Damo Mitchell, an expert in mental health and internal arts, shares his insights from the forests of Sweden. He discusses the surge in mental health issues arising from the COVID-19 pandemic, linking it to isolation and media influence. Damo explores the tension between sensory experiences and cultivation in Qigong practice, warning against losing touch with reality through extreme visualization. He emphasizes the need for structured learning and genuine human connection to navigate the challenges faced by practitioners and those affected by mental health struggles.
The COVID era has exacerbated mental health issues, leading to heightened anxiety and feelings of disconnection due to isolation and negative media consumption.
In Qigong practice, the pursuit of sensation can become detrimental, causing individuals to lose touch with reality and contribute to paranoia.
Adopting a cultivation-focused approach in Qigong promotes emotional stability and clarity by emphasizing a passive engagement with bodily experiences rather than attachment to sensations.
Deep dives
Impact of COVID on Mental Health
The COVID era has significantly affected people's mental health, leading to an increase in stress and emotional difficulties. Many individuals who experienced isolation during lockdowns have struggled to adjust, resulting in heightened anxiety and depressive symptoms. The constant intake of distressing media during that time has reinforced negative perceptions and contributed to a sense of hopelessness. Comparisons between mental states before and after the pandemic reveal a concerning trend where many now view their reality through a lens tainted by past experiences of isolation and fear.
Isolation and Media Consumption
Extended periods of isolation have created an environment where individuals increasingly turn to media for information and connection, often consuming content steeped in doom and gloom. This has fostered a mental state where anxiety is amplified by the repetitive exposure to harmful narratives and negative messages. The reliance on digital communication has further exacerbated feelings of disconnection, as people retreat into their own worlds without meaningful social interactions. The lack of face-to-face conversations contributes to a sense of loneliness that perpetuates mental health issues.
The Dangers of Sensation-Based Practices
In practices like Qigong, focusing on sensations rather than cultivation can lead to detrimental mental health outcomes. Many practitioners become preoccupied with experiencing heightened states and feelings, creating a cycle of dependency on these sensations. As people become more invested in their experiences, they may lose touch with reality and allow their minds to craft narratives that contribute to paranoia and delusions. This pattern can spiral into deeper psychological issues, compounding the effects of pre-existing mental health struggles exacerbated by isolation and media influence.
The Path of Cultivation
The alternative to the sensation-driven approach is the path of cultivation, which advocates for a more passive and grounded practice. Cultivation emphasizes paying attention to the body's experiences without attachment or obsession about sensations or heightened states. This method encourages individuals to embrace simplicity and patience, ultimately leading to a better understanding of their reality and mental health. By following this path, practitioners can accumulate genuine energy, leading to clarity of thought and emotional stability, rather than becoming entrapped in a cycle of stress and sensory pursuit.
Seeking Help and Reducing Media Exposure
For those struggling with mental health issues, taking a step back from media consumption can be beneficial. Engaging less with distressing news and social media allows individuals to reconnect with reality and prioritize their well-being. It's essential to check in on loved ones who may be isolating and help them seek support if needed. Ultimately, recognizing the impact of isolation and media on mental health can foster a healthier and more balanced approach to life, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Damo Mitchell in the forests of Sweden, chatting about the recent explosion of poor mental health which resulted from the Covid era. He looks at the nature of believing ones own mind as well as how extreme visualisation within the internal arts may contribute to a loss of sense of reality.
The main section of the podcast talks about the difference between the paths of 'sensation' and 'cultivation', two roads that are presented to a practitioner when they first start out within an art such as Qigong.
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