A Mindfulness Journey from Depression

1. A Mindfulness Journey from Depression Prasad Amore

2. Anjali felt as though she is lost in the crowded city. In the late hours of the night, the city appeared as though it was dead. She spent many sleepless nights, overpowered by sadness. She started hating the company of her friends and even felt like killing herself in times of intense depression. However, she now understands that it is an act of nature. She says that she is searching for herself among magnificent mountains, beaches, and deep green woods as she consumes medicines to manage her brain chemistry. A feeling of relaxation and contentment was alien to Anjali in her day-to-day life. It was impossible for her to lead a simple life in the harsh urban city environment, with its concrete structures and streets teeming not only with people but also with vehicles. She was unable to find any solace amidst the feeling of emotional emptiness. Insecurities and desperation made her feel extremely sad. Though she was taking medicines to manage her inner turbulence, she stayed aloof both at her workplace and residence. I advised her to spend some time in serene places to help her feel better. Anjali experienced inner happiness when she spent more time unhindered in natural surroundings and away from the hustle and bustle of city life. She started feeling one with nature, and her long walks through the woods relieved a great deal of her anxiety. It is human nature to feel attracted to varied natural surroundings. In fact, it is in our genes, and forests, water bodies, rivers, and deep green woods are all etched in our memories. It is the essence of human life. We feel as though we have got back something we have lost when we return to the wilderness from turbulent city life. When we spend time observing nature and understanding its relationships and complexities, we start to realize the constant impact of nature on us. 1 | P a g e

3. A Mindfulness Journey We travelled across the valleys of Bhutan. We lost ourselves to nature, spending time soaking in the morning rays caressed by the Himalayas and the smell of dark green leaves. Many evenings, we prayed for the rain to stop. At times when the rain and mist intensified, the forests became more mysterious. However, the journey across the forest and the greenery warmed up our minds. Our breath, a falling leaf, a ray of sunlight, and the cawing of a bird all contributed to our feeling good about ourselves. When you spend time alone with your emotions and thoughts, you feel extremely happy, even in solitude. "Lead a happy life and enjoy peace of mind because each moment of your life is precious. Organize all aspects of your life, understand your own virtues, and feel happy about yourself during the short time you spend in this world." These are Anjali’s words. Properly organizing your day-to-day life encourages you to do a lot of good deeds. Anjali is now going through a mindfulness journey! Prasad Amore RCI Licensed Mental Health Professional/Author of 8 books/Managing Director at Softmind Wellness Pvt Ltd Kochi, Kerala 2 | P a g e