Mental Health and Homelessness
Today, Gary and I talk on the topic of homelessness and mental health. We discuss how "Self Love", might be a real catalyst for change in both homeless people, and those living with mental illness. Knowing this, we don't believe self love is easy for all people to practice. We believe it is something that can be learned and practiced, and are hopeful that many people who suffer living on the streets with no shelter, or who are addicted on drugs are taught this simple recipe for change. We should all love others!! But more so, loving ourselves, gives us the capacity to love others. Love is a circle. It is a give and a take. This is true for both self love and for the way we love others.
As Gary mentioned in this episode, most humans know it's acceptable to love and care for others. They feel love when they give their time and resources into helping others, and may seem asuradly confident that they are doing there part. Self care is, taking a nap, reading a book, working in the yard/garage. It's gardening, working on cars, doing your make up, getting a pedicure, taking a shower, eating breakfast.
We believe that self care is personal. It's individualized. We get to choose how to care for ourselves. We also feel that community can help shape our conception of self love. We learn from others, and incorporate their skills into our daily living.
Having mental illness, and being homeless at one point in my life, has given me the ability years later to look into my own mind. What was I thinking when I got Manic and had to go to the hospital? Where was my mind at, when I was living in my car? I've had to reflect on the sad state of my mind during those very difficult times in my life. I know I didn't love myself. I didn't care for myself. I was confused. I was angry. I was resentful, and I was very selfish.
Things can, and do change! They change every single day! The more we respect, love, and honor ourselves, and the more we teach others how to do the same; I believe the less homelessness we'll see.
Our hopes are that this podcast sparks curiosity in you. We hope it opens your minds to concepts you've never thought of before!
Thank you so much for supporting Melding of the Minds!