SCALE OF ACCEPTABILITY

In today’s society we have created a Scale of Acceptability.  At the top if this scale, rating high in value is a concern for family and friends and their physical well-being.  Family pets, those cherished companions of fur, feathers and scales are considered to be an important part of many people’s lives and almost any expense for their upkeep and care is generally accepted to be a certainty.

 Now, let us look at our physical health.  When a Dr. prescribes medication to treat a condition or perhaps we have to buy a medical device like a support for the back or a brace for the leg, we go ahead and purchase what is needed.  These things are often considered a bother and yes, it can be an extra expense but we pay anyway, knowing that it will benefit our health in the long run. Generally speaking, arguing with the Pharmacist over the cost, rolling your eyes at them, or trying to waggle a deal to get extra pills is not something that is done. It is considered rude and not something that most people would do, because the service that is being offered is valued. In addition, the Dr. and Pharmacist have been placed in a high value position on that Scale of Acceptability.

Now, let us look at our mental health.  Discussions about mental health often make people feel uncomfortable.  Sometimes it triggers memories relating to mental health issues for that individual or someone they know. However when issues relating to mental health are considered “real” that is, a Dr. has diagnosed a clinical mental illness,  the mental illness is then placed on the Scale of Acceptability. For each person there is a range where it will be categorized but none the less it is there. Once it has been place there, any treatments and/or medications are considered an acceptable expense that will be paid for without argument.

Now led us look at Spiritual health. When we talk about Spiritual health we talk about the mind-body –spirit connection. This is a cycle that exists in us, and around us, and when it is broken or disrupted in some way, we are limited in physical, emotional, or mental ways.  Many people for example, can develop physical pains for which conventional medicine has no answer.

Where does Spiritual health fall on the Scale of Acceptability? For many people it does not even merit a spot. A stigma exists with regards to seeking help for Spiritual health. It has been my experience in my practice, that there seems to be an unwritten and often unspoken rule of silence, shame and sadly, frequently of Ignorance. Tied into this, is a resistance even for those seeking help, to honour the value of the service.  I have personally witnessed with clients a strong level of self-sabotage and extreme resistance. The resistance covers all areas from willingness to listen, learn and implement personal change to paying for the services itself! When it comes to value for value, this is where there is a disconnect for many people.  I believe it stems from feeling insulted and vulnerable in seeking out and accepting spiritual based services, as in doing so means that a person must not only acknowledge their need for the Spiritual help but also their desire for it.

Now is the time to determine where Spiritual health falls on your Scale of Acceptability.  Honour and accept yourself for all that you are and all that you can be by giving it a place of importance.  In doing so, you acknowledge all of yourself.  You also show respect for the skills and training of the practitioner you seek in your personal journey for Spiritual health.

Jade
Let Your Spirit Grow.com

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