AN INTRODUCTION TO "DEPRESSION'S SEVEN STEPS TO SELF-UNDERSTANDING"

As a result of my experience in working with others and myself, and through my study and research of Western and Eastern philosophy, psychology, mythology, anthropology, history, theology, and indigenous traditions, I have come to recognize and delineate various “steps” or phases that occur within the process of depression. Each of these phases needs to be consciously experienced and integrated if one is to be able to understand, see through, and consequently move through the confining and often arresting condition of depression.

I present them in this chapter in a preliminary and introductory form to illustrate the developmental parts of the process of depression so that you might begin to absorb and integrate this information, consciously and unconsciously, and thus become more receptive and permeable to its actual experience as you proceed through this book.

The intent is that, by the time you reach Chapters Seven and Eight, you will eventually consciously work with these phases as they occur within you; utilizing them specifically

as you experience each step of the depressive process within yourself. Depression‘s Seven Steps to Self-Understanding are logical, understandable, and practical, both in their composition and their progression, and make complete psychological sense.

It would be very helpful at this point to hold the possibility

in your mind that we are able to comprehend “lessons” of

self-understanding within and through our own depression. A formal presentation of Depression‘s Seven Steps to Self-Understanding is given in Chapter Seven, which also includes a more thorough examination and discussion. But it is important that these developmental steps in the process of depression be introduced now, since they may be new and unfamiliar, and it is vital that we familiarize ourselves with these new ideas and feel as comfortable as possible with this notion of self-understanding through depression.

Depression is perhaps most clearly understood as possessing two parts: the depression itself, and our reaction to this initial depression. When depression initially appears, we don’t necessarily “see it coming,” and may therefore experience it as quite alien to ourselves. As the recipients or “victims” of this depression, we instantly react to it, and, through our reactions and responses, create and establish our own particular relationship with depression, including our mode of dealing or not dealing with it.

In depth psychology, depression is considered to come from

the psyche, the soul, or what is called “the unconscious,” the

unknown part of ourselves. In addition to this, the psyche-soul, in and of itself, is considered to have its own existence and identity, connected with our conscious being, yet also

independent. Thus, the psyche-soul is seen as having power

not only in its own life, but also in ours. This overpowering

influence upon us has often been referred to as “destiny,” “fate,” or “God’s will.”

These depth psychological ideas regarding the psyche or soul and the part it plays in our lives may be difficult to understand, much less accept, at this point, but in our intention of learning to work with and learn from depression, it is helpful and practical to see it in this way. Otherwise, we will want and try to believe that the process of depression is all under our control and that we should therefore understand its operation and its goals. Such a belief, which is only partly true, is an obstacle to our receptivity, understanding, and ultimate acceptance of our depression as it is rather than as we would like it to be. In this process of coming to terms with our depression, we therefore work both with ourselves as we respond and relate to our depression, and also with our depression as if it were a

separate entity.

Depression’s Seven Steps to Self-Understanding illustrate a

process through which we expand our viewpoints to include

other perspectives and possibilities pertaining to depression,

and also in which we open up our views of ourselves to include a greater spectrum, resulting in an expanded understanding of who and what we are and can be. These perspectives and possibilities are discussed further in the next chapter.

The formal presentation of Depression‘s Seven Steps to Self-

Understanding in Chapter Seven is similar in many ways to this preliminary introduction, however, to provide this blueprint for you now will lend itself to the building of your own structure of comprehension upon a firm foundation that you will be able to utilize for yourself in your own life. Once you take in the information, knowledge, and perspectives provided in the ensuing chapters, and participate in the experience of Depression‘s Seven Steps to Self-Understanding, you will have a much greater understanding of the deeper process of depression presented in Chapters Seven and Eight, and will be more able to actually employ this understanding in the living of your own life.

Following in the next edition of this blog is the preliminary presentation of Depression‘s Seven Steps to Self-Understanding. At this point it is best to just read, absorb, and accept them as best you can, even if you have doubts and questions. You needn’t believe them nor accept them as true, but do consider the possibility that this process to self-understanding through depression may be possible. You may, if you like, imagine how it might unfold within you and manifest in your life. However, the intent at this point is simply for you to be exposed to this view of the depressive process as a way to an eventual attainment of deep self-understanding. Again, there is perhaps new information for you that is given here. Just read it, take it in, and don’t try to figure it all out, necessarily understand it, or experience it at this point. You’ll have ample opportunity to do that later.

