kirkshoe

What types of spiritual practices or mental exercises do you use to help you cope with diabetes? For me, I like to mix things up and do whatever feels right at the time. Typically I use martial arts, exercise or various "mental exercises" like praying, meditation and reading spiritual books. I also love to listen to a variety of music and sit and relax around fires. This weekend will have me trying something that I have never attempted before but something that I have always been interested and curious about - a Native American sweat lodge.

I am curious about some of the things that may come up during my experience. I am also wondering how my diabetes will show itself during the session. Whatever the case, I know it will be profound and perhaps it will help me come to be at a more peaceful place with my body and my disease.

I feel having a strong mental side is crucial to helping one endure the struggles that come with living with diabetes. I know, for me anyway, that since becoming diabetic my spiritual side has opened up immensely. As I write this, I can recall on certain experiences I've had. Some of my most divine times were had on a trip with one of my closest friends last year. Our journey took us through Yellowstone and many of the beautiful states surrounding it. We packed up his car with gear and miscellaneous goods that we used on the road. We had CDs that we listened to the whole time that were excellent for captivating the experience. We drove through mountains, forests, and we endured many marvelous things. We camped in his car and shared some extremely raw moments. We even spent the night in the "badlands" of South Dakota where I am positive it is in an entire different realm than the rest of the universe.

Whatever the case is in what ways has diabetes affected your spiritual side? Have you noticed differences in the way you deal with things mentally? What does it all mean to you? Are you a spiritual person or has getting diabetes not affected your spirituality in any way?

Thanks for your time and thoughts. -Andy