We Felt Lost Until We Remembered This
How simple wellness practices bring peace
“Mi, I need counseling, I don’t feel well today. I’m having a mental block”.
My husband calls me “Mi”. We’re both feeling the weight of his new role, and I wanted to help. I thought calling my company’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) hotline would give us immediate support.
The process wasn’t as fast as I’d hoped. It took 30 minutes just to gather our personal information before they provided us with a list of nearby therapists.
During that time, I kept thinking, What if this was an emergency? What if I needed to speak to someone urgently? The waiting felt unbearable. The realization that this was the help we were offered felt disheartening.
But then something shifted.
A Moment of Clarity
After the call, my husband and I sat quietly at the dining table.
Suddenly, he said with a more positive tone, "I know a solution. Wellness Center!" There was a spark in his eyes, and for the first time that day, I felt hope.
He reminded me how I had managed my mental health struggles in the past without medication. His confidence grew, believing that he could also find healing through holistic means. We both agreed that, although a mental health professional would give us support and guidance, we can in the meantime, return to the things that bring us peace.
Returning to Our First Loves
As we started talking calmly, we reflected on how far we’ve come. From our single days, when we each had to deal with the loss of a parent, to battling deep depression together. In that moment, we realized that we needed to reconnect with what had always helped us: more time in nature and self-realization activities.
We began listening to a powerful chant, "Baba Nam Kevalam," which means Love is all there is. As the music played, I felt my stress melting away, and I noticed my husband feeling the same. He even picked up his guitar from the garage — a hobby he had. We both smiled and felt better, knowing that we were taking control of our healing process together.
The Power of Wellness
Wellness is caring for the body, nurturing your mind, and making your soul dance. My husband remembered how much joy playing the guitar brought him, and he committed to making time for it again. This small step was a reminder that doing what we love is a powerful way to heal.
In 2012 when I got diagnosed with a mental condition, my husband and I spent 5 days in a Wellness Center right after my hospitalization. For those days, we:
ate vegetarian food
did meditation 2x a day
sang meditative songs for hours
had counseling from our Acharyas (aka Spiritual Teachers)
Through that experience, I know that’s the best way to heal. It gave us the tools we needed to care for ourselves holistically, and I’ve practiced what I learned ever since.
*Ananda Marga Wellness Center in Cebu, Philippines, 2012
As the seasons change, especially now that we live in a place with cold weather, we’ve realized that even small things like adding layers of clothing in the morning are reminders of the adjustments we need to make for our well-being. Fall invites us to slow down, reflect, and take better care of ourselves.
Communicating with Care
One of the biggest lessons we’ve learned is the importance of communication, not just with each other but also with ourselves. My husband once asked,
“How come you’re able to see things?”
I told him it’s because I’ve developed the habit of writing down my thoughts and feelings. It’s how I speak to myself, and later, I reflect on what I’ve written to gain insight into my mental state.
Communicating with others is essential, but communicating with yourself is just as important. And when you do, remember to be kind. We realized that when one of us isn’t feeling well, it’s crucial to step away from our son so he doesn’t absorb our stress. After all, he’s a reflection of us, and taking care of ourselves means we’re giving him the best version of ourselves.
Key Reminders
Wellness is holistic. Don’t rely solely on external help — connect with the things that bring you joy. In the end, it’s you who would know what’s best for you.
Communicate openly and calmly. Whether it’s with a partner or yourself, honest, unfiltered conversations help.
Reconnect with your passions. Engaging in what you love is a powerful form of self-care.
Be mindful of your energy. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, take time to step back before your emotions affect those around you.
Final Thoughts
Looking back at how far we’ve come, I realize we’ve done well. Our son is our legacy, and taking care of ourselves means we’re giving him the best version of who we are.
Wellness is not a quick fix. It’s a process we take together, day by day, learning and growing along the way.
What are the things that bring you peace, and how can you bring them into your life more often?