Struggling with mental health? The Jedi way can help

Mental health has been more prominent in our society now more than ever. So many people deal with mental health out in the open as well as behind closed doors. It is a prominent topic that should be discussed more. I am no doctor or therapist, so I cannot give medical opinions. However, I can give potential advice to those struggling with mental health by presenting the principles, teachings, and philosophies of the Jedi.

The Jedi believe in peace and tranquility while also devoting themselves to many positive ideals that you can use to help better your mind. They practice meditation to achieve a calm mind, are mindful of their thoughts, and have the highest level of patience. They also avoid acting on negative emotions like fear, anger, aggression, and hate. And above all, they are humble; they believe that they can always work on improving themselves, are selfless, and even have a keen sense of humor.

Speaking from personal experience, I have begun to meditate every morning. It has done wonders for my mental status. Practicing these exercises can help ease your mind, have tranquility, and keep your mind at peace.

The dos and (don’ts) of being a Jedi

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Now we all occasionally have negative thoughts enter our minds. It is natural. But it takes the utmost mental strength to not allow those thoughts to take over our minds. We cannot allow negativity to dictate our actions.

That is the ways of the Sith. Passion, or emotions, are the main tools the Sith use to fuel themselves. The Sith believe that through using and taking advantage of their raw emotions that they can achieve their goals, no matter the cost.

Acting on negative emotions and thoughts can lead you down a dark path that is difficult to stray away from. As Yoda said to Anakin in Episode I: The Phantom Menace: “Fear leads to anger, anger leads to hate, hate leads to suffering.” That statement is absolutely true.

Essentially, following the philosophies of the Jedi can hopefully lead you down a path of having a clear and peaceful mind whereas allowing whatever struggles you are going through to dictate the status of your mental state, similar to the Sith, can lead to a negative mind filled with feelings of anger, dread, and fear. If you are struggling with mental health, I encourage you to follow the ways of the Jedi to try and achieve tranquility, and more importantly, to know that you are not alone.