My summarized view of a depressed life

[MattMVS7]

I think people need their good moods/feelings (their feel-good chemical/neurotransmitter induced states of well being) to allow them to perceive (see) the good value, joy, beauty, happiness, love, and worth in their lives. I don't think our way of thinking, our outlooks, actions, and our value judgments alone allow us to truly see these qualities. I don't think we can experience any of these qualities without our good moods/feelings. I would like to add one last thing here. That is, this view of mine has been an issue for me and I wish to talk it out if you don't mind.

[dream jo]

no its ok we al hav gud moods evn low 1s we do

[davidsun]

Have you tried journaling (which is a way of talking to and hearing yourself), Matt?

When I was at my most depressed, one of the things I did was to imagine (image-in) there was a second 'me', right next to 'me', who knew everything I had gone through and what I was thinking, feeling, experiencing in the present. Then, as such 'me', I responded to the 'me' that I am, and then, as the 'me' that I am, I received (accepted, felt, and embraced) such response. ... and from there, continued the sharing/conversation.

This is just a variation of the "Empty Chair" technique, often utilized to good result in the filed of Gestalt Therapy:

https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog...-empty-chair-1

Entering "empty chair technique gestalt" in Youtube's search box will list a bunch of videos which illustrate the range of ways in which this technique may be used. They involved a therapist (have you considered using one?) who quides the process, but it can be done alone just as well I think by any reasonably savvy person. You could use it to talk to and explore and possibly even help lift yourself out of (your) "depression".

[Ahriman]

If anything, a depressed life is proof that God is not in control.

[davidsun]

Originally Posted by Ahriman

If anything, a depressed life is proof that God is not in control.

Think about this - at least as a possibility: YOU are an aspect, hence an expression, of what is called "God". YOU are "God's" 'point' or 'lead' man in matters pertaining to YOUR soul, i.e. to YOUR life.

YOU are clearly not doing well in terms of 'directing' YOUR life, in that sense one might say that YOU are not 'in control' of YOUR self.

From Ch.6 of The Bhagavad Gita: "For the sage who seeks the heights of spiritual meditation, practice is the only method, and when he has attained them, he must maintain himself there by continual self-control. ... Let him seek liberation by the help of his Highest Self, and let him never disgrace his own Self. For that Self is his only friend; yet it may also be his enemy. To him who has conquered his lower nature by Its help, the Self is a friend, but to him who has not done so, It is an enemy."

Check out what's at: https://www.helpguide.org/articles/d...depression.htm . You may find helpful suggestions and pointers there.

Wishing you the very best Ahriman. Don't give up 'seeking'.

[Ahriman]

Originally Posted by davidsun

Think about this - at least as a possibility: YOU are an aspect, hence an expression, of what is called "God". YOU are "God's" 'point' or 'lead' man in matters pertaining to YOUR soul, i.e. to YOUR life.

YOU are clearly not doing well in terms of 'directing' YOUR life, in that sense one might say that YOU are not 'in control' of YOUR self.

From Ch.6 of The Bhagavad Gita: "For the sage who seeks the heights of spiritual meditation, practice is the only method, and when he has attained them, he must maintain himself there by continual self-control. ... Let him seek liberation by the help of his Highest Self, and let him never disgrace his own Self. For that Self is his only friend; yet it may also be his enemy. To him who has conquered his lower nature by Its help, the Self is a friend, but to him who has not done so, It is an enemy."

Check out what's at: https://www.helpguide.org/articles/d...depression.htm . You may find helpful suggestions and pointers there.

Wishing you the very best Ahriman. Don't give up 'seeking'.

You really have no idea what you're talking about.

[davidsun]

Originally Posted by Ahriman

You really have no idea what you're talking about.

Correction: I (always! ) do have an idea of what I am talking about. The only thing I can (ideationally) do is share whatever it is that I and thinking and feeling in response to whatever it is that I am seeing (experiencing) and imagining in relation thereto.

I hear that you experience what I said as having no 'real' relationship to you or what you are experiencing. What I understood or imagined to be the case has been revised (re-envisioned) therefore.

Sorry to be of no 'real use to you.

[Unknownparadox]

If anything, a depressed life is proof that God is not in control.

By what logic do you conclude that?

[moonincancer]

Originally Posted by davidsun

Think about this - at least as a possibility: YOU are an aspect, hence an expression, of what is called "God". YOU are "God's" 'point' or 'lead' man in matters pertaining to YOUR soul, i.e. to YOUR life.

YOU are clearly not doing well in terms of 'directing' YOUR life, in that sense one might say that YOU are not 'in control' of YOUR self.

From Ch.6 of The Bhagavad Gita: "For the sage who seeks the heights of spiritual meditation, practice is the only method, and when he has attained them, he must maintain himself there by continual self-control. ... Let him seek liberation by the help of his Highest Self, and let him never disgrace his own Self. For that Self is his only friend; yet it may also be his enemy. To him who has conquered his lower nature by Its help, the Self is a friend, but to him who has not done so, It is an enemy."

Check out what's at: https://www.helpguide.org/articles/d...depression.htm . You may find helpful suggestions and pointers there.

Wishing you the very best Ahriman. Don't give up 'seeking'.

Thank you for posting this wonderful quote From the Bhagwad Gita!

[Rayden_Greywolf]

Hm. Well I know at least for me, I can still be "happy" and experience moments of joy while depressed. I suspect my perception of those times, as with most depressed people, remain negative, despite having felt good at the time.