Practical ways out of Depression into Bliss

I made the decision this year to start a blog on practical ways to deal with depression. I write from the point of view of a very sensitive person who lived with severe depression from the ages of 12-25 years, was surrounded by people who were severely depressed, lost one of my best friends to suicide and in that period, drew into my experience what some have referred to as 'horrific experiences' no adult, much less child, should have to confront.  From my point of view, I am grateful for everything I have known, as it has given me the direct understanding of the broad gradient of experiences life can offer. Now I am able to utilize those experiences in embracing all forms of life without fear and I view this as a privilege. 

Since the age of 26, I made the decision to heal myself from depression and achieved that through; meditation, the intention to heal, the light, love and compassion of many teachers and friends and my art practice. I have experienced what can only be called incredible miracles throughout my life, especially since that time. These miracles occurred the moment I realized, what I will outline within this blog. I do so with the intention that each person who reads it, may draw into their experience, if they have not already, the abundance they so richly deserve and is available to EVERYONE who is open to it.

I'm not an expert. In fact I don't believe in the idea of experts. I do not have all the answers and do not look to have them. Like yourself, I am another person with a perspective and I'm talking about what I have been walking.

I choose to share my perspective because I believe the most controversial and tragic crimes of humanity are not genocide, murder, rape or war, but self-violence. The truth is, people of all ages, have thought or are thinking about, fantasizing, planning and or killing themselves out of CHOICE, each second of the day and this is unacceptable. I suspect that 99% of humanity harbors some deluded sense of being less than what 'they should be', and this is also not only unacceptable, but a universal LIE. 

The most important issue of our time, which affects every other personal, global and universal issue, is that of self-esteem and until that issue is universally addressed, the reshaping of the 'icing on the cake' isn't doing much in the long run, for the cake itself.  It's time to cut the bullshit and really take a good look at what's underneath the carpet. It's with great love that I say we must begin to take seriously, our need for an end to suffering on earth. And it begins with ending our own.

My ongoing conversation with friends, 'strangers' and family all my life about this topic, has been beneficial and healing to both my own and their life situations. It is my intention and hope that by sharing some of that content in a public forum, it may attract the attention of those who can benefit from it also. I would like to encourage anyone else with pragmatic advice to offer, to add to this blog or start your own, for the benefit of all. 

We live in a magnificent universe. Let each word written here come from the heart to illuminate and radiate that truth and contribute to the end of suffering, so that each soul on earth may know who they truly are and that is love. 

With Much Love,

Amy