Heal the Brain, Heal the Spirit: Maslow’s Hierarchy & the Spiritual Path
"Healing means accepting all parts of ourselves, not just the parts we like, but all of us." – Louise Hay
A Life Shrouded in Fog
Throughout my life, I faced debilitating chronic health challenges that clouded my ability to think clearly and focus. Brain fog, dizziness, headaches, and vertigo often left me feeling crippled and disconnected. These weren’t just physical pains; they were barriers that obstructed my path to spiritual growth and emotional stability.
There were days when simple acts essential to my spiritual practice—meditating, reading, listening to inspiring talks, or even having a meaningful conversation—became insurmountable. Instead of engaging in these nourishing activities, I found myself lying in bed with a cold towel on my forehead or zoning out to Netflix, desperately trying to make time pass. Each moment spent battling these symptoms felt like a step away from the mystery and beauty of the world.
The Deep Connection Between Body and Spirit
Facing these persistent health issues made me acutely aware of how interconnected our physical health is with our spiritual and emotional well-being. I realized that my struggle wasn’t merely about enduring physical pain; it was about how these symptoms impeded my mental clarity and emotional balance, essential components for a fulfilling spiritual life.
Taking Mental Clarity for Granted
For those who have never experienced such cognitive disruptions, it's easy to take a healthy brain for granted. Many assume that pursuing a spiritual path or engaging in self-work—like emotional awareness, conflict resolution, or career development—is purely a matter of will and intention. However, without a functional mind, these pursuits can feel nearly impossible. My journey taught me that mental clarity is the foundation upon which all other aspects of spiritual and personal growth are built.
The Weight of Invalidation
One of the most challenging aspects of dealing with brain fog and related symptoms was the feeling of being misunderstood and invalidated by those who didn’t understand what I was experiencing.
I’ve encountered numerous doctors who either couldn’t empathize with my condition or dismissed it as purely psychological. This lack was incredibly disheartening. It wasn’t just about seeking medical help; it was about the pervasive feeling that those around me minimized my struggles—be they doctors, friends, or family members.
This invalidation often led to a profound sense of isolation. The symptoms go beyond mere forgetfulness or fatigue—they permeate every aspect of life, making it difficult to complete basic tasks, maintain social relationships, and engage in meaningful self-work. When your mind is clouded, your spirit feels shackled, unable to reach the clarity needed for deep connection and growth.
Discovering a Path Through Practice
I’ve supported numerous clients who resonate with spiritual leaders like Joe Dispenza, who argue that our thoughts and emotions alone can heal our bodies. While I respect aspects of this perspective and have seen it work for many, it overlooks those of us who cannot sit in meditation for long periods of concentrated visualization.
Consider the millions of cancer patients in the United States whose treatments and pain medications impact their cognitive function. This was something my husband, Pete, experienced while receiving chemotherapy and immunotherapy during his healing journey from stage 4 lymphoma.
Understanding this issue highlights the necessity for our approaches and protocols to consider the diversity of human experiences regarding cognitive function. Healing strategies must be adaptable, acknowledging that while some may thrive with intense mental practices, others require alternative methods to nurture their spiritual and emotional well-being. By embracing this diversity, we can create more inclusive and supportive pathways to healing that cater to the unique needs of each individual.
The Role of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs
Abraham Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs provides a useful framework for understanding this dynamic. Maslow describes how our basic physiological and safety needs must be met before we can pursue higher-level needs like self-actualization and spiritual fulfillment. Here’s a breakdown of his theory, in order of necessity starting with meeting our physiological needs:
Physiological Needs: Basic survival needs such as food, water, shelter, and sleep.
Safety Needs: Security, stability, and freedom from fear.
Love and Belonging: Emotional relationships, friendships, community, love.
Esteem: Respect, self-esteem, and recognition.
Self-Actualization: Realizing personal potential, self-fulfillment, and pursuing personal growth and spirituality.
For those of us dealing with chronic health issues, achieving physiological, emotional, and mental stability is a prerequisite for pursuing love, esteem, or spiritual growth. When our brains are not functioning properly, the quest for self-actualization can feel like an insurmountable challenge.
Integrating Physical and Spiritual Healing
My approach integrates physical health with mental, emotional, and spiritual practices. By addressing the physical aspects of health—especially brain function—we create a foundation that supports cognitive clarity and emotional stability, enabling a more profound engagement in spiritual practices.
Supporting Physical Health: By focusing on improving brain health and managing chronic conditions, we help clients establish the stability needed to effectively engage in spiritual practices. A nourished and balanced body facilitates the mental clarity required for these explorations.
Holistic Healing: Spiritual activities such as meditation, reading, and engaging in reflection and conversation can significantly impact how we experience and process pain, struggle, and suffering. These practices foster peace, love, compassion, and acceptance, which reduce stress and promote overall health.
Creating Community: Spiritual practice often involves connecting with others, and this sense of community is vital for human flourishing. We aim to help clients achieve the health and stability that allows them to fully participate in spiritual communities.
Healing is Possible
By adopting a focused self-care practice focused on nutrition, supplementation, exercise, time in nature, and stress reduction, I began to restore balance in both my body and mind. This process wasn’t a quick fix, but over time, I realized that my physical health directly supported my mental clarity, enabling me to reconnect with my spiritual practices.
By slowing down, listening to my body, and embracing self-compassion, I gradually found a path to healing that was not only about managing symptoms but also about fostering a deep sense of peace and connection. Healing, I’ve learned, is a practice in itself—one that requires patience, self-awareness, and a commitment to nurturing all aspects of who we are.