– Meditation and Identifying Internalized Goodness –
Let’s face it. Life can be stressful. While a professional therapy setting can help patients understand core conflicts and overcome struggles, it may also be helpful to identify ways to deal with the stresses of everyday life through meditation and internalized goodness.
-Reflection and Internal Good Objects-
May is designated as National Meditation Month, which means people around the world will be centering on ways to center themselves. Quiet reflection, breathing techniques, visualizations, and yoga are all excellent paths to peace.
In psychoanalysis, one of the ways to finding peace of mind is identifying internal good objects. The basis of identifying our internal good objects is simple. Think about the most important people and relationships in your life, and reflect on their lives. Specifically, reflect on how they cared for you and how you admire their accomplishments. These internalized images could inspire you to overcome a current struggle or heal yourself during a difficult situation.
Many people find internalized goodness by reflecting on the strength of their loved ones, including Dr. Aisha Abbasi, Founder and Center Director of TBCPH.
“We can draw sustenance from the inner goodness of our loved ones to help us through difficult times,” said Dr. Abbasi. “I find strength in feeling the spirit of my brave father, a survivor, who danced with death, was shot and injured in one war, and became a P.O.W. after another war.”
With Memorial Day approaching, you may choose to honor brave lives lost while serving their country. These men and women may be family members or people you consider as heroes.
-Visualization Exercise-
To find internalized goodness, consider taking a time out for this meditative exercise. Sit comfortably with your eyes closed. Think about your internal good objects. Depending on your personal experiences, you may reflect on a family member, friend, teacher, colleague, mentor, or perhaps a physician or therapist. How have they cared for you or cared for others? How have they motivated you or motivated others? How have they survived? These visualizations may greatly help you find your way to more peace and less stress during a difficult situation.