Vade Mecum,: Vol Ventibus Annis
Vade Mecum,: Vol Ventibus Annis
Vade Mecum,: Vol Ventibus Annis
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LESSON IV
Beloved Perfector:
This is the fourth Lesson in the series: THERE IS POWER IN YOUR MIND.
This study is designed to help you to understand the nature of mental health, We
shell look closely at certain attitudes that sometimes eventuate in mental sick-
ness. We are not interested in serious disturbances of the mind, but rather in
the common threats to mental stability that confront us in our daily lives. In
the concluding section we shall consider the available methods that strengthen
the mind in the struggle for completeness.
Mental illness differs from physical illness in many respects. The symp-
toms are often illusive and dirficult to recognize. Clinical tests will reveal
any abnormality in the heart movement, but no such physical tests will indicate
the inner tensions that give rise to fear. Often we are not aware that our men-
tal condition is less than perfect. We cover our weaknesses, or we attribute
them to a physical difficulty. Furthermore, even when we are aware that something
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A mental check—up is more difficult. The techniques are not so well de-
fined. At certain points physical and mental examinations coincide. The doctor
who examines your physical health will inquire concerning your habits of sleep
and the functioning of your digestive system. The consideration of mental health
requires similar questions. Lack of sleep or malfunctioning of the digestive
system may have their source in mental attitudes as well as in physical symptoms.
But the mental check—up requires that we answer numerous other questions. The
physician or counsellor will find it necessary to consider your worries and your
fears, and your attitude toward people, whether aggressive or retiring. He will
- -~ want— —to know about your work whether you enjoy -it, or—whe-ther it is a burden.
—
While admitting that the term “happiness” is relative and indefinite, he may ask
whether or not you are happy. These questions will help to give the specialist
a picture of your mental state.
As we begin this Lesson you may want to give yourself a mental examina-
tion. Consider earnestly and sincerely the following questions. They are worded
in such a manner that you can answer with an affirmative or a negative. Take
time to weigh each question individually, then respond with a “yes” or a”no”.
3. Am I happy?
If you have answered eight of these questions affirmatively you have rea-
son to feel confident that you are in fair to excellent mental health. Even if
you have answered less than eight of the questions affirmatively it is not an
indication that you are mentally ill. It does suggest, however, that there is
potential danger in your mental attitudes. It indicates that your mental health
is less than perfect.
PRAYER
The subconscious mind helps us in numerous ways. You will recall moments
when you were unable to remember a name. You were embarrassed by the lapse in
your memory. Later, when you were relaxed, the name came suddenly into your mind
out of the subconscious. This is but one indication of countless experiences
when the subconscious recalls recollections the conscious mind had totally for-
gotten.
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Yet the subconscious may also be a constant threat to mental health. Many
of our fears and prejudices are a product of experiences in childhood that are
buried in the subconscious. They are often the source of our hesitation or refus-
al to accept the power we need. The block that keeps you from being victorious
may have its source in these hidden factors. Most of our so—called complexes —
lack of friendliness, hatred, suspicion, and jealousy —have their origin in the
subconscious.
The hope that we can control these constant menaces to our happiness de-
pends upon whether we are willing to deepen our knowledge and understanding. We
must be prepared to confront realistically any situation that causes us to be
withdrawn or fearful. The science of psychoanalysis depends almost entirely upon
the principle that we can dig out of the inner recesses of the mind the forgotten
memories of incidents that left their mark upon our lives. It is seldom possible
for us by ourselves to jo the digging that is involved in psychoanalysis, but we
can realistically face a situation in which our weaknesses are apparent and, by a
wise use of memory, search for the explanation of why we act as we do. We will
not always be successful, but we will sometimes find the key that unlocks the
door behind which the dark shadows are hiding.
This vast area of inner conflict has to be faced and dealt with if we are
to avoid mental sickness. Much of mental illness that requires hospitalization
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stems from the severity of the inner conflict between our conscience and the
pressing desires of our bodies and minds. For every patient in a mental institu-
tion who reflects these inner conflicts, there are thousands who are under par
mentally because they have refused to face the endless struggle that goes on be-
tween the conscience and selfish desires.
Recognize these two universal factors that contribute to mental
sickness. Don’t run away from them, or push them out of your
mind. A willingness on your part to face them, and to deal with
them, may be the key which you need to give you poise and power
for daily living.
