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May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to shed light on the importance of mental wellbeing and promote resources for those struggling.
While traditional therapy and medication are crucial components of mental health treatment, exploring spirituality and alternative modalities can also offer immense benefits. One spiritual practice that has gained popularity in recent years is kabbalah. In this article, we'll delve into what kabbalah is and how it can benefit mental health.
Kabbalah is an ancient Jewish mystical tradition dating back to the 12th century. It's based on the belief that the universe is interconnected and that everything in it is infused with divine energy. Kabbalists seek to understand the hidden meanings and messages behind the physical world, and believe they can connect more deeply with the divine.
One of the ways studying kabbalah can benefit mental health is by offering a sense of purpose and meaning. When we feel lost or disconnected, it can be easy to fall into negative thought patterns and feel hopeless. Kabbalah encourages us to see the bigger picture and to understand that we live in a world of both seen and unseen realities. There is more to life than what meets the eye. By tapping into the “unseen reality” that surrounds us, we can find a sense of purpose, direction, and connection that can help us navigate difficult times. We learn that we can’t always make sense of what happens in life, but we can make meaning.
Another way kabbalah can benefit mental health is by promoting self-awareness and self-reflection. Kabbalists believe that the energy that surrounds us is also within us, and that by living with greater awareness, we can shift our “masks” and our narratives to ones that serve us better. This self-awareness can help us identify negative thought patterns and behaviors and make positive changes that benefit our mental wellbeing.
Kabbalah can be just one of the modalities of a spiritual person. Incorporating the exploration of kabbalah with, for example, Reiki, can promote relaxation and reduce stress. Practicing kabbalah with mindfulness, physical activity, and meditation practices can help us cultivate a greater sense of presence and reduce anxiety and depression. Kabbalah can be as flexible as you want or need it to be and you don’t need prior training, knowledge, experience, or upbringing to make it work for you.
If you're interested in exploring kabbalah as a spiritual tool, there are a variety of resources available. One option is Kabbalah Experience, a kabbalah school with online classes available. They’re the only kabbalah school offering a full curriculum, one-time workshops and classes, and a free intro class for those interested in finding out if this is something they’re interested in exploring. To find out if kabbalah is the right fit for you and your life at this time, visit Kabbalah Experience's website to learn more about their free intro course and other offerings.
Whether you're new to spirituality or looking to deepen your practice, their courses can provide valuable insights and tools for mental wellbeing. You may also want to share this article with friends and family who may be struggling with mental health and are interested in exploring spirituality as a tool for mental health. By spreading awareness and promoting resources, we can help others find the support and guidance they need to thrive.
If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, ask a friend or family member to stay with you while you may be at risk. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
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