"The brain is locked in total darkness, of course. It floats in a clear liquid inside the skull, never in the light. And yet the world it constructs in the mind is full of light. It brims with color and movement. So how does the brain, which never lives without a spark of light, build for us a world full of light?"
-- Anthony Doerr, "All The Light We Cannot See"
I grew up feeling like I was missing a significant part of my life. There was an emptiness to my whole being, yet I couldn't pinpoint exactly what it was. And then I'd encounter certain situations where I felt completely disconnected with others or the thoughts in my head were lost in heated translation, then left to collect dust in the dark corners of my mind. I just knew something about me was "off" or not "normal."
It wasn't until I began this journey of self-discovery—after learning about my phases of depression—that I began venturing into these dark corners and unraveling the meaning of these mental mysteries. My mental realm became a personal obsession of research and understanding. I wanted to learn every part of my mind—the way it moved, the way it ebbed and flowed, its landscapes, its clockwork cycles, the crevices and cases of thoughts that freely floated in the brain. I wanted to study my own mind the way archaeologists dug up ancient bones to research the structures of historical stories. And in learning my own mind and how it existed, I came across outside perspectives, stories, and similarities in how others perceived the mind, specifically in mental health.
I felt unbelievably relieved in finding a certain sense of "home" whenever mental health was the focal point of discussion. I felt completely immersed in this societal alcove where people were so comfortable and open in sharing such intimate discoveries of their own minds. Here, I acquired the courage to confidently voice my own mental journey and learned my strong advocacy towards helping others discover their own mental peace.
Alas, Mental Wealth is a new and significant section of my publication. This is where I share my latest findings in my "mental research"—from stories, artwork, public discussions, discoveries—all are meant to further color our understanding of what it means to connect to our inner wellbeing and enrich our lives with a more mind-full presence. It is not only my frequent reminders to stay connected to the outside world so I am not isolating myself but also my extending a helping hand to those who are uncertain of where to turn to. I hope this section provides silent solace for those who seek mental liberation.
Because when we are mentally healthy, we are mentally wealthy.