Quote of the Day – March 2 2012

“If someone told me that I could live my life again free of depression provided I was willing to give up the gifts depression has given me–the depth of awareness, the expanded consciousness, the increased sensitivity, the awareness of limitation, the tenderness of love, the meaning of friendship, the apreciation of life, the joy of a passionate heart–I would say, ‘This is a Faustian bargain! Give me my depressions. Let the darkness descend. But do not take away the gifts that depression, with the help of some unseen hand, has dredged up from the deep ocean of my soul and strewn along the shores of my life. I can endure darkness if I must; but I cannot lie without these gifts. I cannot live without my soul.’ (p. 188)”
― David Elkins, Beyond Religion: A Personal Program for Building a Spiritual Life Outside the Walls of Traditional Religion

What parts of my life have contributed to make me who I am? Has my pain equipped me to not only appreciate joy more but to emphasize with the pain of others? Has working through my pain shown me strength and grace? Elkins makes a strong case for depression and indeed every other emotion.
If I could lead my life free of these negative emotions I may be happier or more content but I would not be me.
Blessings and very sleepy greetings from UK,
G

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