We’re in a mass depression. Can spirituality help? | Lisa Miller
Summary
40 years ago, the US started excluding religion from the public square, leading to a decline in personal spiritual life and family faith traditions causing an increase in diseases of despair. The society may be heading towards a spiritual renaissance with a mass developmental depression signaling a mass spiritual awakening. Spiritual emergence in different stages of life urges individuals to seek ultimate purpose, love deeply, and contribute meaningfully, with depression potentially being a quest for deeper self-discovery. Emphasis is placed on letting the heart guide decisions, turning moments of trauma into growth opportunities, and practical exercises to cultivate an awareness of life quest.
Loss of Pluralism in Society
40 years ago, the United States and post-industrial culture became exclusive by excluding religion from the public square, leading to a spiritually non-conversant society.
Sharp Decline in Spiritual Life
There has been a decline in personal spiritual life and family faith traditions, leading to an increase in diseases of despair.
Potential Spiritual Renaissance
Society may be on the brink of a spiritual renaissance with a mass developmental depression signaling a mass spiritual awakening.
Spiritual Growth in Different Life Stages
Spiritual emergence occurs in adolescence, midlife, and elderhood, prompting individuals to seek ultimate purpose, love deeply, and contribute meaningfully.
Spirituality and Depression Connection
Data shows a correlation between spiritual awareness and depression, suggesting that depression can be a quest for ultimate purpose and deeper self-discovery.
Balancing Head and Heart
Emphasizes the importance of letting the heart guide decisions to discern the true path forward and live a life of quest and deep guidance.
Opportunity in Life's Challenges
Moments of trauma and loss can be opportunities for growth and self-discovery, leading to innovative problem-solving and a flourishing life.
Cultivating a Stance of Quest
Practical exercises to cultivate an awareness of quest in life, reflecting on past experiences, pivoting from obstacles, and embracing the journey.
FAQ
Q: What has been the impact of excluding religion from the public square in post-industrial culture?
A: There has been a decline in personal spiritual life and family faith traditions, leading to an increase in diseases of despair.
Q: When does spiritual emergence typically occur according to the text?
A: Spiritual emergence occurs in adolescence, midlife, and elderhood, prompting individuals to seek ultimate purpose, love deeply, and contribute meaningfully.
Q: What is the correlation between spiritual awareness and depression as mentioned in the information provided?
A: Data shows a correlation between spiritual awareness and depression, suggesting that depression can be a quest for ultimate purpose and deeper self-discovery.
Q: How are moments of trauma and loss viewed in the context of spiritual growth according to the text?
A: Moments of trauma and loss can be opportunities for growth and self-discovery, leading to innovative problem-solving and a flourishing life.
Q: What are some practical exercises mentioned to cultivate an awareness of quest in life?
A: Practical exercises include reflecting on past experiences, pivoting from obstacles, and embracing the journey.
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