So what about food and depression?

My next post will give you information on how you can treat depression with natural herbs and roots. :)

Albert Einstein

I found an interesting quote recently and it reminded me how much as human beings we can isolate ourselves from others.

"A human being is a part of the whole called by us 'the universe,' a part limited in time and space. He experiences himself, his thoughts and feelings, as something separate from the rest - a kind of optical delusion of consciousness. This delusion is a kind of prison for us, restricting us to our personal desires and affection for a few persons nearest to us. Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison by widening the circle of understanding and compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty."

Meditation

The best way to overcome depression is not to try to overcome depression. The paradox of trying to change ourselves means that we end up subconsciously reaffirming to ourselves that there is something wrong with us. Overcoming this cycle is very important, but not easy. Meditation gives us the opportunity to do this, or at least practice this each day.

Meditation isn't about visualizing, it isn't about imagining a better life, its not even about thinking positive thoughts. Its about becoming present with your own version of reality. Its about learning about who you are, and in the process, accept yourself. Basically meditation is a way of life, its something that affects us subtly and gradually over time. Its not just a solution to a problem we have. I would recommend its practice to anyone and everyone, whether they struggle with depression or not, whether they are 5 years old or 90 years old.

I remember when I first began meditation. It was at a time when I was really struggling with depression and life. I had sought out just about every alternative that I could think of, and i didn't want to go on medication. A lot of different things came up when i was trying to meditate. Things like, I thought i wasn't doing it good enough, there was something wrong with me, i'll never get there, its a waste of time. To be honest it is pretty amazing that I stuck with it. All of these thoughts, are natural, and they are essential to finding out who you are right now. I remember have a good friend who would remind me everytime I would feel down or indulge in these sorts of thoughts and feelings, she would just say "just observe it". That statement in itself pretty much sums up meditation.

Having done a million and one different types of meditations, the meditation that I believe that you will only ever need, though I recommend that you try whatever you feel drawn to, is the one that I will give you now. It is really simple, but it is not easy. If you stick with it, the rewards will come.

1. Sit down on a chair or cross legged on the floor. You may wish to place a cushion under your buttox in order to allow you to sit cross legged for a longer period of time. Keep you back and spine straight.
   
2. Place your hands either palms facing up on your knees, or right hand upon your left in your lap if you are a male or left hand on top of your right if you are a female.
   
3. Place your gaze approximately 4 to 6 feet in front of you. Keep your eyes open at all times.
4. Now place a 'light and gentle' attention on your out breath. Try not to manipulate your out breath. When you notice that your thoughts begin to wander or you are fantasizing about something, don't be harsh with yourself. Just simply say 'thinking' to yourself, and place your attention on your outbreath again.
   
   If you would like a more detailed explanation of this meditation simply grab a copy of Pema Chodron's 'When things fall apart'.
   
   Let me know how you go. :)

Depression and the medical system

My first post probably gave visitors the impression that I don't believe in depression as an illness. While this is true, I can only say this is true for me. There are many that are so very far down this track, whether through the medical system or through severe hardship, that this kind of view is completely irrational and probably offensive at best. In fact, I would imagine that many in the medical fraternity would tell you how depression is a debilitating physical problem that can only be treated by drugs. I mean the evidence is there isn't it? Although the evidence is there, I don't believe science is advanced enough yet to present you with the whole truth.

Will, determination and viewing life as a challenge rather than a terrible burden is something that we must all discover with in ourselves. In my belief system, depression is a a mental and emotional problem, that can be overcome. However you may struggle with this point of view, however all i suggest that you do, is look into yourself. I mean we are hear why not learn as much as we can about ourselves? How does it feel when I feel down? What seems to trigger these feelings? What does it feel like when i am relaxed? When do i close my heart? When does my heart feel open? All these are great questions to be asked, the answers are within you.

Happy exploring

When things fall apart

"Only to the extent that we expose ourselves over and over to annihilation can that which is indestructable be found in us." Pema Chodron

This is a quote from a book that i found tremendously helpful. The book is called 'When Things Fall Apart' by Pema Chodron. She presents the ideas and concepts of buddhism in a clear easy to understand, powerful way. I highly recommend this to anyone who is serious about looking within themselves to see the cause of their depression. This is a way of life, that is both challenging and rewarding.

I have read and explored a number of different spiritual philosophies and ways of living, that present tools for fixing yourself. However, the truth is, there is nothing wrong with any of us. We are all experiencing just what we are experiencing. This book provides a practical approach to self discovery and acceptance. Only through experience have i discovered that the path of truth, no matter how unpleasant, is the only path worth taking.

For those interested in a copy of this book Barnes and Noble offer it at a reasonable cost, just click on the link.

Is depression real?

Is depression real or is it just a label? I often ask myself this question or at least i have in the past. After years of soul searching, going through stages of my life where i have delved into the darkest portions of my being through to running a million miles an hour from the sometimes painful truth, i've discovered that labelling myself as 'depressed' doesn't really help. In fact I've come to the conclustion that buying into the label of 'depression' often gives us an excuse to avoid looking at the truth, which we all feel to some extent or another.

So what is depression? Its different for everyone, but for me i could probably sum it up as a combination of loneliness, intense sadness, supressed anger, self hatred, and a sever lack of acceptance for my self and the present situation. From what i have observed in myself and those close to me, it is a result of a deep seated desire to change who i am, and find a recipe for avoiding pain, forever. However, just as there is no recipe for happiness, there is no recipe to avoid pain.

So how do we accept ourselves as we are? That involves a fundamental shift in the way we think. Why not start by instead of seeking happiness (as a distraction from what is really going on) and avoiding pain, why not seek out our pain and give our happiness away, instead of suffocating it. Even better learn to just be with ourselves no matter what the discomfort.

Love to hear your thoughts on this topic.