From Bipolar to Buddha: Teh Practice That Changed My Life
For twenty years, a consistent practice of Buddhist chanting has profoundly reshaped my life, impacting everything from my career and relationships to my finances and, crucially, my mental health.Before discovering Buddhism,I was deeply entrenched in a victim mentality,constantly asking “Why me?” and attributing my struggles to external forces.This perspective, I quickly learned, was incompatible with the core tenets of my new faith.
Buddhism teaches that obstacles aren’t roadblocks, but opportunities for growth, stepping stones on the path toward buddhahood – a state akin to enlightenment. A life devoid of challenges doesn’t inspire the deep internal work that chanting facilitates, and it’s through this chanting that true change occurs. The practice centers around changing “poison into medicine,” and for me, that meant channeling my experience with bipolar disorder into a force for good.
This transformation began with a search for community. I found it within my Buddhist association, a network that actively fosters connection and support. Members gather to chant together, offering encouragement and a sense of belonging. A monthly “member care meeting” provides a dedicated space for leaders to check in on individual well-being and identify those who might need extra support. In a world increasingly marked by disconnection and isolation, this sense of community has been incredibly powerful. As I often say, organizing for world peace naturally attracts a remarkable group of people.
Beyond community, Buddhism has been instrumental in rebuilding my self-esteem. I’ve always struggled with insecurity,compounded by the stigma surrounding mental illness. However, the central tenet of my practice is the belief that we all possess an inherent “spark of divinity” – that each of us is the Buddha.The original Buddha achieved enlightenment through realizing this very truth under the bodhi tree. It took me approximately fifteen years to consciously begin chanting to believe this about myself, and another three years to truly internalize it, not just intellectually, but at a soul level.
Once that belief took root, my self-esteem began to flourish. While it requires daily reinforcement, this conviction – that I am the Buddha, and so are you – remains my most important prayer. Believing in my own inherent worth brings profound happiness, and recognizing that same worth in others fosters deep respect. It’s a simple principle, but I believe it’s the foundation for lasting world peace.
Through this practice, I’ve transformed every area of my life. I’ve channeled my journey into a peer life coaching practice and dedicate myself to training mental health professionals on the principles of mental health recovery. And while I still find something to chant about, even amidst the sunshine of Southern California, it’s a testament to the ongoing, evolving power of this practice.
