May is Mental Health month. In honor of that, I wanted to share with you a recently published book that I have found helpful.
Hildegard of Bingen (1098-1179) was a fascinating mystic and German Benedictine Nun. I first became acquainted with her during seminary. Unlike most women in medieval times, Hildegard had power both within the church and from her family of origin. Throughout her life, Hildegard had visions, and was regarded as a healer. She also experienced many illnesses herself. I was excited to find a new book about her, and this one did not disappoint.
My colleague Danae Ashley, an Episcopal priest and psychotherapist, puts Hildegard in conversation with Alfred Adler (1870-1937), an Austrian physician and psychotherapist. Hildegard was arguably ahead of her time in her understanding of mental health. Ashley interprets Hildegard’s visions and writings in modern psychotherapy terms, making it easier to understand. While I was not familiar with Adler before reading this book, I appreciate the “Adlerian link” in the chapters, that connects Hildegard and Adler with today.
I believe that the mind/body/soul are all connected and affect one another. Ashley asserts Hildegard’s psychotherapy belief is “when one’s soul is in alignment with the Living Light, one has peace and purpose, resulting in the health of body, mind, and soul.” My personal experience with healing, specifically with mental health issues, is similar. The body and spirit are not independent parts of us, but work together to help us find wholeness.
Hildegard used plants for healing, and used the term Viriditas to describe not only greenness, but also the “Divine presence in life.” Just as a plant may need more sun or water in order for the “green sap” to rise, Hildegard also examined what a person may need more or less of for their healing. People traveled to be healed by Hildegard, Similarly, Adler would ask, “What would you be doing if these symptoms or problems were removed?” The root of a problem is just as important as how it presents. Ashley explores personality, vices, virtues, medieval cures, healing rituals, community, and creativity as she examines Hildegard’s ministry.
As the back of the book promises, My Sap is Rising is “part spiritual memoir, part self-help guide, and part historical exploration.” Reading the book invites your soul on a sort of pilgrimage. “A Pilgrim Ponders” questions as well as the “Pilgrim’s Reflections” at the end of each chapter are helpful for individuals, or can be used for a group study. I highly recommend this book for anyone who is seeking alignment with God and interested in spiritual and mental health.
My Sap is Rising: A Pilgramage of Holistic Mental Health Healing with Hildegard of Bingen and Alfred Adler is written by Danae M. Ashley, M.Div., M.A., LMFT. She is an Episcopal priest, Adlerian psychotherapist, international speaker, and voiceover actress in the Pacific Northwest.
Danae will be in the Twin Cities at the end of the month, and also has events in other areas. Check out her event page for more information. Order your copy here, or your favorite bookshop.
Redheadedrev 