2004
This is a very short piece, dealing with a very complex and deep topic.
Dear William
I am writing to you for some advice. I have read several of your books and some of the struggles I am having you, I am told, have experienced also. I am extremely sensitive to energy, get drained very easily and find getting grounded almost impossible. I have been seeing someone for psychic counselling and she suggested I write to you. For approx 5 years I thought I was suffering anxiety and depression but now realise that my physical symptoms were of a spiritual nature. I am still finding this a real struggle and wondered if you could offer any advice or recommend any courses to point me in the right direction. I know and have been told what I am capable of, but just don’t seem to be able to relax and get going. I suppose I am lacking confidence and direction. I appreciate how busy you are but would be so grateful for any advice you could offer.
A:
Dear Friend,
Many thanks for your email.
I’m sorry to hear that you have been suffering anxiety and depression. What a drag.
I wish there was something I could immediately recommend to you, but there isn’t. This is all a very sensitive issue and the symptoms you describe require careful management. I gather you have seen a medical doctor and been down that route, with no relief. There are also, as you probably know, several other medical approaches acupuncture, homeopathy and diet which you may have explored. Of course, there may too be a genetic predisposition which has now surfaced.
Then there all the possible psycho-spiritual dynamics that might be at play here.
At the end of the day however, whatever its source, you are in real life, in real feelings, having this very uncomfortable experience. If you can, it would be good to turn it into a developmental process. Can you adopt an attitude that looks at it all in a philosophical and slightly detached way? More than that, can you look at your condition with kindness?
This is paradoxical isn’t it – to be anxious and depressed, yet observing it with compassion, good humour and some philosophical wisdom. How to develop that attitude? For each of us, thats a very personal journey. Use anything that helps. Research and taste.
And when you sink into a trough be kind and forgiving to yourself.
All my love. Hope it goes well. Good luck.