This video saved my life. I usted to watch it eventually while I was struggling with depression, days in bed, constantly eating, no friends, no job, isolated in a house with narcisisitic parents. Arguing all day, a feeling inner void, anger. And watch this bringed a spark of fate. Living in a survival mode. Now still live in same place, I have a job, I feel gratitude every morning, still a process. A completely change of perspective. Learning self love every morning, every day, meditation, excercice, visualization, journaling, its not what de do. Its the feeling of this things that being us joy. Still without friends, but getting there.
Depression was my catalyst into my spiritual awakening...but it had to get deep and dark first. Those dealing with depression please hang in there. Keep seeking spiritual guidance..Alan watts is a great source! There is light at the end of the tunnel ❤️
I have suffered with depression for at least a couple of years now. I have done so much research on it, tried many different meds and different counsellors, all in a desperate attempt to get through it all, and come out the other side, the way I ''used to be''. Finally, once I found this video, and your Devine Suicide & Addiction videos, I realised almost instantly that I was looking at my depression and my life in completely the wrong ways. When listening to this video for the first time, I was literally thinking ''how do you know!!?''. It was as if you'd been inside my brain and saw the truth of everything. I'd been ''holding up a story'' of myself for so many years, pretending to be this person which was actually so so different from who I truly am. At times I acted it all so well that I pretty much had myself fooled (as well as everyone else) into thinking that I was happy and that was who I am. This eventually caused me A LOT of problems and, as you say in your videos, left me completely exhausted and unable to carry on. It led to a suicide attempt, following which I was hospitalised, about 6 months ago, and I then continued to feel that I had no hope and the best option by far, was to end my life. Since then I've struggled, going round and round in my head, feeling only able to carry on with life in public by continuing to hold up this facade that I had before. As recently as within the last couple months, I've again felt very close to attempting suicide on more than one occasion, only managing to prevent this by speaking to doctors and desperately holding on to the hope that I thought new/stronger meds might bring me. Only within the last 2 weeks, have I felt a massive change in my life. Your videos have shown me where I've been going wrong in my thoughts and in my general life. Out of all the huge amounts of different things I've read, heard, meds I've tried, people I've spoken to... it was YOU, Jeff Foster, who had the information that was perfect for me. Listening to you is exactly what I needed, to enable me to arrive at a position of happiness, comfort and rest, of the kind I haven't experienced since I was very young. You have shown me that I was entirely WRONG in thinking that who I truly am, isn't enough. I always thought I needed to be much much ''more'' in order to get the approval of others, which would then make me happy. You have shown me that I CAN rest happily in who I TRULY am! Thank you, SO SO MUCH! I would absolutely love it if I could get in contact with you some how, to spend a short time talking with you (perhaps via email?) about what I've put myself through, and how I can ensure that I stay on the right path throughout the rest of my life. I'd deeply appreciate a reply from you, simply so I know that you have received this message and my thanks for how much you've helped me help myself! Thank you again, Danny. (Bristol, England)
Depression actually being a waning interest in my false self, this false life - YES. And the exhaustion, the utter exhaustion. I've tried every self-help and therapy known and no one and no thing has ever summed it up better than this guy. Really grateful...just watching this video I felt my entire body unclench - as it has never done without the 'aid' of some agent (e.g. alcohol, etc.).
Amen brother! When I was depressed I just wanted to be left alone to process all my thoughts and feelings. I feel like I was kept in depression by people trying to pull me out of it! I kind of enjoyed rumination. I wish I had the strength to have got people off my back to go back to normal all the time... if I had just had the time to rest and cogitate without that sense that I was doing something wrong and that I HAD to get BACK ON TRACK.... if that social burden wasn't there to pressurise me... I have a firm belief that I would have come out of it much quicker. I see my depression now as a response to PTSD from being treated like shit during the two years prior, all my body wanted to do was rest and all my mind and emotions wanted to do were process, remember, understand and learn xxx
When you said "when you wake up, life just feels so.." I said heavy. Heavy is exactly it. Waking up to spirituality LIFTS the spirit, seemingly. Being a body that must do this and that just to survive, and that's it, is a heavy and dull feeling.
