I do agree that a lot of times theology and religiosity do get in the way and do complicate the matter of faith.
Yes, I understand. :hug:
But oddly perhaps, I don't find they get in the way- am finding the opposite- provided I get help in understanding the theology (I think is the word), and am careful with my sources. Since really I am a Newbie. But, for example, even hearing a very reputable resource say the Bible goes back to, ~in sorrow do what brings joy/peace; cry; speak or tell a friend, have a bath (& something else, I can't remember?), well, quite frankly despite being written years ago, that is the same as reorder your thoughts & therefore emotions through your actions, get physical and also be kind to yourself; reveal secrets or at least express yourself with someone you trust, and support and safety, get rid of secrets and don't deny/ avoid; turn down your body and relax/ self care, and let God handle it; acknowledge your emotions, feel them and grieve; (And whatever the 5th was-?- could be sleep, and that is huge too, we all know). Pretty much everything I've come across so far is compatible with CBT, DBT, Somatic Experiencing, Talk Therapy, Attachment theory, etc etc. And (but) so much more.
I think that's why I gravitated/ found useful something a Vet posted here (that I need to go back to, about 200 pages) on ~Chaplaincy Care for PTSD. I hope I can find it as it's practical, to-the -heart points/ direction.
Probably most oddly, is I realized last night I've come around to a great degree full circle, to finding the best/ most relatable help/ way to 'float' (vs drown) are the words of my friend/ Priest; authors I 'get' (Ron Rolheiser, Jean Vanier, etc); and Theologians who explain it well but matter of factly/ logically, and why.
I keep it pretty basic and centered on what's important to me - my relationship with God. :)
I totally agree. But, for me, I think I've learned it's not just about me; there is an interconnected part to others I have to account for. Which shouldn't be that difficult, but is. (Not so much in giving others care, or caring, but, eg, that nothing is done in a vacuum. If that makes sense? :rolleyes::) ) [For example- and I can't quite remember so it's probably wrong or incomplete- most people think SI is bad because you can't have a chance to ask for forgiveness after the fact. Yet God is all-merciful, so He knows where you're at, if it occurs. But also- supposedly- 'the' greatest natural love is supposed to be for 'yourself' (?- So why isn't it? Or what needs to change there?), and as we are 'one' body, it impacts intrinsically on 'all', at some level. Also, if 'we' are "God's ", then that is not our role to choose. (But because we don't "own" our soul, just as similarly, we can neither lose it nor 'sell it', God 'owns' it). But also, that anything that leads to death and division is evil versus good, as it is like trying to solve smaller suffering with a larger suffering. (Which goes back to the adage, solving a temporary pblm with a permanent solution). But even there, I know a leading researcher in SI Thomas Joiner, says his findings show SI pops up with: feeling like a burden and rejection and feeling like a liability; those 2 lead to hopelessness, and then thirdly if there is reduced fear of pain (by years of tuning out discomfort, ie needs, I would say), an attempt is likely. (Hence why people with Anorexia Nervosa- which has the highest mortality rate- 9/10 don't die from heart failure but actually suicide.) So it all is comparable or compatible with modern treatment theories, and the Bible. Especially if the Bible's meaning are taken literally, but not obviously the hyperbole, etc (ie you wouldn't be cutting off your hand, rather do what you can practically to, with real commitment, avoid it/ take it seriously). ]
Whew, sorry it's so long. :(
I guess I've come to appreciate I have had the best resources already, but now I have to learn how to apply them. And they said the longest journey in life is from the head to the heart. :notworthy:
:hug:
