more effective. It is also a great way to listen to the voice of God in attentive prayer.
“But whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
“When you are praying, do not heap up empty phrases as the gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” (Mt 6:6-8)
My mind is restored when I have spent time in silent prayer and I feel refreshed. Reignite your relationship with Jesus by listening to his voice in silent contemplation.
The next pillar of lent fasting can be detaching from negative self-talk. By replacing negative thoughts I am able to focus on what is true, good and beautiful. It is good to be aware of our thinking as it affects our emotions and our actions.
A negative spiral can sneak up on me and it quickly turns my mood downwards. I feel awful and then have a harder time functioning. It’s important for my mental state to be taking stock of my thoughts. It helps to have been trained in cognitive behavioural therapy.
I use tools called the Recovery International method. Where I replace insecure thoughts with secure ones using phrases that were made to encourage and reinforce positivity.
Their website describes their method: recoverycanada.ca/aboutus. The best resource is their “spotting tools” (Phrases). One of my favourites is “Doing things in order to get well, not waiting to get well to do things.”
Scripture is another powerful way to change your thinking. It is the living Word that brings life to our minds and hearts. It can transform our lives and make us stronger and happier people.
“The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17
The third pillar of Lent is almsgiving. A mental health practice tied to almsgiving is visiting friends in need. Companionship is one of the best ways to support people who are anxious and depressed or sick with any illness. I truly benefited from the visits of friends and family members when I was sick in the hospital and recovering back at home.
Even something as simple as a smile can make a difference. It has saved many lives who were suffering from mental illness.
You never know the impact you can have on others who have invisible illnesses. That is why practicing kindness by giving of yourself in visiting your friends is so essential.
Companionship brings joy to the person you are socializing with. And we are Easter people. “Do not abandon yourselves to despair. We are the Easter people and hallelujah is our song.” — Pope John Paul II.
Let us, in our conversations and interactions, strive to love extravagantly and bring joy to all we connect with. I hope that my sharing these three ways to improve your mental health can also bring you through the Lenten desert to Easter joy.
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