Welcome to "Heal Depression from the Heart," a blog series dedicated to helping individuals to overcome depression with love and compassion. Our approach is a reflection of a civilised society that prioritises mental health and wellbeing.
In the previous blog, "Heal depression from Heart: Depression and it’s resolution principles," we delved into the challenges that individuals with depression face, including feeling numb and lacking the motivation to move. We learned that taking the first step towards conquering depression involves initiating physical movement. If you haven't read it yet, be sure to check it out!
Now, it's time to turn our attention to creating mental movement to combat the two key symptoms of depression - numbness and a lack of motivation. The tool we will employ to overcome these symptoms is sensitivity.
Let's dive in and discover how you can start moving forward mentally and emotionally.
No matter how numb we feel, we are not truly numb; there is some sensation going on. We are numb because we have closed the doors of our senses to what is unfolding.
Because life exists, and movement always occurs in the presence of life. Movements such as the breathing, blood flow, and mental processes occur continuously. While we are numb, there is still activity around us since numbness just implies that we are unable to perceive it.
We must begin to focus on enhancing our sensitivity in order to be able to perceive the minute movements in order to experience the sensation. Due to the fact that we are dealing with the source of depression, sensitivity is a very fundamental and successful approach.
Now that we know how important sensitivity is for overcoming depression.
The mental plane consists of two primary parts: the thinking mind and the intellect. In this blog, we'll focus on the thinking mind, which is where most of our thoughts and emotions originate.
When we're feeling depressed, we might have thoughts running through our minds, but we don't give them much attention. To increase our sensitivity on the mental plane, we need to start observing our thoughts more closely.
One way to do this is by asking ourselves, "What's going on in my mind right now?" and really paying attention to the answer. It might seem like a simple question, but if we approach it with a neutral and curious mindset, we can learn a lot about our thought patterns.
So let's take a moment to experiment with this question. What thoughts are running through your mind right now? Don't just brush them off; observe them closely and see what insights you can gain. By doing so, you'll be well on your way to increasing your sensitivity on the mental plane and overcoming depression from the heart.
Before we dive into our experiment, let's take a moment to prepare ourselves. Start by relaxing your body—loosen your shoulders, take a deep breath, and allow yourself to let go of any tension.
Now, let's use our power of observation to focus on our thoughts. If you find that you're not currently thinking about anything, try looking at an object in front of you and seeing if it triggers any thoughts. For example, if you see a red coffee mug, you might start thinking about how much you love the color red or the smell of coffee.
As you observe your thoughts, you'll begin to notice that some are attractive, some are neutral, and some you may want to avoid. This is the perfect time to create a gap between yourself and your thoughts.
Instead of becoming completely absorbed in an attractive thought or resisting an unwanted thought, try to observe it from a distance. By doing so, you'll be able to recognize that there's a subtle moment in your mind where you have the power to choose how you respond to your thoughts.
This experiment is a powerful way to increase your sensitivity on the mental plane and begin to take control of your thoughts and emotions. So take a few moments to observe your thoughts and see what insights you can gain.
Thus we enter the realm of pure observation, with no choice for "oh, I like this thought" or "I don't want this thought." We let go of our attachment to the thought as an outcome.
Like if we were on a footpath by the side of the road and noticed some moving cars, we wouldn't follow them or urge them to stop; instead, we'd just stand there and be a silent observer of the thoughts going by.
Thoughts of many kinds may be in motion, but we don't discuss them in detail; instead, we simply watch them for what they are: thoughts.
Sometimes we can get caught up in our thoughts, and it can be challenging to break free from them. However, if we learn to observe our thoughts without getting too involved, we can gain a fresh perspective on our mental state.
To practice this, find a quiet space and sit comfortably for 15-20 minutes. During this time, focus on your thoughts and feelings without actively engaging with them. Allow them to come and go as they please, like clouds drifting across the sky. You might find it helpful to imagine yourself as a detached observer, watching your thoughts from a distance.
This technique is based on the principle of sensitivity, which means being aware of our internal state without judgement or criticism. By learning to observe our thoughts in this way, we can begin to recognize patterns and gain insight into our mental habits. Over time, this can lead to a greater sense of clarity and peace of mind.
One way to practise this technique is to intentionally trigger a thought when you find yourself struggling to identify what's running through your mind. Once the thought begins, take a step back and observe it without getting too involved. Try not to express any preferences or judgments about the thought; simply acknowledge its presence and let it pass.
With regular practice, you may find that you become more skilled at recognizing your mental states and responding to them in a healthy, balanced way. This can be particularly beneficial for those struggling with depression or other mental health challenges, as it can help break the cycle of negative thought patterns.
Sensitivity is the first core principle used in this experiment so far. In the next blog, we will discuss our second core principle. And also, we will discuss how we can help others overcome depression through the mental plane."
Shoonyo is a visionary and spiritual mentor. After 18 years of meditation and significant research into mind powers, NLP, martial arts practice with a black belt, healing practices, and deeper spiritual practices, he experienced the clarity of awakened space and began sharing with seekers.
Shoonyo worked as a business intelligence manager in London for 10 years. He abandoned an opulent international corporate career to guide people towards awakening space.
Shoonyo now runs 3 ventures in India; Corporate training and leadership, One:One mentoring for business owners, and a mental wellness NGO known as Shoonyo Foundation.
Other than business ventures, he has authored two books: " Looking for the obvious", an amazing work of spiritual fiction; and "Embodying Bhagavad Gita," a nine-month practical course on the Bhagavad Gita. He is Amazon's # 3 best-selling author and is cherished by elite readers.