The Spiritual Journey Part VIII: Depression and Anxiety

I know I'm publishing these posts fairly close together, but I felt that part eight couldn't wait.


I write this now as I'm feeling a slight panic attack. Over the past year or so, I've felt highs and lows and don't always know what to make of them. But again, what I've learned is that faith can help you, but it's not a cure-all. So what do I do when prayer, meditation and deep breathing don't help me? I go swimming if it's available. I feel at peace in the water, though I wish the chlorine smelled more pleasant. I feel the weight leave me and get myself to a point of... I wouldn't call it exhaustion, but I can call it good.
What do you do that makes you feel calm?

The Spiritual Journey Part VII: Simplicity in Faith

Hello again, dear readers.

While chatting on message boards, I've noticed that some people think faith has to be exceedingly complex. I think it's actually pretty darned simple. If you believe in God or some higher power, you don't need to be tied to all of the manmade rules. Some rules are good like treating others like you'd like to be treated.
There are some rules that shouldn't be treated as an absolute. I think it's pretty easy to recognize the rules that we all should follow and leave the rest behind.