Re: jeremy's work on depression/ANDY

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> In a message dated 12/17/2003 12:34:28 PM Eastern Standard Time,

> endofthedream@y... writes:

andy: If acceptance of the state-of-being (WHATEVER it is ~ however

horrific the mind says such a state must be), happens, then there is

no " problem " ... there is just the state-of-being, as it is. You

mention that it is PAINFUL. Nothing written above is meant to

equate " acceptance " with non-action; please don't interpret it that

way. Genuinely accepting what is, the 'edge' may be taken off the

emotion, thus allowing the most effective action (the Work,

psychotheraphy, even pharmacology if warranted) to happen.

jermey: yes, i must admit that im hoping the work will be the therapy

that will be effective for me. and it's true...with the edge taken

off i can approach the work a bit more clearly. the work can be very

difficult in a state of intense pain and/or confusion (for me), and

that's when it's most needed!

*****Two thoughts, ...

First, consistently makes a point that success with The Work is

not that frequent if one is inquiring with a *motive* (as in " I want

to get rid of this " or " I want to 'fix' this " ). To quote

her, " Acceptance, peace, letting go, and less attachment to a world

of suffering are all *effects* of doing The Work. They're not goals.

Do The Work for the love of freedom, for the love of truth. If

you're inquiring with other motives, such as healing the body or

solving a problem, your answers may be arising from old motives that

never worked, and you'll miss the wonder and grace of inquiry. "

Second, you may want to consider therapy (psychotheraphy), in

addition to or in place of The Work. Hopefully you do not perceive

such an option as stigmatized -- not in (nearly) 2004! I recall when

I first began my love affair with zen (1983). I had moved into a zen

monastery and, along with the rest of the 'crew,' was meditating 3-5

hours daily; LOTS of internal doors were opening for me and a great

deal of 'stuff' was coming up. I was consciously flooded with a

plethora of insights & upsets and didn't know what to " do " about - or

with - them. Luckily the monastery abbot was 'enlightened'; he said

something to the effect of 'Pandora's Box is opening especially

quickly for you' and pointed out that he was not a trained

psychologist. He suggested that if what was being experienced was a

bit 'too much' for me, then I might want to work some of it through

with a " mental health " professional. (Sage advice from a sage,

huh!) :-)))

Whatever path is taken, I hope you find the ride a bit easier.

~andy