Understanding Distress and Wholeness: A Consciousness Approach by Isaac Cherian, Psychologist

Isaac Cherian, Edmonton

Distress is a term frequently used to describe feelings of discomfort, whether they are rooted in physical or psychological experiences. When we encounter distress, we often use words like "pain" to describe physical discomfort and "suffering" to describe emotional or psychological discomfort. Despite the different origins of these discomforts, the common thread is that they make us feel uneasy and uncomfortable.

From a Consciousness Based Approach, distress is seen as an evolutionary mechanism designed to draw our immediate attention to whatever is causing the distress. Think of it as a built-in alarm system within our consciousness. When distress signals are triggered, it's our mind and body's way of saying, "Pay attention! Something needs your immediate consideration."

This mechanism is like a helpful friend, notifying us when something in our physical or emotional environment requires urgent care or adjustment. Just as physical pain signals that there may be an injury that needs attention, emotional distress alerts us to situations or feelings that may require our intervention or understanding.

In essence, distress, whether it's physical or psychological, serves as a valuable signal from our consciousness, guiding us to take action, seek help, or address whatever is causing our discomfort. It reminds us that our well-being is a priority and prompts us to respond accordingly. Understanding distress in this way can empower us to take proactive steps to improve our physical and emotional health.

Now, let's delve deeper into the concept of distress and its connection with the ego.

Understanding Distress and the Ego

Distress, at its core, involves a sense of unease and discomfort, but understanding who exactly experiences this distress is pivotal. In the realm of Consciousness Based Approach, it is the ego—the part of us that identifies with our individual self, our body, and our thoughts—that often feels distressed. When the ego encounters a situation it perceives as threatening or challenging, it can trigger the fight or flight response, a primal survival mechanism aimed at protecting the self.

Navigating Distress from a Wholeness Perspective

To effectively deal with distress, Consciousness Based Approach encourages us to shift our perspective. Instead of identifying solely with our fragmented ego, we are urged to connect with our wholeness, a concept that encompasses our deeper self—the one capable of witnessing and experiencing distress without losing touch with its inherent wisdom. We may call it

Imagine our wholeness as an expansive ocean of resources within us. It's the part of us that knows we are more than just our physical bodies and fleeting thoughts. This perspective reminds us that life's magic persists even beyond the physical realm and that death is but a transformation, not an end.

When we remain connected to our wholeness, we tap into a wellspring of resilience and insight. It's akin to having access to a vast library of knowledge, where we can find the best possible ways to deal with distress.

The Fragmented Self and Its Distress

Conversely, when we allow ourselves to become fragmented, we disconnect from this vast ocean of resources. The fragmented self fixates on limited aspects of the self, often tying identity exclusively to the body. This can be frightening because if we perceive ourselves as merely our bodies, the inevitable reality of bodily limitations and mortality becomes a source of anxiety.

In summary, it's crucial to recognize that distress often emanates from the fragmented self—the ego—when it feels threatened or isolated. Our psychological health greatly depends on maintaining a connection with our wholeness, which in turn grants us access to a wealth of resources and resilience.

Think of it as harnessing the power of an entire ocean rather than limiting ourselves to a single drop. This shift in perspective can help us navigate distress with grace and wisdom, ultimately fostering psychological well-being.

Isaac Cherian, Registered Psychologist