Thoughts on mental illness...

[SomaticDreams]

I think you have some chakra blockages, orange, yellow & blue come to mind.

Depression seems a blockage indeed.

Do you meditate?

Yes I'm trying to meditate but don't think I'm doing it quite right!
This is all very new to me, & I'm only just learning about the chakras now.
From what I've read so far I think they all may be blocked!
Its just unfortunate I live in such a small town as there are no places I can go to learn about these things.(I'm 3 hours away from the city).
I'll just have to read as much as possible for the time being.
Thanks again
[/quote]

Hi Jewells,

Welcome to the forum. I am glad you found a way to express yourself.

I would suggest meditation, as this is the easiest method to listen to your mind, body and spirit.

I think shamata (calming) meditation is good for you at this point. This is simply observing thoughts without judgement.

The only two basic requirements for meditation is that you have a straight back and your body is relaxed. So meditation may be done on a chair, laying down, traditionally (in the lotus/ half lotus position), etc. As long as these two requirements are met. Find the balance. Don't stress out about how relaxed your body is, or if your back is straight enough. Just let your back be straight and relax your body. No need to over do it.

The point of meditation (in the Buddhist tradition at least) is to recognize your awareness. Your awareness is always with you, but your thoughts arise into this awareness, which cause you to judge things (I like this, I don't like this). In this way you are led into a world of desire and repulsion, which leads to suffering. The words of Ra resonate here with the Buddhist tradition that one must learn to accept these thoughts, feelings (physical), and emotions. You cannot overcome them, reject them, or hold onto them forever.

With that in mind, as you start to meditate, focus on an object of meditation (this may be anything you are thinking, or feeling at the time, emotionally or physically). Most beginners start with their breath, as it is natural and easy to follow. You always have to breath. Your eyes can be open or closed- it is a matter of preference. Look about a meter in front of you on the ground (if sitting), if your laying down, simply stare straight ahead, or close your eyes.

As you focus on your breath, thoughts will arise in your mind...and it may even seem at first that your mind is getting busier with thoughts. This is actually you recognizing how busy your mind really is. All you have to do is observe your thoughts, no judgements of them. Just say hello to them.

Let me relate this observer awareness to the two ways we usually react to our thoughts. We either obey them as if they are our boss, or we reject them, like they are our enemy.

For example if you hear a song you like, you think "I like this!" and you immediately believe that thought, or perhaps you stub your toe, and you think "OW!" and immediately think of how painful the sensation is. Likewise, if you smell something you don't like, you think "Yuck!" and immediately try to remove yourself from the smell, and if you feel an emotion and you think "I am sad" then you respond habitually as you always do when your sad.

So clearly, these two methods of relating to our thoughts in a judgmental fashion do not reveal their true nature to us. We must be like observers of our own thoughts, to see where they come from and where they go, how they arise and fall...how all phenomena are contingent, co-dependent and arising. This observer awareness can be equated to "making friends" with your thoughts. Welcome them! Love them! Greet them in your light and listen to them, as a good friend does to another. Just watch your thoughts as you follow your breath as your "ground".

If you get lost in thoughts, don't worry. Be gentle with yourself. Love yourself, and be compassionate. Say "That's okay. I am going to gently bring my awareness back to my breath".

Again, just watch your thoughts. Those moments of recognizing awareness are like drops of water into a bucket...eventually the bucket will fill up with these moments of awareness. You will be able to rest in awareness more and more. All it takes it practice- and the best part is; all meditation practice is productive practice! (Remember? There's no good or bad practice, just a friend who you listen to).

This is the most basic, and easiest meditation to start with. I know it will help you if you decide to utilize it. Be compassionate to yourself, so you may develop this love and be able to share it with those who you love, and even those who you might call enemy.

Much love to you. If you have any questions, let me know. Feel free to disregard this however, if this seems like something that will not help you. Do what "resonates" in the words of Q'uo. I do not know what is best for you, but I offer you this tool to help you, another me.

-SomaticDreams