        

THE DIRECTIONS OF DEPRESSION

Depression has many directions. Again, what is proposed here is that depression, as it occurs in our lives, does have personal meaning for us, and also, that it has its own reasons for being there.


Depression has the capacity to lead us to profound self-understanding and self-mastery, however, if we view and experience depression as a curse, we will surely feel and be cursed. On the other hand, if we can accept and experience that depression contains within it a way through its hellishness, we may be able to view it as a blessing, even a gift. This particular understanding and insight are only available to those who have depression, for they, as much as they might prefer it otherwise, are no longer able to live in their illusions of belief, safety,
contentment, and convention.
 

Those who have depression possess the key to their inner selves, their own soul, their own underworld, and such a journey awaits them. It is not an easy journey by any means.We do “go through the fires,” but the fires purify us of our false and self-destructive beliefs and actions. And the accompanying disillusionment of depression actually can lead us out of the darkness of our self-ignorance into the light of our self-understanding.

Those who are called to depression, to this particular level and kind of sensitivity—mental, emotional, psychological, and spiritual—are drawn to this journey. They are among those who have become sensitive enough and disillusioned enough to begin moving into heretofore new territory within themselves, and perhaps in the outer world as well. With some external guidance combined with their own self-guidance, they can witness for themselves the “light at the end of the tunnel,” and consciously move in its direction.

We each have our own particular journey, however, a guide that points out the universal reference points and direction markers on the journey can make a difference. In fact, we are literally surrounded by these reference points and direction-markers all the time. We must simply learn to be able to recognize them. This is the function of a guide. This book helps us to recognize the guidance which is right in front of us and within us. It does require that we be open to such guidance so that we might learn to recognize it and benefit from it.

SEEING DEPRESSION AS A SPIRITUAL DIRECTIVE

I'd like to discuss the notion of "depression as a spiritual path". I don't think we should necessarily view depression in this way, since in my own experience with myself and others, depression, if understood properly and experienced deeply and honestly, has the capacity to point us in what might be called "spiritual" directions.

I definitely do not see depression as a "disease", though it can certainly be a chronic condition. I suppose it is a disease if it comes upon us and we react to it as if it were a disease, keeping it in place and essentially maintaining it in our ignorance of what it may hold for our spiritual, or psycho-spiritual direction and development.

Depression is not to be seen as a "spiritual path" because it is not an end in itself; it points beyond itself. However, its nature is deep and psychic, that is, pertaining to the soul, the psyche, and it consequently has a strongly spiritual component and power--if we are willing and able to learn from it and "use" it properly.

Another point I wish to make is that I don't believe there is any "cure" for depression. I say this because I see depression as a component of our psycho-spiritual process, rather than as a disease to be cured. Depression is at least partly a sensitivity to the voice of our own soul, or deeper self. If misunderstood or misinterpreted, which is the norm in our culture, depression does become a chronic condition, and it causes profound suffering on many levels of consciousness and unconsciousness. If we see depression as our "soul-sensitivity", our goal is to comprehend it and experience it from this perspective and in this way, rather than to be "cured" or "healed" of it. "Soul-sensitivity" is fraught with much self-responsibility. That level of sensitivity is a deeper-than-normal awareness. It is actually a gift, however, it is also a blessing and a curse. Sometimes we are aware of more than we want to be aware of. Sometimes we feel the suffering that exists in the world itself, and wish we were not so sensitive. But, in fact, we are, and there is no denying that reality and fact. And there is no getting away from ourselves.

Our "depression" or soul-sensitivity will stay with us probably for our whole lives. We will never really lose this sensitivity. However, as we come to understand it and experience it in its peace-bringing qualities, we will not suffer so intensely and ignorantly as a result of it. I try to practice zazen, Zen Buddhist meditation, every day. For me, it becomes very much an exercise in self-observation--of thoughts, emotions, beliefs, bodily sensations--and in this practice, I have to "sit with" whatever is bothering me or painfully affecting me the most. I sit "in" it, feel it, watch it, experience it, and this is profoundly difficult and painful oftentimes. There is no escape from myself in this "soul-sensitivity" or depression. And, though I vow I'll never "sit" again, I try to last through the meditation. And the next day, I sit again--not because I force myself, but because I want to and because I know it is what I need to do for myself. Though I make it sound like torture, it also has its moments of profound experience of being "free", that is, of being beyond myself in a state of "no-self". We each have our own way of "being with ourselves as we are" and I mention this as my way. Your own way will be discovered by you. In my book, I present questions to ask yourself to help promote an understanding and a relationship between you and your soul. The depression or soul-sensitivity qualifies you as one who may be able to have this kind of contact with your inner self or spiritual-self, as it were.

