SOME people have discovered that the secret to eliminating loneliness in their life is inner discovery. I happen to be one of those people.

@mischl You weren't clear about what you meant, but I began my comment with literally the same thing so I'll take it as an agreement. But upon further exam I can't agree with your logic. Those are two different concepts that don't necessarily connect, imo. For example: loneliness involves other people whereas inner peace or discovery is just about you alone, without anyone else involved. Two different things.

@AlbertSchepis Albert, I understand your point of view--believe me, I REALLY understand it. However, inner development is an adventure of discovery, wherein the student learns there are many more "parts" of his own being than he had ever known. The term "parts" is key, because they provide many benefits that are not immediately comprehensible. To wit, some of the parts may have opinions / knowledge that the owner doesn't agree with. In addition, some of those parts provide "links" to other sources within the mind (and perhaps outside the mind?) when pursued.

Hi Julie. I like what I hear behind your words. If I ever get to Kauai, I'll look you up.

Haha, yes, I see your point. And even YOU don't like you. Except I kinda like you a little bit.

It took me more words to say the same thing, but yeah I agree.

But some of those who have received genuine Enlightenment will tell you they discovered an entirely different person within themselves. And an endless experience of discovery.

@mischl I have experienced fleeting moments of Enlightenment; I don't believe that it can coexist with depression. That in itself is a powerful reason to not ignore depression, to not attempt to simply will it away. And yes, the discovery of that Enlightenment is profound, magical, words in English don't do it justice.

@MizJ Almost all depression involves chemical imbalance in the brain. Zen or anything like it is NOT likely to fix the problem.

@mischl [hopkinspsychedelic.org]

The most promising research on mental health and depression. What's sad is that psychedelics have been around forever. The Morality Police have stifled research that could have saved so many from anguish, suicide, etc.

Yes. My last girlfriend was (let's call it what it is: a Jesus freak) and got more rabid about it with each passing day. I did everything she wanted, church, associating with her group of friends, obsessive/compulsive cleaning of house and rebuking everything she didn't like. My reward was being labeled as someone possessed with evil spirits anyway and feeling more alone than ever. I left her in '97 and never looked back. She never checked up on me or cared what happened to her once devoted friend either. I was so put off by being betrayed like that that I have been so careful not to fall into such a trap that I haven't had a girlfriend since, but alas I'm just fine with who I am. I'm kind to animals and care for as many of them as possible, which is also fine because they've treated me better than most people ever have. I'm not alone with them around, and I have many people to talk to on NextDoor and sometimes here. At my age it's what's left for me and I'll have to be okay with it. I accept things like what my limitations are and if old age gives me anything it's the right not to care or pander to cultural and peer pressures. No one defines whether I'm depressed or need anyone, even psychologists who can also make snap judgments that are off and useless. Just the notion that one has to be paired up with someone else is so cliche and baseless, that alone makes me depressed in the first place.