Posted by Wendy B. on August 9, 2001, at 22:27:14
In reply to Re: Art and depression - Wendy, posted by mickey on August 9, 2001, at 19:38:24
> Wendy, I have read your post many times over. I am not sure how to respond other than to say thank you. There is something about letting go of certain notions one holds to be true when they no longer fit. One path may lead to a dead end, but there are other roads to take.
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> I feel like there is a battle going on inside. My eneimies are strong and will not easily surrender their power. I at least recognize them for what they are. They are ghosts which haunt me. They wish to destroy all that is beauty and grace. I must reach deep inside to grasp the truth. I know it's there, inside, waiting to be rediscovered.
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> Each day passes as though I am in a fog. How can this be? I threw the I Ching today. It suggested modesty in the face of wealth. I understand it's meaning. It is time to put it in practice.
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> Warm regards,
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> Mickey
Wow, Mickey, I am humbled by your message...I hope the reason you read my message many times was because you thought it was helpful... When I read it again, it sounded a little preachy, maybe, I dunno... What are the paths you might choose from? Which notions do you think you can let go of? I'd be interested to know more...
Anyway, the ghosts that haunt you - it's a good metaphor for this depression thing, the fight between clarity and darkness. A battle inside, that's right. It's a very personal battle, each of us has to face it, alone, I'm afraid... What more is there to say, except I'm on the side of productivity and creativity and listening to the symptom (as Thomas Moore would say), rather than trying to eliminate it. It has to be experienced and heard. What is happening in that battle? Or is it a series of skirmishes in an ongoing war? Does it last the rest of our lives? I'm sure this period of being in a fog is going to be productive of something, it will produce some understanding in you so that you can move forward... I know this is true, or, I feel it, but for me, feeling IS knowing...
Throwing the I Ching is good, listening to as many different sources as you need to will help. 'Modesty in the face of wealth,' such a beautiful image, it suggests fullness and bounty to me, like: you have it all already. The fog will go away, but until it does, bask in it. I mean, as far as possible, within the realm of actually going through the motions of daily life. I hope you don't have to start teaching at all soon, so you can just take your time.
Finding the proper balance.
Letting go.
Knowing that change is necessary.
Seeking a truth which is always evolving and growing.I am touched that you have shared these things with us, thank you for that, it's meaningful and important. To me and to others, I'm sure...
Write more if you can, maybe it will help you make your way through the fog...Good night,
Wendy
poster:Wendy B.
thread:73757
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010809/msgs/74401.html