I just found this in a moment of total despair and it's the first time that not only someone else is understanding what i'm feeling but it's the first time that I am understanding what i'm feeling. I need deep rest and i'm scared of that need and because of that angst I press myself more and more down. After watching this i feel like you listened to me and not the other way around. Thank you, Jeff.
Depression is the transition of letting go of the old you and getting deep rest as you FIND that which you enjoy doing to the point where you'd be willing to do the service for free(which might make zero sense to important people in your circle). Healing comes from yielding, distancing, going inward to "find out what YOU dream" want to do next without asking another for approval or direction. It's your journey with your soul.♥️ Boundaries are needed to be set so leeches don't tie you down and suck you empty of everything as they are envious, scornful, jealousy, critical, cynical, etc with their mask on...as you grow towards your dream/destiny.
So much compassion and wisdom you have Jeff. I had a similar experience and the way out for me was finally resting in the now knowing. I had struggled for so many years to make life better, to feel better, to be better. Finally, after pure exhaustion, I just said, I don't know how to live and don't know how to do this. And for the first time I completely allowed myself to not have any answers, to not know the way, to not know anything and to let me be what I was feeling even when it wasn't socially acceptable. Which for me that meant I could feel angry and sad and I allowed it without telling myself there was anything wrong with me for feeling that way. I didn't take that out on others, but I stopped trying to hide it from the public view. I stopped trying to look like I had my shit together all the time basically. After a few months of this new kind of freedom, I eventually started to feel better slowly and without any reason to feel better other than a new way of being and allowing and accepting myself - for all my traits. Thank you for having the courage and willingness to make this video. ***I just realized I'm still a perfectionist about a lot of things that most people don't concern themselves with, but even that I've come to accept about myself instead of judging myself for this trait that doesn't bother me as much as it bothers other people.
Exhausted!!!!! Yes 💜. I'm exhausted. Trying! Trying Trying! Am addicted to the seeking and trying. It's so uncomfortable to be still and take a "deep rest". I hate feeling I'm in limbo of my life....just introduced to your work today. Today I'm sitting....stop being at war with my life.
I feel like depression is a call to surrender. That's how it affected me. At one point everything just gets to be too much to "hold up" and you just drop it all. At that point fear is gone because you have gone so far. True surrender is a beautiful thing. It is often our struggles in life that point the way there. Use them as a teacher.
I love your take on this. It's such a natural feeling to want to rest, and at the same time I believe most of us need to give ourselves permission to do this and not care about what others think or say. I gave myself permission and family and friends fèlt uncomfortable but I didn't care. That was their problem lol
"Without resistance to suffering, there is no suffering." ~ Adyashanti I love how you express in this video, authentic human experience in such a profound way. Thank you.
the exhaustion (deep-rest; depression) is the temple bell telling me something is 'off' in the self - and for me, slowing down to examine the thoughts and inquire can be magical - thanks jeff foster - you've fostered a new seed - you're cool!
This was very true for me. I was always depressed, even as a young child. My childhood was a fortunate one however, and still I was unhappy. (I don't mean I was an ungrateful spoiled brat, we didn't have money, I just mean nothing bad ever happened). As soon as I found God (not religion), or woke up, or however you want to say it, I found ME. I finally realized that I am me, and I need to love as me. The world needs people like me, and it needs people like you...in that our true identities are needed here. I realized I don't have to look or seem any certain way to anyone. I don't have to rush into a large bank account. I am not obliged to do anything really, as long as I don't hurt anyone in any way. I don't have to do it the way they told me to. There's many other paths to take. Although narrow and unpredictable, where it leads you will open your eyes and your heart.
