Rotary International President, Gordon McInally, has inspired us to think about Creating Hope in the World and we can do so by ensuring we are practicing caring for ourselves and others this Rotary year. Each month, we will take a moment to share a mental health moment to inspire you on how you can practice caring for yourself and others.
In addition, District 5150 has taken a pledge to focus on mental health and has a group of committed Rotarians working towards making a difference in the arena of mental health here in our own district. We are working towards creating a District 5150 Rotarian Action Group and need your help. If you are interested in being a part of the discussion and solution, please join us. Our next meeting is July 18th at 6pm. For more information contact Jenny Bates.
Soul Exhaustion
This month we are sharing a little bit about something many of have experienced: soul exhaustion. The Greek word psyche, which the word psychology was created from, means “breath, spirit, soul or mind.” The concept of “Soul Exhaustion” explores the possibility that people’s struggles are caused by the intense stresses of our lives. Soul exhaustion can feel as if you’re treading water for hours while barely keeping your head above the surface. When your soul is tired, it is often a sign that you are out of alignment with your purpose. Your inner flame is flickering out, and it’s time for some soul care.
Checklist of Soul Exhaustion Red Flags
When our spirit is worn down and our souls are crushed by the challenges of the world, red flags often emerge that tell us our soul needs feeding.
What are you experiencing:
☐ An overwhelmingly desire to sleep that does not relieve fatigue
☐ Inability to experience joy or happiness
☐ Loss of interest in things you loved to do
☐ Your body aches
☐ You daydream about running away to a different, more quiet life
☐ Emotional Numbness
☐ Inability to empathize with others having a hard time
☐ Experience loneliness while also making excuses to be alone
☐ Constant Dread
☐ Life is on autopilot
☐ Small tasks seem overwhelming
Many of these changes may also be signs of depression or anxiety problems that are caused by physical or mental health conditions. If you are unsure, contact a medical professional.
Soul Care
Soul Care is about making time for wellness during difficult times. Here are some practices for soul care:
- Cultivate intentional rest
- Create space for a silent retreat to listen to your inner voice
- Connect to a sense of awe while in nature or immersed in the arts
- Engage in social justice or community volunteering
- Practice intentional acts of kindness with loves ones and strangers
- Explore a fresh perspective of wonder while observing children or animals
- Journal your experience
- Meditation or other spiritual endeavors
As we all go forth in our Rotary endeavors, please do not forget soul exhaustion is real and we need to take a moment to reset in our own lives before we can help others. As Ralph Marson once said, “Rest when you’re weary. Refresh and renew yourself, your body, your mind and your spirit. Then get back to work.”
About the author: Jenny Bates is a proud Rotarian in District 5150 and is the wife of the District Governor Laine Hendricks. She is Licensed Clinical Social Worker and owner of Waves of Change Recovery Services. View our other Mental Health Matters blog posts.