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I am in the process of converting my book into a series of on-line educational seminars for those who prefer this kind of presentation and learning experience. It breaks the book down into bite-size pieces and provides opportunities to experience an exercise in each "class" of each seminar. I will keep you informed of the progress of this endeavor.


I will be providing a free introductory seminar to the series to give people an opportunity to sample the seminars and to sign up and purchase one to see if they like it or to purchase the whole series at a discount. The price will be quite reasonable. I'll let you know when the free introductory seminar is ready.

ON "MAKING SENSE" OF DEPRESSION

The term, “depression,” has come to have many meanings in our culture. For us to be able to approach depression with a degree of helpful and applicable understanding, depression must be seen from different perspectives and also deconstructed or broken down to its particular components. We therefore approach depression from medical, historical, cultural, psychological, spiritual, philosophical, mythical, and literary points of view. Though these perspectives often overlap and parallel each other, the knowledge and understanding of them provides a broader spectrum and greater context in which to consider depression and ourselves in depression.

Each perspective on depression is related to and builds upon each other perspective to provide a kind of overall foundational structure, however, individuals have their own ways of seeing and interpreting, that is, their particular subjective philosophical and psycho-spiritual frameworks. Consequently, any particular perspective is to be questioned and put to the test by the individual, but still with a respect for its possible viability for others. We attempt to define and come to terms with depression, a state that is practically indefinable due to an understanding that must be interpreted through individual experience and is therefore perpetually changing.

An effect of treating depression with too much logic and organization based in a need to “make sense of” and rationally

understand depression is to destroy the integrity and freedom of the spirit of the depression by limiting it only to certain

boundaries, structures, and origins that provide us and the "clinical experts" with a sense of control over the depression. Clinical and scientific “factual” descriptions of depression, though valuable in their categorization and delineation, can be and are misleading. First of all, the “facts” involved are interpretations from observations which may or may not be accurate and are set within their own interpretive context or viewpoint. Second of all, those experiencing depression experience it differently than their observers and note-takers, ascribing importance to different aspects and qualities, and
interpreting their experiences differently than their observers. The “blanket” descriptions given us by the experts who do their best to provide objective descriptions do not convey what is an inherently intensely personal and subjective experience. Such descriptions are like trying to convey the beauty and experience of a sunrise in a factually descriptive news report.

Instead, consider that the depression contains and carries its own reason for expressing itself, which is combined with our own unique experience of it. Consider depression to be like the Muse who inspires the poet to write the poem by simply descending upon him or her. In our observations of depression itself and of the different ways in which it appears and through which we experience it, for now it would be most helpful to see depression as coming of its own accord upon us. The rationale for this is will be understood in due time.

There is a logic and an order in this exploration of depression;

however, it is similar to the logic and order in a work of art. The logical and orderly framework and technique are present in Michelangelo’s Mona Lisa, but what we see, are affected by, and respond to is much more than it mechanics or structure. Beethoven’s Seventh Symphony is presented by means of many

individual instruments, each producing its own particular sound

according to musical notes written on a page, however, we are moved by the power and beauty of the music as a whole.

This book in all its components, harmonious and discordant, defined by spaces of silence, may be received as a symphony that, through its wholeness, has the capacity to move and affect us as a whole, rather than just our intellect or emotions or body or soul. To accomplish this level of receptivity, experience, and understanding, we do the best we can; observing ourselves and our own personal dynamics as much as possible. And that’s as far as we need to go with our self-observation. We listen to the music or take in the painting as it is in this moment. It affects us as it affects us in this moment and we pay attention to that. We hear it as we hear it and see it as we see it. And so be it. It is never the same; our experience changes. There is no measurement or comparison to be made even if we believe we “could have done better.” Hearing the music simply as you hear it is a more authentic and enjoyable experience than wondering if you’re hearing it as you’re supposed to hear it. When I listen to Beethoven’s Seventh, sometimes I am moved to tears,

sometimes the repeated tonal themes stand out, and sometimes I hear the tension-creating gaps both in the rhythm and in the discordance. It is never the same. Nor am I the same.

