Best Of

@Tavs said:
And thanks Jeroen and Jeffrey for the advice about meditation. It never occurred to me that I might need to do less.

No problem. Too much meditation can cause a variety of issues that look like mental health problems, in those who are sensitive. You’ll find that at meditation retreats they often ask about a background of mental health problems in the family, and may refuse entry to the retreat if there are enough “red flags” in someone’s application. The reason for this is that some people can suffer a breakthrough with accompanying mental health issues, sometimes even psychosis, during a retreat.

As far as I’m concerned, meditation doesn’t have to be done in long sessions to get the benefits. Something like 10 or 20 minutes a day can be enough.

The esoteric traditions of dharma, meditation and yoga and most spiritual practice will bring up what Christians call, "The Dark Night of The Soul"

As if we don't have enough to contend with.

This is when we retreat, go on retreat or retreat into [some of the ways and things others have recommended)

I recommend in no particular disorder:

• A change of diet
• Massage (if available especially with essential oils)
• Exercise (if possible)
• Therapy, conventional and unconventional
• Nature (as mentioned) actual or virtual

Everything in fact according to need and preference and availability. For example I may go to my local Indian shop and get some stress relief.today:
https://sgrh.com/blog/top-10-ayurvedic-remedies-for-stress-relief-
You might have different availability, maybe Chinese medicine...

The important thing is be flexible and remember you are on a path, not a snake-oil practice.

A break IS part of Dharma.
https://theculinarycure.com/kristens-cure-all-chicken-soup/

Yes my main exercise is walking.

If you are close to a forest or countryside it good to wander around there. Connecting with nature does wonders for one's mental health.

I have mental health issues and I also adjust meditation durations when I am having symptoms. Shorter sessions. Also walking meditation can be good for depression because it gets the body going. Mindfulness during and between meditations can help you stay in the present and to "be with" difficult thoughts, feelings, and sensations. I like the RAIN exercise that psychologist and spiritualist Tara Brach talks about.

Thanks for that Shoshin1 🙂

@Tavs said:
Recently I've been getting very depressed and anxious, despite all my years of meditation and more recently, mantras and prayers. When I'm actually doing the practice, I feel much calmer but as soon as something appears which bothers me, I'm back to square one. So I don't know if my practice is actually helping my mind or not.

@Tavs
You may find this guided mindfulness meditation helpful

Mark Williams, the Oxford University professor of clinical psychology, he’s best known for co-developing Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT). MBCT combines cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) techniques with mindfulness practices derived from Buddhist meditation. It was designed primarily to help prevent relapse in people with recurrent depression by teaching them to recognise and disengage from negative thought patterns before they spiral.

There are 8 guided meditations he will take you through ...

Be well, stay mindful, stay focus, be present. 🙏🙏🙏