How do you keep from feeling depressed during the hoildays?
Posted on Dec 28th, 2007
by 
C.G.
C.G.
This is in Response to the Questions and Reflections for December 28, 2007:
I ran across a bit by the Dalai Lama when queried how he did not feel anger and such undesirable emotions. As I remember, he said something to the effect that he feels the emotions as everyone else, he just processes through more quickly than some.
I don't know that these worries, pains, heartaches can be ever forgotten (and be human), but they can be "processed through a little more quickly."
I don't know that I experience "down" any more during this time of the year, but what really gets me is when I get pulled into more than cursory considering of my own trials--even though I am so blessed--and then it gets me thinking of others not even so fortunate.....but I realize that I can benefit no one in this state, so...
....I try to start meditating more, walking up the mountain--generally do more self care to try to avoid "going down that alley." For once trapped in the alley, there is no pretty way out.
I don't know that these worries, pains, heartaches can be ever forgotten (and be human), but they can be "processed through a little more quickly."
I don't know that I experience "down" any more during this time of the year, but what really gets me is when I get pulled into more than cursory considering of my own trials--even though I am so blessed--and then it gets me thinking of others not even so fortunate.....but I realize that I can benefit no one in this state, so...
....I try to start meditating more, walking up the mountain--generally do more self care to try to avoid "going down that alley." For once trapped in the alley, there is no pretty way out.
Access: Public
emotions
July 2008
C.G. . . . You said this . . . “and then it gets me thinking of others not even so fortunate…..but I realize that I can benefit no one in this state . . .”
You're so correct about this! So many people say they can't be happy while there are those who suffer, or those who are less fortunate, and so on . . . Perhaps it is their karmic destiny to be miserable or unhappy in this lifetime. However, I agree with you completely. This attitude solves no problem, and aids no one! We do far more good with a positive, optimistic mindset . . . And at the same time, we can be doing constructive things to aid those less fortunate!
Thanks, Snake….we are in full agreement. Thanks for the validation.
Many blessings this new year…
C.G. yet another great post.
B.B. thank you for your kindness and comfort.
Many blessings to you the one you hold dear this new year…
It's interesting.
How, do you think, did the Dalai Lama learned to 'proccess' emotions so fast?
Could it Be that he didn't run from the emotions?
That, just maybe, he went into the emotions, and found thier source?
I agree that negative emotions don't help help-ing, but can We help within/out without Understanding why We experience negative emotion?
Just something for y/our contemplation.
Thank-You for Share-ing!!
:-)
Great post C.G. The Dalai Lama obviously is very practised in non-attachment, not running from the things that are uncomfortable, unpleasant. If we run from them, then within that is the recognition of being chased. Just watch, just witness. THANKS, my friend.
सनà¥à¤¨à¤¯à¤¾à¤¸ and Satya-Seer…..undoubtedly, the Dalai Lama has not been able to avoid unpleasantness, and has no time just to say “I'm not up for it today.”
Yes, non-attachment. Watching clouds come, clouds go…
Thank you my friends. The support of such spirits is one of the joys of our life.
Peace and wonder,
CG
cg, thanks this helped me shift my energies albeit short lived… the best in the new year!!
They are all “short-lived”, Kimmergy. Second, but second, we string them together to make a minute, an hour, a day……
…here, take my hand. I cannot claim that the journey will be any better for it, but it will not be alone
“today I AM FORTUNATE to have woken up. I am alive. I have a precious human life.I am not going to waste it.I am going to use all my energies to develop myself to use all my energies to expand my heart out to others” HH The Dalai Lama-
CG…wise words come from many places….I find the words you choose resonate deeply with me as also those of the Dalai Lama continue to do. He is coming here in April.. how about you and Kathy come up and we'll go see him?
sending love,
Aley
YAY!!! ALEY”S BACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We would love to do that Aley….when we are able to come out your way, I don't know that we will ever make it back here….not this this beautiful place is bad–just the gypsy thing…..
So glad to know you are in your new home, with Keith and Chloe and settling back in with your dearest ones…
love to you, dear heart….
CG
I've heard facilitators of various workshops talk about compassionate witness. This seems to be what the Dalai Lama is speaking to. Agreed?
PFP
Heemes…for what little I understand of the process, it does sound to be the same…
C.G., Thank you. Would've like to send a silent seed - but not an anonymous one that you wouldn't even know you received.
thank you, Meenakshi…..I am glad for the seed of your friendship.
many joy and blessings to you….
CG
Help for Depression Life With Bipolar, BPD, ED, SI, Depression
Depressive disorders make those afflicted feel exhausted, worthless, helpless, and hopeless.
Such negative thoughts and feelings make some people feel like giving up.
It is important to realize that these negative views are part of the depression and typically do not accurately reflect the actual situation.
http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vcGhvdG9idWNrZXQuY29t
It should be remembered that negative thinking fades as treatment begins to take effect.
In the meantime, the following are helpful guidelines and advice for the depressed individual:
Do not set difficult goals for yourself or take on a great deal of responsibility.
Break large tasks into small ones, set some priorities, and do what you can when you can.
Do not expect too much from yourself too soon, as this will only increase feelings of failure.
Try to be with other people, which is usually better than being alone.
Particip! ate in activities that may make you feel better.
You might try exercising mildly, going to a movie or a ball game, or participating in religious or social activities.
Don't rush or overdo it.
Don't get upset if your mood is not greatly improved right away.
Feeling better takes time.
Do not make major life decisions, such as changing jobs or getting married or divorced without consulting others who know you well.
These people often can have a more objective view of your situation.
In any case, it is advisable to postpone important decisions until your depression has lifted.
Do not expect to “snap out” of your depression.
People rarely do.
Help yourself as much as you can, and do not blame yourself for not being up to par.
Remember, do not accept your negative thinking.
It is part of the depression and will disappear as your depression responds to treatment.
<http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vcGhvdG9idWNrZXQuY29t>
http://www.medicinenet.com/depression/page9.htm
Thank you, my friend,
CG