Posted by Todd on May 20, 2000, at 11:46:40
In reply to Re: Breaking through the trauma - to Greg, posted by Noa on May 19, 2000, at 16:10:09
To echo Noa, how are you, Tom? Just wanted to add one more thought - being depressed is a good thing. Embrace your pain, don't run from it. I would say that the more we try to find instant fixes to take away our depression, the further we get from real healing. How can we heal without feeling our pain fully? It's a tough road, but it's a road you have chosen to take.
I used to think about all the "other" people who seem so "happy" with their lives. I would ask myself why they were so happy, and how come I am so depressed. But the more I live, experience, and grow, the more I realize that these people are not really happy at all. They live in a fantasy land of their own construct, projecting all of their own weaknesses onto everyone else without even a clue that perhaps the problem lies within them. They're blissfully ignorant. Do you know why? They're unwilling and maybe unable to face themselves. If they even began to contemplate the thoughts that we do and search for deeper meaning, their "happy" world would collapse around them and they would become horribly depressed. So, to avoid pain and suffering, they live in denial and project their problems onto the rest of the world and we have to put up with it. They are weak. Not to say that is bad, because in time reality will catch up with them and they will be forced to confront themselves. It's just a matter of fact - they choose to remain shallow because the depths are far too frightening for them to contemplate, let alone dive into.
You're so much stronger than most people, Tom. By allowing yourself to feel all of this garbage, you're miles ahead on the road to self-understanding and true happiness. Always remember that. You have the guts and determination to face your dark side and shine some light into it. That's a heck of a lot more than most people can say. Feel your pain fully. You know what your destination is, and we are all here to support you as you continue on. YOU ARE STRONGER than your depression, and if you ever become disenchanted with that notion, we are here to help. Peace and love.
poster:Todd
thread:33774
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000517/msgs/34120.html