Here's some writing that supports what you're saying, Dave. I find this explanation of how thought corrupts pure feelings into an emotional state to be really helpful in establishing equanimity with my feelings:
Feelings are reactions of the heart. They are spontaneous and pass over us like a wave, only lasting a few seconds. Feelings are expressed in the moment they are experienced, without judgment. Emotions are stuck feelings. Emotions are attached to the past and present, and to thoughts. When we think about our feelings, judge them and invest in them, they remain with us and fill our awareness. Their time to be expressed passes with the original feelings, and we are stuck with in emotional mind. When these emotional states persist, they become moods, in which the way out becomes less and less clear. It comes from: http://www.worldpsychology.net/World%20Psychology/HeartHealth/feelings_emotions1.htm I've experienced various flavors of depression. I used to think they were biochemical, or psychological, now I believe they are spiritual (and they don't come as often or last as long). Perfectionism, judgment, loss of control, distorted thinking, and lethargy are fundamental aspects of depression that are difficult to engage in when one is cultivating a practice of equanimity. For me, at this point in my life, depression only occurs due to a spiritual meltdown: when I become unaware, disconnected, and unsure of my source (big S Self). At this point, for me, living in small s self is the same as depression. Regards, Kahty -- ~say beautiful things to yourself~ ------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~--> Join modern day disciples reach the disfigured and poor with hope and healing http://us.click.yahoo.com/lMct6A/Vp3LAA/i1hLAA/S27xlB/TM --------------------------------------------------------------------~-> Current Book Discussion: any Zen book that you recently have read or are reading! Talk about it today! Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Zen_Forum/ <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