WHAT IS "UNDERSTANDING" AND "UNDERSTANDING DEPRESSION"?

A Preparation for Understanding Depression

The intention of this book is to help those who are depressed to attain an understanding of their depression and themselves that will expand their perceptions and experience of what depression is and change for the better their relationship with depression, with the possible outcome that its painful effects will be greatly diminished, and that a level of self-understanding and self-acceptance will be achieved. However, for “understanding depression” to even be possible, we must first have a clearer sense of what we mean when we speak of “understanding” in and of itself. For, “understanding,” in itself, covers a spectrum of meanings within the multiple process we simply label as “understanding.” So we ask the following question in order to begin to build a foundational context through which to understand depression.

What is “Understanding ”?

“To understand” indicates and illustrates a process of the steps in the development of understanding, which presents a logical order:

1. “to infer (something not stated),”

2. “to learn of or to hear of,”

3. “to grasp the importance or significance of,”

4. “to perceive the meaning of, or comprehend,”

5. “to interpret or comprehend in a specified way,”

6. “to become familiar with; have a thorough knowledge of,” and

7. “to regard as agreed or settled.”

Thus, we see that “understanding” begins unconsciously through inference in 1, then to external influence in 2, and intuitional sensing or feeling in 3, which leads toward mental perception and conscious understanding in 4, then interpretation and specific understanding in 5, and then we internalize our interpretation so that it is thorough and familiar to us in 6, and finally, in 7, we all agree on the common understanding we have established.

“Understanding” denotes not just an intellectual or mental perception, but also a mind-body comprehension and lived experience. It is a way of seeing that is based in our own experience and is therefore a grounding of theory in practice, that is, of the story of our life in the actual physical experience of us living our life. Understanding, when grounded in experience, puts us “in touch with concrete, earthy … reality.” With the experience that comes through understanding and the understanding that comes through experience, we are enabled to live fully. To understand is to get beneath, to “stand under” the surface and see what is hidden there. From such a vantage point we have greater comprehension, for the full scope of knowledge is both the obvious (above the surface) and the hidden (below the surface). Of course we are still not able to see everything that is obvious or hidden, so understanding is recognized as an attempt to simply do the best we can do, with an awareness that we’ll never see everything or know it all.

What Does It Mean To “Understand Depression”?

To “understand depression” is to undergo this process of awareness which begins with an unconscious, intuitive “sense” that to open ourselves up to the process and experience of

depression has meaning for us; we have grasped its inherent value and importance and seek to “understand” it even though we cannot as yet explain or “make sense” of it. We may have heard of this “other side” of depression from others or read about it, or we may have finally reached a point within ourselves at which we realize that a “deeper significance” of our depression has been working silently within us and is now “stirring” us to the point that we are feeling it without knowing what it is. As we come to focus our attention on “understanding depression,” we begin to consciously perceive it in a different way, perhaps for the first time. We may even have a glimpse of the meaning behind what is happening within us when we are depressed, and discover that we are able to see and interpret our depression in new ways.

In due time, as our understanding increases, we find that our depression is more familiar to us and no longer so alien or frightening. Our understanding of depression is something we become able to apply to ourselves in our own lives and also to others. We find that we are learning what depression is and how it works, both in itself and within ourselves. We have observed how we react and respond to depression, and learned what we can do to change our reactions and responses to be more in line with who we really are, what we want for ourselves, and how we want to be. This is how the process of “understanding depression” can unfold and express itself in our lives.

Through this understanding and close observation, we come to the paradoxical reality of “the myth of depression.” On one hand, we discover that what we call “depression” has been inflated to be much more than it actually is, and, on the other, we recognize depression’s mythic identity and power; that it is all that it is claimed to be and far more. In Chapter Ten, this idea of depression’s “gift of paradox” is further explored.

To understand the meaning of depression is to begin to comprehend the reasons why it manifests itself specifically as it does in our life. To understand the meaning of our depression is to both comprehend and accept ourselves as being affected by depression. Such an understanding enables us to grant ourselves a bit of compassion, and objectivity towards ourselves. Within this understanding of depression and of ourselves in depression comes a clarification and a recognition of the purpose that this depression may serve in our lives. Within the disease lies the cure. We can recognize depression more as a dis-ease, as a psychological unease or imbalance, than as a physical sickness, for its symptoms carry with them the possibility of self-understanding and self-discovery, which, in turn, can lead us to wholeness and healing.

