Date : September, 01 , 2009 Publication : Healthy Times Page Number: 35-37
Emotional wellbeing
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Di" John Demartini is considered to be a leading authority on human behaviour and personal empowerment. Paul Winter speaks to him about his acclaimed Demartini Method and how it applies specifically to depression.
r John Demartini is one of the greatest minds and illuminating teachers on the planet, and the clarity of his teachings inspire billions,' says Rhonda Byrne, the best selling author and executive producer of The Secret, the popular book and film seen by millions the world over. The Demartini Method is being successfully used worldwide by psychologists and health professionals to assist those suffering from depression. Demartini defines the cause of depression as being a 'comparison of our current reality to an addictive fantasy.' Demartini lists 15 of the common delusions that people could become addicted to, all of them stemming from unrealistic expectations about ourselves, others, the universe, and even mechanical devices.
The greatest discovery of our generation is that human beings can alter their lives by altering their perceptions and attributes'
These common delusions ultimately led to Demartini's ABCs of Negativity: anger and aggression, blame and betrayal, criticism
and challenge. These, he says, are precursors to depression. With this thought in mind, Demartini cites William James, one of the fathers of modern psychology, who said, 'The greatest discovery of our generation is that human beings can alter their lives by altering their perceptions and attributes' Demartini suggests that, 'The pharmacological model in medicine is that depression is caused by a biomechanical imbalance.' He goes on to say, 'This may be true - you can do the blood work and see this - but it is not necessarily the cause. We've had hundreds of people who have biomechanical imbalances go through the Demartini Method, clear out their misperceptions, put in realistic expectations, and their biochemistry changes. So w e don't want to just label it biochemistry, because that just sells you a medication, and that makes you dependent on a drug. It's wiser to take command and to be accountable for your perceptions.'
Much of the Demartini Method is based on a series of concise and precise questions that help us to reveal that which we are unaware of when w e experience certain events in our life. For example, the next time someone does something that you are unhappy about, before getting upset, attempt answering these questions to give yourself a fresh perspective: • •
Where have w e done that before? What is the benefit to us of them doing it?
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Where is the benefit to the people we've done it to? Where does this person do the opposite? (So that we don't label them and assume they are always that way.)
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In the moment they did that, who was doing the opposite? (So w e can see the balance.)
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If they had not done that, what might have been the drawbacks?
These questions help us see the 'order in the chaos' and free ourselves from hurt, emotional baggage and unhelpful patterns of behaviour.
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Date : September, 01 , 2009 Publication : Healthy Times Page Number: 35-37
Emotional wellbeing Alternative approaches Dr Demartini and The Demartini Method lie somewhere between alternative, metaphysical therapy and western medical science. Here are three more well-known alternative spiritual teachers whose methods could help in the treatment of depression: EckhartTolle: Power of now EckhartTolle is the author of the New York Times bestseller The Power of Now and the highly acclaimed follow-up, A New Earth, both of which are widely regarded as t w o of the most influential spiritual books of our time. Eckhart's profound yet simple teachings have already helped countless people throughout the world find inner peace and greater fulfilment in their lives. According toTolle's homepage, at the core of the teachings lies the transformation of consciousness, a spiritual awakening that he sees as the next step in human evolution. An essential aspect of this awakening is that of transcending our ego-based state of consciousness. This is a prerequisite not only for personal happiness but also for the ending of violent conflict endemic on our planet. Visit www.eckharttolle.com. Dr Jon Kabat-Zinn: Mindfulness meditation At its heart, Dr Jon Kabat-Zinn's mindfulness meditation involves paying attention moment-to-moment with an attitude of non-judgment, curiosity and openness. 'Cultivating mindfulness,' says the Institute for Mindfulness, 'is a significant way in which w e can develop, share and extend our capacities for awareness and compassion - by valuing being as much as doing, and allowing our doing to be informed by this deeper quality that is essential and common to all of us. For more information visit www.mindfulness.org.za. Deepak Chopra: Raising consciousness In essence, Chopra claims that if one moves one's reference to a deeper poise within; through meditation, concentration, prayer and other methods, one raises one's consciousness and opens up to a more universal realm of existence. This is where intuitions of knowledge, heightened creativity, life synchronicities, intensity of love, and the joy of being alive are more readily experienced. (Source: Wikipedia) Visit www.chopra.com.
While expert therapy is probably the most important step to recovery from depression, there are several things you can do to help yourself feel better and boost your mood: • •
It's important to recognise and treat depression as early as possible. Focus on s m a l l , realistic goals to ease yourself back into your work and family routine.
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Do what you enjoy. Even if you don't really feel like it, set aside time to do things that you like.
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It is best to avoid making any big decisions, such as quitting your job or moving, until you feel better.
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Although you might think it will help you feel better, alcohol can make your depression worse.
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Increasing evidence proves that exercise helps with depression. Find an activity that you like, start slowly, and work up to exercising three times a week or more for 20 to 30 minutes. •
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