It isn't surprising that many incorporate spirituality in the healing of eating disorders. Often, it takes many sources of input to create the best possible outcome, and the spiritual realm is of particular value (and power) to many.
In January 2008, we published Part 1 of an interview with Mary Pat Nally, whose recovery from eating problems spanned 24 years. She's given us the opportunity to look a little closer into the ways that spirituality has led to her healing by deepening her love of self and others.
You've characterized your recovery as a process of healing. What has allowed and aided healing for you?
Mary Pat Nally (MPN): My healing has changed throughout my years of learning, growing and transforming my life -- physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Healing my physical self came in the form of doctors, dietitians, and friends at Curves (a women's fitness center) who encouraged me and reminded me that my health came first. Healing my mental and emotional self came in the form of many therapists until I came to California and gained stability and guidance from a woman who served as my therapist and my dietitian. She sat with me while I was in an eating disorder treatment center for the first time in 2003 and then again when I went into a hospital for depression in 2007. She has been to hell and back with me and has encouraged me every step along the way.
How, in particular, did therapists provide care?
MPN: It is amazing how therapists give of their time, energy, and love for their clients. I have one therapist who made such an impact on me that I would trust her with my life. Wait -- I did! She had faith in my inner strength and my ability to move forward in life. She was with me as I sat in my hospital bed and told her that I wanted the eating disorder to swallow me whole. She was there when I cried when the hospital staff made me eat a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. She was there through the frustration, hopelessness, and self-sabotage. It did not matter how hard I attempted to push her away: She was always there, and now she is still there as I continue to transform and transition into my professional life as a speaker who is dedicated to bringing awareness to the healing process of eating-disordered patterns and behaviors that affect so many.
What does it mean to be "whole and complete" versus "perfect?"
MPN: When I am able to see myself as whole and complete, then I am able to see myself as human as I set my intention to live life in balance. No one is perfect. It is our imperfections that assist us in moving forward in life.
It is through my opportunities for growth that I come to new awareness. It is how I learn. When I am able to accept that I am whole and complete just as I am, then I am able to let go of any judgment I might have about how I should be and I no longer compare myself to others. Being whole and complete means that I acknowledge that I am enough, just as I am, in this very moment.
You've said that spirituality was important in your healing journey. In what ways?
MPN: My spirituality has always been a strength for me. It was not until I entered the University of Santa Monica's masters degree program in spiritual psychology that I truly understood the power that spiritual healing could have on my life. Loving myself and allowing others to love me was and continues to be a huge part of my healing process. I truly believe that is the main thing that has aided in my deepest healing.
How did you connect spirituality to loving yourself and others?
MPN: I have incorporated meditation, prayer, journaling, poetry, music, singing, and play as different ways to get in touch with my spiritual self. My spirituality has also brought me to a place of feeling comfortable in my own skin. In the past, I felt that the only reason I was put on this earth was to serve others. Through my process of healing and growth, I have come to learn that I need to care for and love myself before I am able to care for and fully love others.
The most important way I have come to love myself is by setting boundaries with others (and with myself) to show that I believe that I have value. I have learned to nurture my outer core (my physical body) by going to the dentist and the doctor and eating foods that nourish my body and soul. I nurture my inner core (my heart and soul) by sharing my feelings and being honest with myself and others. I continue building on my personal relationship with God and with others in my life.
