Cocoon - The Face of Depression and the Path to Self-Discovery
Depression often wears a mask that conceals its true nature. It's easy to overlook or misunderstand, as it can manifest in myriad ways, hidden behind smiles, laughter, and seemingly composed demeanors. The face of depression is multifaceted, and no two experiences are alike. Yet, within the darkness of depression lies a potential for profound self-discovery and transformation.
For many, including myself, depression has been an unexpected gateway to uncovering deeper truths about who we are. It forces us to confront the shadows within, the aspects of ourselves we've been running from, avoiding, or feeling ashamed of. These shadow aspects, often seen as demons, are integral parts of our being. They carry lessons and insights that, once embraced, can lead to significant personal growth.
The journey through depression can be likened to the "dark night of the soul" – a metaphor for those moments when we feel utterly lost and broken. It is during these times that we strip away the superficial layers and face our raw, unfiltered selves. There’s no more room to hide, and in this vulnerability, we discover truths we've long suppressed. The darkness, though painful, becomes fertile ground where the most beautiful aspects of our being can take root and flourish.
Throughout my life, I have faced the challenges of depression. For years, I didn't recognize what I was experiencing. I feared that revealing my true self would make me uninteresting, that people would forget about me. This fear drove me to avoid the healing process, resulting in changes that only touched the surface. I appeared to transform outwardly, but inwardly, I was evading a deeper, necessary metamorphosis.
Depression, I realized, was not just a mental struggle but a physical and spiritual one as well. It affected my mental state so profoundly that I often saw myself as a failure. This self-perception was deeply ingrained, tied to ancestral patterns embedded in my DNA. It wasn’t until I acknowledged and verbalized my pain that I began to understand its depth. This acknowledgment allowed me to start healing on a cellular level, creating a new blueprint for my life.
““But what happens to a butterfly when it does not have the necessary struggle to free itself from its cocoon? Its wings are weak.””
Therapeutic meditative practices and creative expression became vital tools in my recovery. These practices helped me reconnect with my true self, reminding me that I have the power to be whoever I want to be. Through these experiences, I discovered that we are all, in fact, supernatural beings with immense potential. Depression, though it feels isolating, is a shared human experience.
I got real, raw and naked after I let of the shame…
Before understanding what I was experiencing, I would shut down, unaware that I was spiraling into an abyss. I needed to be stimulated through therapeutic practices that sparked creativity and introspection. These practices reminded me of who I am and awakened me to my potential.
I had to die a thousand times before I could be reborn.
Depression had manifested as dis-ease within my body, affecting my mental state and self-perception. This realization led to a profound healing process, allowing me to break free from ancestral patterns and create a new path for myself.
As the first generation in my family to say "no more" to these inherited patterns, I embarked on a journey of self-discovery and personal evolution. Recognizing the signs of slipping into darkness and learning to manage the ebbs and flows became essential. Embracing the importance of mental health and understanding that these experiences are temporary, I found optimism in the knowledge that the sun does shine again.
Depression can be a powerful teacher, leading us to deeper self-expression. By facing our shadows, we uncover the light within and learn to embrace all parts of ourselves. The journey through darkness is not easy, but it is a necessary cocooning process, transforming us into beings of light and beauty.
For those struggling with depression, remember that you are not alone. Your experiences, no matter how painful, hold the potential for profound growth and transformation. Embrace your journey, find solace in therapeutic practices, and awaken to the realization that you are capable of creating a new, empowered blueprint for your life. The darkness is temporary, and the light within you is waiting to shine brightly.
““By sharing my journey, I hope to show others that they are not alone and that there is hope for healing and transformation”.”
Don’t forget to check on your friends. Sometimes the deepest pain can be seen in the eyes or hidden behind a smile.
