Are You at Peace?

"Are you at peace?" is an opening "probing" question used to gently broach the topic of existential distress. What is the comeback when the answer is a resounding NO!?

Care Search categorizes existential distress as relating to loss of control, burden on others, relationship related concerns, loss of continuity, uncompleted life task, hope / hopelessness, and acceptance / preparation. The Japanese Spiritual Care Task Force suggests psycho-existential suffering is caused by the loss of three essential components:

• Loss of relationships (with others) 
• Loss of autonomy (independence, control over future, continuity of self)
• Loss of temporality (the future)

Today I witnessed it as someone no longer able to touch/access that which used to ignite his internal spark. In this case it was math puzzles. Usual efforts to connect with what previously provided the dual power to energize and comfort failed and these had now become a source of distress, a reminder of the uninvited effects of disease and medication on the mind.

What "brings us to life", energizes & animates are the aspects of self that are precious to the individual. When you are sorrowful, look... in your heart and you shall see that... you are weeping for that which has been your delight. Kahlil Gabrin