Noble deeds and hot baths are the best cures for depression. —Dodie Smith—
Preoccupation with ourselves exaggerates whatever condition presently haunts us. The temptation to dwell on our pain is so great, it takes strength and serious commitment to emotional health to move our focus to another’s needs. We are slow to learn that our pain is soothed each time we offer comfort to another’s pain. Periods of depression will foster compassionate thoughtfulness, if we are willing to take advantage of the natural inertia that accompanies the blues. Our moments of stillness give us time to take note of another’s condition. And it’s through consideration for another that our wounds are cleansed and healed. Rarely do we offer rapt attention and sincere concern to the troubled individuals in our lives. And yet, each one traveling our same parallel pathway needs the attention that only we can give. Our own spirit is nourished every time we offer love to someone else.