-a -
Look at an example that helps us to understand both the conscious and the
unconscious drives. The example involves the founder of a large religious group.
John Wesley, as a child of six, was trapped on the second floor when fire swept
his home in Epworth, England. The other members of the family escaped to safety.
Only after flames had engulfed the house did they learn that John was missing.
His cry was heard; then he appeared at the window of a second floor room. At the
last possible moment he leaped to safety. For the rest of his life Wesley was
influenced by what he felt was a miraculous escape from death. He referred to
himself as “a brand plucked from the burning.” In his conscious mind he was sure
that he had been spared for a work only he could do. Certain psychologists have
maintained that the incident also had an unconscious influence upon his life. His
amazing strength to endure hardship, and his fortitude in the face of opposition
were products of the unconscious influence of the fire.
In the case of John Wesley the drives of the conscious and unconscious
childhood experience brought personal achievement as well as lasting benefits to
humanity. But such drives sometimes have adverse influences on conduct. They
lead us to strive desperately for social recognition or success. When this occurs
it is often an indication of mental ill—health. Sometimes the evidence of per-
sonal ambition and effort inspires a certain amount of admiration from those who
give homage to one who succeeds, but often it appears ridiculous and childish to
family and friends.
We are wise if we note the line that marks the difference between worthy
striving to use our abilities and the frantic desire to succeed. Usually the
line can be clearly established when we examine the motives for our striving. If
it is to help others, and to improve conditions in the community, it is almost
always wholesome. If the striving is designed to gain recognition and material
advantages for ourselves it must be assessed to learn whether it is accompanied
by that hectic quality that is a mark of immaturity, or even of sickness.
our failures. Jealousy blinds our eyes and our minds to truth. It keeps us from
seeing situations in their true light. Both envy and jealousy have their source
in pressing thoughts of personal inadequacy. Often the thoughts are erroneous
and dangerous. They discourage right thinking and worthy efforts.
The principle that applies on the national level is no less valid when it
is applied to our personal problems. Hate is a sign of weakness. It is a con-
fession of fear. Face the fact that hate of even one person is a threat to your
mental health. You can dislike a person, and remain healthy, but you cannot hate
without danger to your mind. Hate affects the physical body by fostering head-
aches, glandular disturbances, and digestive troubles.
1. Endeavor to understand yourself both your weaknesses and your evi-ET1 w13
—
While some of our unconscious drives will always elude us, apart from a
complete psychoanalysis, it is evident that the wise pilgrim can learn to under-
stand and harness the inner drives of the unconscious. Make an earnest effort to
discover why you act as you do. If you are overly aggressive in your social con-
tacts then face the fact that you may be a victim of inferiority feelings. If you
are timid and frightened when facing new situations, seek to learn whether you
were overly sheltered in your childhood by loving but unwise parents. If you are
jealous of the success of others then consider whether your particular talents
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give you reason to believe you can expect to compete on an equal basis with the
one against whom you direct the jealous feelings, or whether you are dwelling in
a dream world.
It should be evident that self—examination can become obsessive if it is
allowed to remain an end in itself. Yet mental health requires that we assess
realistically both our possibilities and our limitations.
2. Face your weaknesses without excuse or apolorv. When you excuse your-
self, or blame others for your mistakes and failures, you invite disaster. It is
never a cause for shame when you fail if you have put forth your best efforts.
The danger develops when you seek excuses. The mental strain becomes greater
when you turn to persons or circumstances as a means to explain away your lack of
achievement.
4. Learn to taP the Divine Resources available to helP those who are will
in~ to accept them. These resources are a gift of Almighty God. Develop faith in
Him as an antidote to fear. Practice the presence of God in your daily life.
Our minds are less subject to the pressures of an unfriendly and hostile
world when we learn how to accept and utilize a power beyond our own. By that
process the Divine Mind works upon our thoughts and motives to provide an answer
to our deepest needs.
In conclusion
Mental Health is available to all who willingly travel the road that leads
to wholeness. Whatever strain is imposed upon you by your work, your family
—
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%N¾V
AFFIRMATION
I will —
—recognize my weaknesses
Blessings,
YOUR INSTRUCTOR.
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