Beyond Blue

One Artist's Way Out of (Mild) Depression

Wednesday May 7, 2008

Categories: Depression
In her classic book, "The Artist's Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity," Julia Cameron offers readers twelve ways to recover their sense of self or inner creativity. According to this artist, nurturing one's creative powers is a spiritual exercise--and an antidote to (mild) depression and anxiety. "I have seen lives transformed by the simple process of engaging the Great Creator in discovering and recovering our creative powers," she writes in the introduction.

She began down her path of creativity by simply getting out of the way and letting the creative force work through her.

When you're depressed, that's not so easy. Not only are you in your own way, but an army of men and women are rallying in the street, yelling things like "You're stupid! You're lazy! You're ugly! You're a failure!" (at least that's how it looks in my head).

So you need to hire an "affirmation" army to defeat the depression army before you even start to jot down a creative thought. However, cultivating that creative person is important (not that you have time to take on any more jobs). Because offering the world a true and honest piece of yourself does wonders for your mood.

Here's something to try:

• Ask four friends to list your strengths. See if you are using those strengths in your present job. If not,
• Think about another job. Or, if you're locked in for various reasons (which I very well understand), try to develop a hobby that uses your strengths.
• Begin with just ten minutes a day doing something creative: writing, drawing, knitting, scrap-booking, cooking, and see if it helps your mood.
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Comments
Tricia
May 14, 2008 10:24 PM

(((((Welcome, Parris Synergy. Make yourself at home!!))))

Sara
May 19, 2008 1:44 AM

Dear Therese,
I read these articles on this site. It made me feel so much better, because it shows me there are other people suffering from anxiety and depression. I have been working many years to improve myself and continue doing so. I did not feel so alone anymore when I read these articles. Thank you so much for this wonderful insite. I am so grateful to you and to God. I hope everyone is doing okay. One thing, I found to help me on those hard days, is to always says something positive to ourselves, thank God everyday with a list of things, and giving myself credit for even the smallest things I get accomplished on my list. This seems to help me from getting overwelmed at times. It is always a struggle for me, even with my meds which I am grateful for. I thank God for every day of life and I try to see the beautiful white light of the day.

Thanks,
Sara Omaha, NE.

The BB Community
May 19, 2008 2:18 AM


(((((((((((((((Sara!!)))))))))))))))

Doris Sanders
June 19, 2008 10:43 PM

I am so glad for this site. I feel so all along sometime. I am very depressed and don't know how my life my life got so missed up. I have a lot to say but will save for later/please keep in touch.

twayne
August 3, 2008 6:44 AM

Often I feel "threatened" at work and social situations. I get this "churning" in my gut lke the "wolves are at the door." I'm very comptetent at what I do, but instead of taking on a challenge with enthusiasm, it is just an opportunity to screw up. I assume this is a form of depression because St John's Wart has been helpful over the years. Comments?

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