The mashup continues.
I have seen mental illness up close in a family member. I should say “so-called” mental illness because I am very unclear on what exactly is happening with this person. This person certainly doesn’t know or understand either.
But I can also see that no one does in our culture. The medical profession has medicated him and largely kept this person out of the hospital, but there is no peace of mind.
In this video, Phil Borges talks about the experiences of shamans who are found all through out the world in virtually every culture. These shamans are almost always people who go through a psychological or spiritual crisis – often at a young age. But their culture supports them in a way that ours does not and these people often go on to become important and respected people in their community. Their unique gifts are recognized, respected and embraced by their family, friends, and neighbors. They remain vital people. Not medicated to hide their symptoms. But given the support, often by people who faced the same challenge, these shamans evolve to understand their gifts.
We all need to recognize our gifts, but some people need more support than others. Unfortunately, our Western, scientific society holds a narrow view of human consciousness, so rebels and misfits are shunned or made to feel dysfunctional.
I am a product of that same society and I do not want to be seen in harsh judgement of it. We all mean well. The doctors and the system that have looked after my family member have done their best within the paradigm of knowledge they work with. I am only asking that we begin to consider alternatives, which are embraced by other cultures. In this multi-cultural world, with the communication channels we have, we are being exposed to too much knowledge from other cultures and traditions that suggest that we have much to learn from those other cultures. Beyond the scientific and materialist world we inhabit (at least with our prejudices.)
Phil Borges is a documentary film maker and photographer who has traveled the world to “tell stories for social change”.
His website is at:
With a blog at:
http://www.philborges.com/blog/
As I will continue to repeat on my blog here, we must all remain open to ideas and explore the possibilities in this world. Connections are imperative. What you do with the ideas and connections, is always up to you.
Phil Borges refers to another Ted Talk video by Eleanor Longden – a person who first experiences “mental illness” when she enters university.
Her inspiring and brave talk tells the story of her diagnosis of psychosis and ultimately, healing and peace.
She thanks all the people who helped her to save herself. Her painful journey was her soul’s, or her mind’s strategy for healing her previous trauma, which had been denied. The voices she heard were not a sign she was crazy, but rather her consciousness was acting rationally in order to heal her emotions and emotional trauma. Her “mental illness” was anything but.
We have so much to learn. And our evolution, peace and happiness demands it.
She has gone on to become a mental health professional, after completing her university education.
She is a hero to me and a part of this evolution of consciousness that I am here to celebrate and advocate for.
We are here to change the world.
It is time.
Begin.