This makes perfect sense. Jeff. One concept I live by is that the human body is so beautiful that it can heal itself. For instance a cut, one doesn't really need antibiotics in order for it to heal, the body will try to heal itself and I want to thank you for opening my mind to view depression this way. I have being in depression for so long. Thank You!
i feel as if most people discover the truth through depression and feeling negative as opposed being contented with life. so really maybe the pain eventually leads you to find this real joy that you would not have found if you had not felt depression
Thank you for this, reminding me of this. Ive been feeling this for quite some time, as ive been battling the depression brought about by motherhood and outside circumstances becoming too oppressive. My husband has died recently, and it has become a catalyst for spiritual awakening. Im still struggling to accept and understand that part. I know it is part of the intricate tapestry of life and how we are enmeshed with those we love and share life with, it has brought me to a true KNOWING instead of just belief on our eternal true selves and also the depth and strength of our love. I am still struggling with how to practically live with this knowing of true reality, as i am a mother to a toddler and in grief... and how to continue on here for decades with just a connection to the soul i love so deeply and all the weight of responsibility here as an only parent.
I've been struggling with depression since my early teens and its has always been my sworn enemy until I stumbled upon your interview the DIVINE SUICIDE.. Now I see it as a friend and things are finally making sense. Thank you, Jeff!
After the death of my husband, I felt that the entire life I imagined I would have was gone. I was depressed and lost in my life. I decided at some point I must recreate my life without my husband. I see how misguided that was. I realize reconstructing a life is just replacing one set of fantasies for another. Ty
This is great. I already knew this but wasn’t applying it to my own life right now. I know my life is asking me to change to be more me but also have to be grateful for life I do have and not feel as though I’m doing anything wrong. So allow myself to change while also loving myself as I am.
What Jeff states is so true - because I had had a direct experience of waking up and also seeing my own processing, which I thought was truth, but definietly was not. I was able to 'sse' and observe what was happening when I had an experience I did not want. I did not see it as bad but as something which was wanting to talk to me and help me. I relaxed into this quite wonderful state of deep relaxation and even felt I didn't want to come out of it as I was so at peace, BUT because I knew what was happening I gradually let myself come out of this most profound state. and as I did so my energy began to return.. There is so much we do not know about ourselves and I made it my life purpose to make my unconscious conscious. When I was 10 had an experience of nearly drowning in the sea and heard what I thought was someone speaking to me, telling me to stop strugglling and lay on my back and just float., which I did. I felt I I was being pulled down into the depths of the sea and so struggling to stay afloat by floundering with my arms. Without that intervention I would no doubt have died.
I feel so out of control and without purpose without family children or partner at 40 and having to go to the hospital every other day for kidney dialysis that life really does feel so scary and pointless that I sleep most days away. but at the same point my dreams are so lucid and brilliant that I'm not even sure if life are my dreams and dreams are reality. I hope Jeff's videos help me
I love the transparency and realness of Jeff. I realized that I am so good at manifesting anything I want, and then once I get it for a while all is well... until once again I 'hit this wall'... the realization that none of it matters... it's just STUFF and there is something so far beyond that material world of desire.... Depression sets in... 'what am I doing wrong?' or 'what's wrong with me?", and a part knows there is more to this than meets the mind. I love when Jeff said, "Depression is an invitation to rediscover your vastness... discover HOME, discover your unlimited Being. YES! Depression is a wake-up call to remember TRUTH of Self. To Be here in the acceptance of self in this moment. This is the reason my Soul called to go on a 9-day silent retreat with no media or phones. It isn't that I desire this, it is I have to do this... life is boring when one keeps playing of the same movie directed by the mind. Thanks Jeff!
Wow, this is a life changer, I have suffered depression for many years, always trying to get off medication. This is a totally different approach, it's so true. I cannot rest, I work and serve others until I am exhausted. I drink wine to relax. This has helped me so much. Thank you
"The story of you is not what you really are." That has to be one of the most comforting things I've ever heard. Thank you! Also love "...rest deeply in the truth of who you are."
This is beautiful and very true, depression is a Stop Sign of the soul to rethink our choices and the meaning we give to things. Mind you Jeff, there are different kinds of depression and there is a risk in overcomplicating them ( one of their key symptoms). While its important to heed their spiritual message, sometimes all that says a simple "Take more vitamin D and outdoors exercise, silly!" Some of the type that women suffer are more headachy and hormonal-related. They are easily alleviated with the right diet and perhaps some natural food supplements.
