Saturday, September 5, 2015

That Tat

I admire Bekah Miles and I don't wish anything I am about to say to be interpreted as criticism. She is brave to have come forth publicly with her problem. That said, it is important you are aware that 'Save Me' is nothing more than a compelling, seductive, spiritual snare. Those with a conscious spiritual directive (as I assume those who come to this site have) would do well to avoid the pitfall of anything resembling a "messiah complex."

As spiritually driven individuals it is inherent in our nature that we reach out to help others. Success, however, can lead to credit oneself for that which Life does through us. Here the ego plays on our vanity and we start believing we're something we aren't. That it was our power (intellect, wisdom, character) that initiated the transformation, when, in fact, it was our ability to let God (Life) work unopposed by ego that brought about any particular change. Personal feelings of what is best for an individual must be set aside so that their truth emerges--not a confirmation of ours.

What I believe would be beneficial for Bekah to realize is: No one can do it for Bekah but Bekah, so 'Save Me' is misguided. I think she unconsciously realizes this because she is the only one able to read the message Save Me, while everyone else sees I'm Fine. (although it is interesting to me that I'm Fine is harder to detect [not as legible] as Save Me--again, an unconscious clue) The other revealing detail was her use of the word, should. ("when I know I should be happy") Should is a very restrictive word. It reveals how things are suppose to be. If things aren't that way, then something must certainly be wrong. And is so often the case, the individuals blame themselves. (there must be something wrong with me!) Should is a very harsh taskmaster. Much better is replacing the word should with could. Not only in this specific case, but in nearly all situations.

Wednesday, September 2, 2015

I'm Fine Save Me

A young lady (Bekah Miles) has received a great deal of attention for sharing a Facebook post regarding a tattoo she got above her left knee. Read from our point of view it says I'm Fine. From her point of view (looking down) it reads Save Me. She meant for it to be a conversation starter for mental illness.



See her story here...

"To me it means that others see this person that seems okay, but, in reality, is not okay at all. It reminds me that people who may appear happy, may be at battle with themselves." Bekah then goes on to write what depression means to her: "To me, depression is..." concluding with; "Depression is the tears I have because I don't know why I feel so worthless, when I know I should feel happy."

Of course this comes as no surprise to me. (Or you either, if you have been reading this blog.) On October 10th, 2012, I wrote the following in the post Not Good Enough:

"Whenever I engage with an individual on an authentic, genuine level, the deeply ingrained feeling of not being "good enough" will surface. Time and again, over and over, this "hidden" secret comes out. Exploring it's range and scope usually reveals the obstacles that individual is currently dealing with, or has buried to their detriment. It is so prevalent it is predictable."

I wish to be clear; I have no degree in psychology. I am not a trained therapist. What I am is a person who has a relationship with God (or Life, the Presence, Cosmic Consciousness--whatever you wish to call it). Within that relationship certain things are brought to my attention that are obvious. You may disagree with my conclusion or maintain I oversimplify serious mental illnesses. I won't argue with you. But I will ask you this: try it. Put G-G-G to the test. Start by sliding down the page and reading About That Vase (8-5-15) or archiving Wabi Sabi (2-13-14). Read the rest of Not Good Enough. If you are interested, read the entire blog and get a real sense of what it is I'm suggesting. Then come at me with everything you've got! (which, if we're being totally honest, may include a disorder or two of your very own)

--- View the  Huffington Post write up of August 31, 2015 ---