On Facing Reality
In his 1978 book The Road Less Traveled, late psychologist Scott Peck shares an intriguing perspective: “Mental health is an ongoing process of dedication to reality at all costs.”
For a moment, let’s put arguments aside regarding the best definition of Mental Health so as to not miss Peck’s deep insight. The truth is that we, broken and finite humans, find countless ways of avoiding our realities with the hope of escaping pain. In doing so, we knowingly and unknowingly chip away at our mental health.
Many of us could quickly name our go-to avoidance behaviors—from hours of scrolling and binge-watching, to schedule overloading, substance abusing, pleasure-seeking, controlling, over-eating, over-working, etc.
What is less obvious, however, are the uncomfortable emotions like shame, fear, anger, sadness, guilt, anxiety, and jealousy that we attempt to avoid by engaging in these behaviors.
Consider these examples where the dedication to reality has a high cost:
Stepping into confidence and showing up authentically when insecurity runs deep
Pursuing forgiveness and healing in a way that doesn’t minimize the harm you’ve experienced
Admitting when you need help
No doubt about it, change is painful. Facing the areas in our lives where we are living in avoidance or may have a faulty lens can be downright disorienting. While running from pain and clenching our fists around our imperfect patterns may cause momentary relief, in actuality we are inviting that pain and dysfunction to take deeper root.
If this topic feels uncomfortable or a little too relatable, know that you are in good company. Not one of us is exempt from the temptation to distort or avoid truth as a form of self-protection. Thankfully, we can rest in the fact that we have an incredible God who is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). When reality feels too painful or uncertain, we can trust that he has the power to bring all things into the light, bearing out what is most true in any situation. While his exposing light is at times uncomfortable, just as sunshine is needed for plants to grow, the Lord’s light is a key ingredient to lasting and holistic healing. Isn’t this something worth pursuing?
Thoughts to consider:
How do you find yourself avoiding or bending reality in order to avoid pain?
What consequences have you seen in your life when you’ve avoided reality?
What would happen if you started viewing your pain as an invitation for Jesus’ healing?