Thanks, Jeff... This really fits into my current "life situation"... Those words Home, Rest, Peace, Love, Freedom and Truth are really the best description of the void inside, the missing part. Deep rest... I guess I am too busy seeking it, instead of just stopping. And I fear that my next step would be again "doing sthg about it" instead of just resting. Especially when work & survival comes into the mix...
Thank you for this. It came at very divine timing confirming elaborating exactly how I’ve been feeling. Like Ive been ‘resting’ from what my life was…to then begin anew. And realizing the burden has not been from myself to rush it….and ‘get back to it’ but pressure coming from external expectations. Thank you for this beautiful expression and clarification! Blessings to Jeff and to all ✨
WOW! This is so profound and is so common sense, it is just that we have been conditioned to think otherwise (duality either or rather than both/and) about our lives...i.e. if we are not struggling then we are not achieving. I AM EXHAUSTED fighting the image of who I think I am and who I know I really am!!!!! Thank you so much Jeff, you don't know how much listening to you speak in plain language the truth about our lives has had such a deep effect on me. I can speak for others because all those I live and work with and love are experiencing this malaise because we know at the deepest level we are upholding an image of ourselves that is not who we really are! Forever grateful :))
There are support groups for a lot of troubled thinkers such as us. I've spent years with one of them. Listening to you took me back to that period. You have reminded me of how comforting it is to listen to someone share about something deeply personal and relating, feeling connected, to it. Knowing we are not alone is important. Thanks for the sharing.
thank you Jeff! I deal with depression, major disinterest and do take lots of naps and lay-down time. I resonate deeply with what your saying. I think it's an important message that needs to be more widely understood. BTW, I'm happy I got to meet you briefly during your NY visit at One Spirit. Bless you!
its a great way to see things and gives hope. I have been there suffering for too long/20yrs but now try to help others who are going through it. thanks everyone who shares and be blessed.we can all be Jeff in some way or the other.
Definitely appreciate the part about the "deep rest" of the UNIVERSE recides within. I know this might be narcissistic but I felt it more of an awareness towards worldly connectedness. Love to tell you about my new born baby theory and breathing. Thank you
I've been struggling a lot with lots of pressure in my life and also a lot of people are telling me that Im guilty for things I didnt make. So the deal is like no matter how much I try people will not like the things Im doing. So I just stop trying and my therapist told me like i have to do an effort for no to do no effort. Now I understand my body needs to rest from all this struggle. I need to have a huge rest for enlightement and embrace all this darkness and find the path through life. Stop pretending to be perfect and just stop trying to make everyone comfortable. Its a process and its valid im going through all of this. Thank u so much for this wise words. This invitation says a lot like dont try to much just try the things that are in your hands. Thank you
That's such an accurate analogy, de pressed, weighed down by my own story, On bad days I cannot get vertical, sit in a chair, I have to be in bed, I cannot shower, I can't stand that long, so I bath, but I do agree that depression is not futile , you learn and make decisions, look so deeply, for so long so that is enlightening, a learning experience. I really relate to your metaphors and description. Its so validating, thankyou
Depression is totally safe. W can fully let go of all control. The depression is already deep rest. It doesn't need to change. Dare to let go and let it be completely.
Ive suffered from depression and anxiety for as long as I can remember. Is there something that teaches us how to make the shift from fighting it to accepting it? Its simple enough to say this is what you need to do, but how does one actually do it? How do I start to come out of the darkness that has forever threatened to swallow me alive, how do I accept that?
This hits home so so so much. Thank you for sharing this beautiful video with us Jeff. I've felt heavy in the last couple of months and this helps tremendously to ease in and accept what is. Love.
