In a recent interview Michelle Obama states, “These are not fulfilling times spiritually.” She uses the word dispiriting to describe her low-grade depression. We recognize the former First Lady as a strong, fiercely independent, smart, purpose-driven woman and mother. Yet, you can hear the whispers of pain in her voice, the depleted energy required to find her inner strength and use of personal power as she strives to sustain her place of peace. This ‘dispirited’ woman is also a woman who speaks to many of us, particularly during these days of uncertainty.
Dictionaries define dispirited as having lost our normal sense of enthusiasm or hope; our morale feels deprived. Depression, defined by The American Psychiatric Association, is “a negative affective state, ranging from unhappiness and discontent to an extreme feeling of sadness, pessimism, and despondency that interferes with daily life”. Neither of these definitions acknowledge the wholistic linkage of mind, body, soul and spirit that impacts our daily sense of well-being.
When we are spiritually unfulfilled, we feel it deeply in our wholeness of being. It shows up in our desire—or more so, our lack of desire. What used to be motivating, energizing, keeping us in a mindful sense of flow seems to have flown away, having taken up residence is someone else’s nest. Our bodies may yearn for fewer sleepless nights, feeling fatigued from too much stress and anxiety, begging us to return to our healthier routines of consistent movement and nutritious eating. Our heart box may be full of quiet sadness, overpowering grief or paralyzed confusion. Our souls are lethargic, withdrawing into the comforting darkness of despondency. Our Spirit has lost its bright light—no longer a brilliant beacon for ourselves, much less anyone else.
Michelle Obama’s ‘Let’s Move’ campaign to end childhood obesity inspired the Songs for America album that supports healthy habits for kids. If I were to interview her, I would ask what music she’s been playing that inspires her to make healthier choices, that helps oppress her bouts of spiritual void and depression. Does she listen to the melancholy, story-telling voices that give her permission to express her own pain, vulnerability and out-of-sorts emotions? Or, is her playlist full of upbeat, energetic songs—getting her up on her feet—dancing her way out of the uncertainty and ambiguous abyss? My guess is she listens to both—the necessary balance of yin and yang vibrations that will propel her wholly back into spiritual fulfillment.
I probably won’t be talking to Michelle Obama; however, you would be my next choice. Reach out to me if you need actionable direction and spirited fulfillment during these dispiriting times. I’m confident our playlist has a few of the same songs.
enJOY, Mary
Contemplate:
Let Music Be Your Spiritual Medicine
Create five wholistic well-being playlists that will:
- Increase your productivity
- Energize your body
- Heal your heart
- Soothe your soul
- Uplift your spirit
- Play. One. More. Daily. enJOY.
Michelle Obama cited “quarantine, racial strife and watching the hypocrisy of the current administration” as contributing causes to her dispiriting, low-grade depression. When you’re having a day like Michelle describes, what are your contributing factors?
If inclined, email them to me.
Confidentiality guaranteed.
Nutritional Recommendations to Help Fight Depression and Anxiety:
Smart food and beverage choices may help your body’s ability to regulate and lessen depression and anxiety.
To ensure you are empowering your optimal well-being, eat these foods to help decrease the darkness of depression and anxiety and increase your light of positivity. Click here for pdf.
