Turning Depression Into Spiritual Transformation
By Reverend Margaret SHEPHERD, MBA, with Paula Correia, RScP
Our beloved Howard reminded me recently how many of his calls for help are from you who have spiraled downward into depression. I know depression often sits side by side with the misery of chronic illness. To be suffering with both STD and depression must feel like a special kind of hell.
There is a wonderful woman who has been attending one of my mastermind teams for nearly five years. I have heard her describe the hell of depression and how she used to live there. But she doesn't anymore; just visits briefly on rare occasions. I knew that an active spiritual practice was her way out. And I knew I didn't want to write this without Paula's help. Regardless of its cause or accompaniments, depression is experienced pretty much the same for us all. While she does not have STD, Paula knows depression intimately. I believe her story can help you.
I always encourage you to use the power of your thoughts, to cultivate a positive outlook, and realize that you can have a good life of happiness, peace and usefulness no matter what your physical condition. Paula is an example of successfully employing this approach. Her gift to us is her willingness to share her experience and her wisdom with candor and courage. Read on to learn Paula's spiritual/mental practices that keep her chronic depression at bay.
Hiding Depression Is Destructive
"Depression has been with me as long as I remember. As a child I was ashamed of it and never talked to anyone about it, hiding mostly in books to take my mind off myself. Depression would suddenly descend upon me like a black curtain of despair and magically lift after a few days or weeks. So I learned to accept and live with it. Then I discovered men late in my teens and a whole new vista of exciting experiences opened up for me. But the depressions still came and went. As I embarked onto a successful career "the black dogs of depression," as Winston Churchill called his bouts with this affliction, still chased me relentlessly. Even marriage and motherhood did not keep the "hounds" at bay. "When is this going to be over this time?" my understanding but despairing husband would ask. And when it was finally over, I would be my enthusiastic and energetic self again.
Using Work to Cope Only Goes So Far
Work had always been a great solace for me until I could not longer hide behind it. At age 37, newly divorced, I returned to Switzerland, my country of birth, to follow a childhood dream. It was to become a journalist at the largest Swiss magazine, visualizing myself in a photograph laden with cameras, under the column "Rovingroving Journalist." With great drive I pursued this goal, and yes, I accomplished it. And then the depression hit, big time! My goal was fulfilled, I had no more dreams, and I felt emptier than ever. Thoughts of suicide haunted me, but it was not an option because I had a 12-year-old son. Being a convinced atheist at that time, I did not have the "God option" either.
I struggled to stay alive and returned to the United States two years later. When a friend called to invite me to a Buddhist meeting I agreed to go under the guise of doing a story on the group. They challenged me to do their spiritual practices for 90 days, promising my life would change. "Sure," said my cynical self. Not expecting anything, I did it anyway.
Peace is an Inside Job
Within a month I experienced what Psychologist Carl Jung describes this as a rare peak experience. My shabby apartment in Hollywood metamorphosed into a palace in front of my eyes. The simple meals I cooked tasted like the most extraordinary delicacies. For three full days and night I savored this beautiful altered state of consciousness. I did not leave the apartment and did not talk to anybody. Then a life-changing revelation struck me: "Peace and Joy is an inside job and not an outside job. Outside success gives temporary joy and peace, whereas spiritual practice uncovers the already existent inner spiritual qualities of peace and joy." I was hooked. As my inner life evolved through spiritual practice, my outer life kept pace raining great benefits upon me. My career took off beyond my wildest dreams, financial abundance following closely on its heels; my physical health improved dramatically, love at first sight lead to a second marriage with a wonderful man. Life had become an exciting adventure.
As I expanded my spiritual practice, I studied and practiced metaphysical principles and then explored the teachings of the Church of Religious Science and completed a four-year study program to become a licensed spiritual practitioner, which added affirmative prayer and meditation to my daily practice.
Choosing From the Treasure Box of Self-healing Tools
It's been 25 years since I started my spiritual practice. So the question is: Do I still get depressed? Yes I do. But now I have spiritual tools to deal with it in a self-compassionate, non-judgmental way, knowing this is another one of my evolutionary growth periods. What works for me best is when I pay attention to four aspects of my being :
On the spiritual level: I mediate, pray, read inspirational material, journal my thoughts, talk to a spiritual counselor, participate in a Mastermind group for support, go to church and do service on my church's prayer ministry;
On the emotional level: I nurture myself by doing something for myself that gives me pleasure, going to a movie or the theater, singing in my church's choir, or spending time with friends;
On the mental level: I stimulate my intellect through reading, taking classes, or mastering a new skill;
On the physical level: I exercise, do yoga, and eat healthy.
Since we all know of the body-mind-spirit connection, we can understand that healing on all four levels is important. Using this approach, my depressions have become less frequent though they can still be intense. But even in my darkest moments I know, it's temporary and that great insights and healing will await me on the other side of it. My light always shines again with a renewed zest for life and gratitude.
No, I have not been able to recapture the three-day spiritual honeymoon. But I always draw strength from its memory when the "light goes out." Now, I'm enjoying many little spiritual honeymoons, and I feel ever so grateful for all the teachers and friends
who have helped climb ever higher on the path to deep spiritual contentment."
Paula Correia, RScP
Licensed Religious Science Practitioner
(Religious Science is the spiritual teaching in which Margaret Shepherd is an ordained minister)
A final note from Margaret: I encourage you to apply the positive power of your mind and spirit to your depression. Join me in believing in a universal God that is always in positive collusion to bring you the best life has to offer, if you are just willing to experience the inner changes required. Self-healing is available and possible for all of us and for any circumstance. AND God is working equally through the medical doctors, the drugs, surgeries, and all other healing choices before you. Most of all, please remember that you have an inner wisdom that will guide you to your best choice for right now, and will guide you to its best result. As always, I'll hold the high watch for you, and send you my love.