I love the new take you give on depression. After all, there's no use in fighting it away--may as well learn from it. Love your hair, by the way! "Life is everything." I simply adore that phrase. Depression made me want nothing, nothing for so long. I'm going to keep that statement close to my heart. Life is everything.
we can all be Jeff and create different options of sharing the message of love, hope and healing. i experienced 20yrs of deep sadness and suffering, exhaustion an finaly awakening, healing, peace, joy and love. Blessings to all.
thank you Jeff going through one right now nobody understand they want you 2 be as usual funny strong etc and they can't THEY can't handle it so so exhausting thank you Jeff
I agree about the meaning of depression, but even after the awakening moment it's hard to go on living in this reality. Just because eventually you get tired of keeping your body alive. When everything in this world means nothing to you it's suffering to force yourself to go to work and stuff.
Thanks Jeff, that is a great insight. I will remember deep rest the next time I visit Melancholia. Which I have had since a head injury in Kindergarten.
I love this. Love and appreciate you, friend 💗 i always try to live by “ebb and flow” in life. Also, I love your positive perspective on viewing depression as an opportunity for something new and authentic.
If for a moment you paused it was intended that there is a thought beyond the repose that sees the viewed value composed in lifes' livelier laughter and prose
I found this so beautiful, not only for people who are de-pressed (I try to help them in my practice) but also for all people who are not depressed. Cause the truth of who we really are is so evident in it, So I have translated it into Dutch. Jeff Foster I love the way you talk about everything, I have been following you for a couple years now, and it becomes more and more clear to me, maybe because of you getting even more clear or maybe it gets more clear to me :-))))
I like this guy. It takes guts t speak from your soul the way he is to the whole world here. But at 12:37 I stopped and took a little break and wanted to just ask everyone a question. Since we can all agree that most of us think about the same things every day with just minor variances for big events like crisis and birthday partys and deaths and births, may I ask all of you oen thing, and this should be a huge compass to your recovery, your journey from depression. And that is: What is the subject matter going through your mind when you felt the most hopeful or the happiest in the past 7 days or so? What is a craving (healthy things, not drugs) you keep getting that you think wil be the cure for your depression or suicidal thoughts? What fantasy do you keep having over and over and over that either lifts you up or,the thought of NOT being able to do it brings a crash and a major depression or a constant depression? What is that thing?
Depression, anger turned inward. Being under attack from the ego. Depression, the lies the ego told my mind. Spiritual surrender...the unseating of the ego, displaced by God. These vids are all from exposure to alcoholics annonymous.
God says "I am who I am" - and maybe this is the deepest lesson - that as we are created in Gods image - the essense of me is not to be like him or her or them... but I am who i am... with everything good and "not good" - it all is me and i am happy to tell anyone and everyone - i am who i am - i cannot and you cannot define me - and defining me is the cause of all the stres and pain and exhaustion - dont be x - just be who you are and love it - breathe it in and be it. then tomorrow morning you can take the first steps in the way that you want.
Beautiful Jeff. I have had an experience of deep-rest recently and now. I had a feeling there was a gift in here and you have verbalised some clarity for me. Thank you.
wow the part when you said that we are the home and life rest with and in us, instead of us in it totally changed my life thanks, seems like your a great positive person. :)
Well done Jeff on your Heroic Quest in your obvious eventual discovery of your True Self vs False Self, Have been a MH Nurse for over 30 years, 1000's of broken minds and souls along the way.......... You have a great gift of healing others..... which eventually is what heals us. Depression affects greater numbers of humanity then all the other diseases combined, your words are entirely inclusive of just about everything that I 'encountered' along my own journey, within myself and my clients. We are now brothers.
I really liked the way you frame things , your ideas are really wonderful. I am going to reflect over all you said. Although very irrelevant but I really like your hair :D Beautiful color and shine, I was distracted :P
it is really easy to never be clear...Jeff does this well...and people suck that up...its profound because it isn't clear..if i boil his thinking down it is summed in very simple concepts people share when you are struggling...just be yourself! WOW dude...that's it! So if you really listen to Jeff or Elkart they had THAT illuminating experience on a bench or walking in the rain...and then try to teach this to others. So for someone struggling with deep-rest (depression for 20 years) they just needed to rest for 20 years? Im getting tired...
