How My Spiritual Practice Keeps me out of Depression

I hit a major turning point in my life at the age of 25 when I was clinically diagnosed with depression.

You don’t need to be clinically diagnosed to experience depression, depressive thoughts or moods, or depression’s close “friend,” anxiety.

I decided at the time to the doctor for help. So I got a clinical diagnosis.

What I discovered in the darkness of my depression was an opportunity.

To change the way I was living.

I didn’t know it at the time, but this was the very beginning of a new life path. I also didn’t know how much of this new life path would include committing to a spiritual practice

To quote the famous poet, Rumi, “The wound is the place where the Light enters you.”

The wound was depression, and the Light was my spiritual practice.

Looking back at that time nearly 15 years ago, one thing really stood out: I had no commitment to spirituality or a spiritual belief system then.

I had a religious foundation, so I did pray sometimes, mostly out of habit. But deep down, I was spiritually lost. I didn’t know what I believed in. And didn’t feel connected and guided in the way I longed for.

Fast forward nearly 15 years, and I’ve developed a lasting commitment to my spiritual practices. That means that I live aligned with my beliefs. In other words, my choices in life are coherent with my spiritual beliefs and practices.

So now, even when I feel the lows and depressive feelings, I don’t become depressed. I lean into my spiritual practices, I connect to the Universe/Spirit/Love (in several ways), listen for guidance, look for signs and reminders, ask for help and clarity, etc.

Even when I experience darkness, heartbreak, loneliness, setbacks, I feel support, guidance, magic, and at times like the Universe is wrapping me in a huge hug. I’m able to lean in and look for the opportunities and learning in situations, instead of getting stuck in “why me?”

I may not know the answer, the solution, or the exact way forward when I feel myself sinking low. But I don’t spiral into that depression I can’t get myself out of like when I was 25. Even at my lowest, I can still sense that light in my heart. I can call on the Universe for help. And even if I can’t prove on paper that the Universe/love is responding, I feel a sense of peace and that things will be ok.

Committing to a spiritual practice, aligning with my choices, and consistently using the tools I’ve learned has created a solid foundation for me to stand on.

Before I committed to my spiritual practice, felt like I was barely treading water.

Now it feels like I always have a life raft to float in. Safely guiding me to shore.

Read more about my spiritual wellness journey.