Yes, in the years since I wrote this article, I have developed an even closer connection to my students, even my online students!

Thank you for your honesty and courage which says so much about you as a person and the amazing art of qigong. I’ve thought from the outset that you were an excellent teacher but now i can see what a wonderful human being you are too. It is a privilege to learn from you, thank you.

The mechanisms behind all of this are complex, and I’m not saying that there aren’t more or less inherent factors affecting the brain (generally more sensitive than the average person to pain) leading to acts of blocking ones self from being open to experience leading further down the line to a depressive mood.
Regardless of wether the brain worked the way it did early because of extreme genetical imperfections or caused by the “molded by a long term environmental attitude” or a mixture of both, it is important as many people rightfully stress that people in depressive states should be met with love and understanding.

But I really believe that many of us are more or less ignorant regarding the mechanism of human behaviour in general and that leads us to talk and act in a way to depressed people that isn’t optimal for their development as people. And I include mental health proffessionals in this.

The “I am worthless” type of behaviour is a cry for help but not from a lack of love for ones self (there is plenty of self love in all people) but a lack of knowledge of reality.
Just take the attitude among what seems like most people, they either seem pessimistic or optimistic for example. The thing is that to be either of those things, one has to ignore the reality of life, all in an attempt to dodge the pain they expect to exist in the future. The pain of expectations are way more expensive though collectively in the long run and leads to a habit of destructive behaviours.
The optimist for example acts as if she/he knows the future. This is a simple example of an act carried by some basic ignorance and therefor also fascinatingly and interestingly enough destructive. It seems like ignorance and destructive often goes hand in hand.

Truth has to be at the center of everything when we act. Truthseeking can ultimately lead to a way of being which transcends all self projected fear (“I am afraid”). It can also just generally if not completely fearfree at least mitigate much of that pain that makes many stumble in life and hurt themselves and others.

I am not implying that I am non arrogant myself, I do have arrogant tendencies in the sense that I want to compensate for the memory of myself as a perceived loser. This might show up in this very text critisizing your view of depression and its relationship to arrogance. I try to be aware of as much as I possibly can.

I believe you did your best with the text you wrote based on the information and understanding you currently have and you might very well help a lot of people and I respect that but I am critical of how you view/viewed arrogance and its relationship to depression.
I truly think that most people have a false view of what self love is and what arrogance and pride is and I think it is hurting a lot of people.

Don’t feel forced to agree with me.

Be well.

Thank you, Sharon!

Diane, many people with depression experience it episodically. My episodes were far more intense than my “everyday” depression. During episodes, I could not function normally.

I recommend the book “Undoing Depression” by Richard O’Connor. I think it might really help you.

My new program will launch after Thanksgiving. It’s not on depression specifically, but it will still help tremendously. It will be priced at $39 per month: https://academy.flowingzen.com/p/priority-list-for-qmp