I think as an anecdote it's important to point out that I began taking a small amount of a antidepressant and its helped, it hasn't effected my spiritual practice and I have more energy...the idea of resting is also interesting, I don't think you can tell a depressed person to rest, in my personal experience that just made me more depressed however I could see how the burdens that some people take on definitely create psychosomatic stress where there is a sense of not being able to relax. so there's the question of whether to go outwards or inwards. certainly were social creatures and not contributing and being involved in society can cause people to become uncomfortable and afraid (maybe less so in Europe) but I definitely think relationship can be a path, the inward journey is I think more about what your talking about and also important, perhaps having that sense of a personal understanding of who I am that could be beyond concept.
he's talking about the deep rest of not holding any self images of ones self, which requires strenuous effort and the opposite of rest within ones consciousness. not physically resting all the time
life is becoming harder, more complex, can you imagine how depression statistics will rise, most people need to rest but the financial burden that is increasing will prevent that and the state of the health care system, in the US anyway. Deep rest when a mother of 16, 15, 12,11 year old and the guilt I feel that I may effect or damage them emotionally through being depressed, even though I tell them its not about them at all, what is the answer? How do you get your energy back, its been on and off now for a decade for me, also seizures related to emotional stress. I question and am disillusioned if I will ever have my vitality again, I live in hope.
this is so profound but maybe one can only see it when one has either been there done tha t and got the tee shirt... I have been down and realise where he is coming from...I have watched my mother go through stuff which was so much worse than my own and thought she should try to get out of it.....but in hindsight I realise now she had no choice but to go into deep rest. I am fortunate I dont "want" to strive like I did. I am finally content with "what is" rather than what I thought i wanted.
Oh wow... so glad I found this 'by accident' for the quote I received is one I thought I had originally thought of myself when trying to describe my own state of Deep Resting to someone quite some time ago... thank you xoxox
Carl Jung says names can be sychronistic. Words too. I think I just got it Jeff. I have had ptsd and depression for ten years. Lat night I think I finally broke through into full realisation. I don't know why most people think this stuff is at odds with Western materialism. We all agree consciousness is a thing. We need to cut out the froth and sizzle and get this word out now.
It’s not just depression with me. It’s also complete terror, utter hopelessness, anger, unbelievable pain.... unbearable, suicidal. Destroyed . I can’t ‘just rest’ ... what do I do ?
Amy, two things that I think you might be able to do are to try and contact him directly (through his website or facebook). Also, what you described sounds very very much like a dis-regulated nervous system, almost certainly as a result of trauma (no need to be ashamed about this, almost everyone in modern society suffers from this to one degree or another. but no one likes to talk about it, so most don't realize how prevalnt this misery is). I would suggest consulting a trauma informed therapist, specially one working somatically (with the body and the nervous system, not just conceptually/verbally). For example, you could look up 'somatic experiencing' (peter levin), or 'somatic practice' (Kathy Cain) or the excellent work of Irene Lyon (she also puts out a lot of info and videos that are very educational). But Jeff Foster is truly on a different level and can show you how to truly love yourself. He also regularly posts on facebook very very touching and profound postings. Highly recommended. For me they were/are very transformative. Lastly, look into the work of Scott Kiloby 'the living inquiries' and see if that might resonate with you. His appraoch is very very unique and he is truly wise and kind and his insights are profound. Good luck :)
This video saved my life. I usted to watch it eventually while I was struggling with depression, days in bed, constantly eating, no friends, no job, isolated in a house with narcisisitic parents. Arguing all day, a feeling inner void, anger. And watch this bringed a spark of fate. Living in a survival mode. Now still live in same place, I have a job, I feel gratitude every morning, still a process. A completely change of perspective. Learning self love every morning, every day, meditation, excercice, visualization, journaling, its not what de do. Its the feeling of this things that being us joy. Still without friends, but getting there.
