Posted by Annie on June 27, 1999, at 9:58:37
In reply to Now what???, posted by Racer on June 25, 1999, at 1:15:30
> How many here believe in reincarnation?
Hello Racer. I hope you are feeling better. Like Bob, I wasn't sure why you asked this question. Maybe it was rhetorical. If so, read no further.
I believe in reincarnation, and in some ways it has helped to keep me alive during the worst depressive bouts. I believe that I chose all the experiences I would have in this lifetime and depression is one of them. If I chose it, there must be a reason - something to learn from it. When I learn the lesson, maybe (hopefully) the depression will end. Once when I was thinking about suicide, I went to a talk given by Ram Dass. He questioned the purpose of suicide, saying when we die all the unresolved problems and puzzles come with us. All that is different is that we have no body to facilitate in the resolution of these problems. Not what I wanted to hear at that point, but effective to cause me to rethink my "solution". I've have always loved learning. Now I am learning about my depression. How it affects me. How it changes me or makes me stronger, or makes me weaker, or how it just is. I am reading a book right now about the Zen path through depression that is helping me maintain my focus on the learning, and not on the pain. I am sometimes not successful in my focus. :o)Based on the current climate of the board, I guess I am a candidate for flaming with this, admittedly 'out there' post, but hey, maybe I will learn something from the flamers. Be gentle friends. I am a seeker, but I am also a depressive. I don't always get to choose which facet of me will hear the words and interpret them.
Annie
poster:Annie
thread:7802
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/19990601/msgs/7911.html