The Art of Healing Depression Blog

Unveiling the lies that we live by can ultimately help reveal the truth."

~ Miranda J. Barrett

For the first half of our lives (and for many, into the second half of life), we build up an idealized false self, and whatever we do not accept about ourselves forms our shadow.

The Idealized Self 

“A calm body creates a calm mind” ~ Gayatri Devi

Did you know that it is impossible to have an anxiety attack in a relaxed body? Anxiety arises when your nervous system is on high alert, and your amygdala is sending danger signals to your body.

Feeling safe requires a relaxed body....

"Just as there is no substitute for original works of art, there is no substitute for the world of direct sensual experience."

~ Paul Mellon

When you clear away your socially conditioned habits from the past, the sensual nature of your body can emerge. As you let go of what has been conditioned in...

“There is only one of you in all time, this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium, and it will be lost.”   ~ Martha Graham

Psychotherapist Susan Bello, creator of "The I.am.I Spontaneous Painting Process," sees symbols as...

"The harder the struggle, the more glorious the triumph. Self-realization demands very great struggle."~ Swami Sivananda

Self-realization entails going beyond ourselves towards "something more" than what we have been socially conditioned to be.

10 Steps to Self-Realization

1. Ego Formation:...

"Be aware that the difference between heaven and earth is not so much altitude but attitude."

Ken Keyes Jr.

It is interesting to consider different "paths" to heightening consciousness. I think one good model is from spiritual teacher Ken Keys, who called the Twelve Pathways. He recommended that...

"Joy is what happens to us when we allow ourselves to recognize how good things really are." 

~ Marianne Williamson

Our bodies hold unresolved emotional issues until we process and release them. Depression is caused by an accumulation of negative thoughts, unprocessed adverse...

"Envision possibility. Don't worry who else believes in it; the universe is only looking for instructions from you." 

~ Marianne Williamson

I have longed to feel joy for as long as I can remember. In my twenties, I created "joy journals" by cutting and pasting beautiful things that sparked...

“Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars and change the world.” 

~ Harriet Tubman

An affirmation is a better-feeling thought designed to replace a limiting belief that is...

"Practicing self-love means learning to be kind and affectionate toward ourselves." 

~ Brene Brown

Shame is so painful that many people go to great lengths to avoid acknowledging that they feel shame. Despite its universality, shame is often denied.

Do you recognize shame in yourself? Shame...

"A friend is someone who knows all about you, and loves you just the same.

~ Elbert Hubbard

Do you have fun in social situations? Do you express your True Self with others?

Here are some journal prompts to help you to express your True Self in social settings.

1. Observe yourself in social...

Whatever your conscious mind assumes and believes to be true, your subconscious mind will accept and bring to pass. Believe in good fortune, divine guidance, right action, and all the blessings of life.

~ Joseph Murphy

Consider that your subconscious mind is a huge memory bank that stores...