It is certainly the case that sins are a potent cause of physical ailments. If humankind were free from the defilements of sin and waywardness, and lived according to a natural, inborn equilibrium, without following wherever their passions led, it is undeniable that diseases would no longer take the ascendant, nor diversify with such intensity. (‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, #134, p. 152)
Once diagnosed with anxiety and depression, I did everything in my power to find a solution – from medication to alternative health therapies, to many years of talk therapy and everything in between. As a Bahá’í I found many answers in the Writings which brought comfort to my mind, but nothing got me free from the effects of anxiety and depression till I met Henry Wright, a Christian minister who specializes in the spiritual roots behind disease. Henry teaches, and I’ve come to believe, that 80% of all disease, including depression, has a spiritual root. I’m only just learning how the veils we put up between us and God lead to disease in the body. This was a huge wake-up revelation for me! ‘Abdul-Bahá describes it so well in today’s quote.
I used to think that “sins” referred to the “big” ones (murder, sex outside marriage), but now I’ve come to understand sin as anything that God (through the Baha’i Writings) tells me to do, which I’m not doing.
By deepening my understanding of these teachings, I’ve come to realize that when I call my disease “anxiety and depression”, I fall into the medical model, and stay trapped in the prison of self. When I call it “fear and self-pity” instead, it became a sin (or veil between me and God), and there were things I could find in the Writings to do to remove the veil. This concept changed my life for the better, and when I applied his teachings, I became free and eager to pass along what I learned to others.
Knowing that when I fall into fear and self-pity, I’m not trusting God and His Teachings, and this veil is the cause of my disease, and believing there are solutions I can use, I am grateful!
What jumped out for you as you read today’s meditation? I’d love it if you would share so we can all expand our knowledge of the Writings!
If you liked this meditation, you might also like my book Making Friends with Sin and Temptation
GREATER UNDERSTANDING AND LEARNING FOR ME
I’m so glad, Rajkumari!
I often read your columns but, have been lax in expressing my appreciation. This is such vital information in today’s climate, may you be strengthened, sustained and guided in the many efforts you exert in the pathway of service to this cause, God bless you and yours
Thank you for the kind and warm encouragement, Michael. God is indeed blessing my work and giving it into the hands of those who want it, which is always my most fervent prayer.
Hi Susan, I would like to help to keep this site alive. However, I do not want to use paypal. ( I have bad experience with paypal ). Is there another way by which I can financially support this site?
So the question is: What brings total trust?
I think it’s reliance on God, Vafa. The more I strengthen my relationship through obedience to His laws, the more bounties I collect and the more I trust Him. I have to keep doing it over and over though, because I get cocky and think my success is mine, forgetting and needing to be reminded that it’s all more God’s success than mine.
Susan, your insight has caught me and I’m striving to understand the implications of this post. The paragraph beginning, “By deepening my understanding…” is very deep. I would love for you to write more about this, especially about the things you found in the Writings that help remove veils. Thank you.
Great question, Kathy! Thank you for asking. It took me a whole book to get my head around this and explain it to myself and others. Maybe you’ll find the answers in Making Friends with Sin and Temptation
I have depressive episodes and am prone to anxiety. I sometimes use antidepressives because it is for me still difficult in winter not to let these unrealistic thoughts and feelings overwhelm me.
But more and more I realise that these feelings and thoughts are not based in reality but are part of my ego that tries to keep me alive, in a way that is not useful. Doing exercises in which i actively put all my affairs in DGod s hands, help me. I do them sometimes several times a day.
Thanks for this wonderful story (and reminder), Janine. I agree – the more I pay attention to my thoughts, feelings and wants, and remember to give them all to God, the better I feel.