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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 4 of 4. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Judi on December 3, 1999, at 12:26:26
Been struggling with Depression and whether or not to go back on anti-depressants, change my diet, get a new counselor, etc. Sometimes seems like an endless circle of questions. Currently seeing a Cognitive Therapist. Not sure if it's helping. What I'm wondering about lately is how spirituality plays into Depression for other people. Seems like there are such crucial links between body, mind and spirit. And in this crazy busy culture, spirit gets so little attention. How do you all nurture your spirit? Just how powerful is prayer? love to hear your thoughts/experiences.... thanks.
Posted by bigbertha on December 5, 1999, at 0:37:22
In reply to Spirituality, posted by Judi on December 3, 1999, at 12:26:26
> Been struggling with Depression and whether or not to go back on anti-depressants, change my diet, get a new counselor, etc. Sometimes seems like an endless circle of questions. Currently seeing a Cognitive Therapist. Not sure if it's helping. What I'm wondering about lately is how spirituality plays into Depression for other people. Seems like there are such crucial links between body, mind and spirit. And in this crazy busy culture, spirit gets so little attention. How do you all nurture your spirit? Just how powerful is prayer? love to hear your thoughts/experiences.... thanks.
Hi Judi
There have been a couple of threads touching on this
recently (one last month) although some of it took on
the appearance of a slug-fest. But that's what makes
people like us special - I believe we are all deeply
passionate, but our passion is much closer to the
surface than "normal" persons. This can be wonderful
depending upon its expression (such as artistic) or
devastating, as in the case of schizophrenia. For those
who are Christian, I have heard it likened to the "Good
Friday that never ends". Currently, I am a non-practicing
Catholic (a 180 from very devout), who embraces no formal
religion. I see prayer offered in many ways - the rockin' Gospel
services of African-Am churches, "holy-rollers", Muslims
crowding/circling Mecca; Jews cradling their torah; new agers
watching a sunrise; someone shopping/cooking for an elderly
infirm non-relative; a person dealing with any kind of serious
illness, and on and on. I currently do not "pray" - I don't
have the strength/focus/humility and I have much doubt/fear. Also,
I have neglected others who have been my allies - so perhaps focusing
outside myself, if God exists, perhaps THIS is the way for me to pray.
bb
Posted by Bob on December 5, 1999, at 10:09:50
In reply to Re: Spirituality, posted by bigbertha on December 5, 1999, at 0:37:22
> ... although some of it took on
> the appearance of a slug-fest.Hey! I do not look like a slug. The Michelin Man, maybe, but not a slug! =^P ;^)
I do think spirituality is critical. I also think spirituality *can* (not must, not just in respect to the beliefs of others but as a "truth") have absolutely nothing to organized religion. I do object strenuously to the sort of fatalism people fall back upon, as if some GOD out there created us so that we could suffer, and that this suffering is unimportant when compared the GRAND SCHEME or, worse, that our suffering is *necessary* to the SCHEME. Give me free will and personal responsibility, but with biological constraints, anyday.
The spirituality I have gravitated towards, having arrived at it even before I had any idea anyone else believed the same, is based on that kernel of divinity within each of us. The Inner Voice. How Sri Chinmoy talks about aspiration -- a simultaneous expansion towards the highest height and the deepest fullness within.
... and when all that fails me, I take the first homeless person who asks for change to a deli and buy him or her a good meal.
Sometimes a simple act of charity is far better therapy than any spiritual epiphany.
Bob
Posted by Judi on December 6, 1999, at 17:38:01
In reply to Re: Spirituality, posted by bigbertha on December 5, 1999, at 0:37:22
> >I appreciated the feedback.. Bertha, thank you for mentioning the former threads. I'll have to look for them. I can't get around so easily on this bb with my ancient computer! I loved what you wrote. There truly are so many ways to "worship", to touch spirit. I once read 'every good thought is a prayer.' Bob, I enjoyed your thoughts! Ever read anything by Krishnamurti? Seems like someone you might enjoy.
This is the end of the thread.
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