Spiritual Health as a Subject in School
When we are born we are ignorant. We are ignorant of the world and how it works. Via studies and over a lifetime we are educated and this ignorance diminishes — but it requires work. I argue that the same is true of our inner mental state, or spiritual health. Initially, we are ignorant of how we work — but with knowledge and practice, we can modify and change our mental state. It is a spiritual journey for personal well-being and growth — one we all partake in whether we like it or not.
Because most of us will be alive a long time, it would make a lot of sense to start this journey early. How can we educate more people on how to enjoy life more? Is it not a big problem in today’s society with anxiety and depression — how to find meaning? Where can we effectively find a solution to these problem’s root causes?
Since we insist, as a society, to put children on school benches and listen to others talk — why not add some more beneficial stuff to what is being said. I believe this spiritual journey could be started for many people during their teenage years, during high school. It all starts with knowledge — without it we are ignorant.
Philosophy, Neuroscience, Psychology, and Spirituality have a lot to teach about what it is like being human. What are good tips and tricks when it comes to handling oneself? These are of course personal because we are all different — however, we are also very much alike, with similar neurochemistry and similar thought patterns. Some things are generally true and would be beneficial to teach in schools as part of the curriculum.
It is a shame this has not been done before — maybe it is because the teachings of western psychology have not been for the general public before and the teachings of eastern spirituality (how to live well) have been resented because it is foreign. Or maybe it is because western society has been so focused on the outer (material) world it has totally missed the equally important inner world. No matter, let us change now instead.
What sort of change do I mean exactly? I call it Spiritual for lack of a better word. In reality, I mean a more diverse change: connecting intellect, feeling, heart, and mind. Depending on the ages taught there are different levels of maturity, complexity, and practicality. I’d suggest starting in high school with the most practical tips and ending in upper secondary school or university with more complexity.
This can be taught in general guidelines or as practical tips. Since I like concrete examples, here are a few:
- Nobody else thinks for you. You have to think yourself. Just reading any tips does nothing if you don’t think about and make them your own (=internalize).
- Work out every day or walk for 30 minutes. It affects your inner world a lot. Feels better to do things if you get to move. Do it several times a day for more effect.
- Breathe slow deep breaths presently to calm down
- Don’t watch screens before going to bed, it affects your sleep. Instead, read or do some other activity that can calm you down
- Pause, don’t go from one thing to the next all the time. Allow yourself to be bored. It is not a bad feeling. Follow your mind and thought — what does it do?
- Hug friends and family, physical contact with other people is usually good
- Care for yourself as you would care for a family member or a good friend
- Be creative and present in whatever you do, make it your own
More complex practical tips:
- You program your mind with stuff you do every day. It can be reprogrammed but that is hard and requires energy.
- Avoid judging your own thoughts and emotions, instead pay only attention to them and see them for what they are — that is the first step to understand and handle them correctly. Judging your own thoughts only leads to negative thought spirals. Instead, just give them attention and see them for what they are.
- You can choose how deep to dwell on emotions.
- Some emotions don’t serve you. Fear and anger usually (not always..) cause more inner havoc than do good. If you realize this, it is possible to notice when you feel them — and just change them out for compassion/something else instead. Without changing the outcome of any outer scenario — simply changing your inner realm.
- Don’t obey anyone’s command unless it is coming from within you also. Listen to yourself.
Now this list is incomplete and there are loads of probably better thoughts regarding spiritual and mental health out there. However, you get the point: this stuff is not rocket science — anyone can grasp it.
To recap the main idea: we should teach some sort of mental hygiene or physical and spiritual health knowledge in schools. It is lacking at the moment — and individuals and society are worse off because of it.
Thanks for reading.
P.S. Best value tip: meditate while visiting the toilet (aka don’t take out your phone)