DEPRESSION AS A PATH TO SELF-UNDERSTANDING: FIVE PROPOSITIONS

1.   Depression is to be recognized as a way and a means to move through our ignorance and our perpetual distractions that prevent us from living our lives more authentically as ourselves, as truer human beings.

2.   The soul, the psyche, is alive in us and is speaking directly to us through our depression in such a way that we cannot ignore its message. Depression is therefore to be experienced and understood as an actual communication to us from our psyche-soul, given to us so that we might understand who and what we are, and what life is, and that we consequently might be enabled to move forward in this psychological and spiritual understanding, not only for ourselves but for others, and for the world itself.

3.   Those who do experience this shattering pain of depression are among those who are sensitive and aware enough to receive it. They possess the ability to discipline themselves to become able to hear and respond to the messages of the soul within themselves and within humanity as a whole.

4.   The depressed ones are among those able to receive and respond to the anima mundi, the soul of the world itself. The depression makes it possible to become receptive to this understanding by stripping them, in so many ways, of themselves, that is, of their beliefs and cultural identities, their habitual ways of seeing and understanding, and their own identity and sense of security and contentment, while, simultaneously, sensitizing them to the realities of life in the world in which they live.

5.   Depression has the power and the effect of opening us up to the soul of the world and the pain of the world—the suffering of others; not so that we are drowned in this loss and sorrow, but, rather, so that we no longer avoid that which is difficult and painful for us as individuals, and become able to squarely face it, come to terms with it, and stand up for ourselves, both singularly and collectively. This is precisely why we were born: to be proper and true human beings in connection not only with all other human beings, but with all life on the planet, and the cosmos itself.

However, before we can do anything, much less achieve such goals, we must be able to see the truth of things in themselves as much as possible, rather than being immersed in our own versions of what we want to see. We must be focused and undistracted. Most of us live our lives in absolute distraction from who and what we are in essence. Throughout the world, people are primarily engaged in simply surviving from day to day, and this distracts them from any other possibility beyond that necessary directive. Some of us have the luxury of not having to constantly worry about and engage in the act of literal survival, but the pain of injustice and our lack of ability and confidence to face this inequity within ourselves as well as in the world, drives us away from looking into ourselves and our own reflection in the world, that is, into distracting ourselves from seeing what is real.

Depression could be considered an essential part of the psychological and spiritual, or psycho-spiritual, inner journey. It is characterized by an initial descending within ourselves and the experience of the “dark” and hitherto unconscious parts of ourselves and, by extension, of life in general. Mythically, it is the underworld journey; Dante’s guided journey through Hell and Purgatory and finally to Paradise, and Christ’s descent into Hell three days before rising to Heaven. But the underworld journey is meant to move through Hell and not to remain or get stuck there. It is a necessary phase of the psycho-spiritual journey, which is traversed through our understanding, our internalizing of that understanding, and our learning from our own experience. The underworld journey contains and conveys messages to us from our own psyche-soul that we must both hear and heed if we are to be able to finally move through the depression phase of our journey.

CHAPTER 1: THE PATH OF DEPRESSION

This book presents depression as a process of psychological development, self-understanding, and spiritual unfolding. Depression is recognized as a specific means or “path” with the potential, if properly followed, to lead us to a greater sense of self-understanding based in our own comprehension, knowledge, and experience of ourselves of our depression.

This perspective and approach to depression is radically different than our American cultural view and practice. This approach views depression as an initiation and preparation for an important part of our psychological and spiritual process and journey, often interpreted as an interior experience or underworld journey. This psycho-spiritual journey has much potential and offers deep wisdom personally gleaned from its experience. In this different way of viewing and working with depression, depression itself becomes a tool with which and through which we work towards our own self-discovery and self-fulfillment. Rather than fighting and fleeing from depression, it is recognized as an ally and even embraced as a friend who bears a valuable gift for us.

Depression is considered to be a disease in American culture. It is pathological and to be gotten rid of as quickly and easily as possible. Given the pain of depression, this response makes sense. Yet, the pain of depression would not be so overwhelming if we were able to see depression in a different light; as a psychological and spiritual process of giving birth to ourselves as authentic human beings.

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Depression's Seven Steps to Self-Understanding: A Guide to Comprehending and Navigating Your Inner Journey is being presented page-by-page, chapter-by-chapter in this blog. The book may be purchased at Amazon.com.