Depression was my catalyst into my spiritual awakening...but it had to get deep and dark first. Those dealing with depression please hang in there. Keep seeking spiritual guidance..Alan watts is a great source! There is light at the end of the tunnel ❤️
Thank you
I have suffered with depression for at least a couple of years now. I have done so much research on it, tried many different meds and different counsellors, all in a desperate attempt to get through it all, and come out the other side, the way I ''used to be''.
Finally, once I found this video, and your Devine Suicide & Addiction videos, I realised almost instantly that I was looking at my depression and my life in completely the wrong ways.
When listening to this video for the first time, I was literally thinking ''how do you know!!?''. It was as if you'd been inside my brain and saw the truth of everything.
I'd been ''holding up a story'' of myself for so many years, pretending to be this person which was actually so so different from who I truly am. At times I acted it all so well that I pretty much had myself fooled (as well as everyone else) into thinking that I was happy and that was who I am.
This eventually caused me A LOT of problems and, as you say in your videos, left me completely exhausted and unable to carry on. It led to a suicide attempt, following which I was hospitalised, about 6 months ago, and I then continued to feel that I had no hope and the best option by far, was to end my life.
Since then I've struggled, going round and round in my head, feeling only able to carry on with life in public by continuing to hold up this facade that I had before. As recently as within the last couple months, I've again felt very close to attempting suicide on more than one occasion, only managing to prevent this by speaking to doctors and desperately holding on to the hope that I thought new/stronger meds might bring me.
Only within the last 2 weeks, have I felt a massive change in my life. Your videos have shown me where I've been going wrong in my thoughts and in my general life.
Out of all the huge amounts of different things I've read, heard, meds I've tried, people I've spoken to... it was YOU, Jeff Foster, who had the information that was perfect for me. Listening to you is exactly what I needed, to enable me to arrive at a position of happiness, comfort and rest, of the kind I haven't experienced since I was very young.
You have shown me that I was entirely WRONG in thinking that who I truly am, isn't enough. I always thought I needed to be much much ''more'' in order to get the approval of others, which would then make me happy. You have shown me that I CAN rest happily in who I TRULY am!
Thank you, SO SO MUCH!
I would absolutely love it if I could get in contact with you some how, to spend a short time talking with you (perhaps via email?) about what I've put myself through, and how I can ensure that I stay on the right path throughout the rest of my life.
I'd deeply appreciate a reply from you, simply so I know that you have received this message and my thanks for how much you've helped me help myself!
Thank you again,
Danny.
(Bristol, England)
What was the catalyst the spiralled you into depression, mine was a house move over a year now, 50/50 days are a struggle to OK
Depression actually being a waning interest in my false self, this false life - YES. And the exhaustion, the utter exhaustion. I've tried every self-help and therapy known and no one and no thing has ever summed it up better than this guy. Really grateful...just watching this video I felt my entire body unclench - as it has never done without the 'aid' of some agent (e.g. alcohol, etc.).
I think this saved my life, thank you
Amen brother! When I was depressed I just wanted to be left alone to process all my thoughts and feelings. I feel like I was kept in depression by people trying to pull me out of it! I kind of enjoyed rumination. I wish I had the strength to have got people off my back to go back to normal all the time... if I had just had the time to rest and cogitate without that sense that I was doing something wrong and that I HAD to get BACK ON TRACK.... if that social burden wasn't there to pressurise me... I have a firm belief that I would have come out of it much quicker.
I see my depression now as a response to PTSD from being treated like shit during the two years prior, all my body wanted to do was rest and all my mind and emotions wanted to do were process, remember, understand and learn xxx
When you said "when you wake up, life just feels so.." I said heavy. Heavy is exactly it. Waking up to spirituality LIFTS the spirit, seemingly. Being a body that must do this and that just to survive, and that's it, is a heavy and dull feeling.
I just found this in a moment of total despair and it's the first time that not only someone else is understanding what i'm feeling but it's the first time that I am understanding what i'm feeling. I need deep rest and i'm scared of that need and because of that angst I press myself more and more down. After watching this i feel like you listened to me and not the other way around. Thank you, Jeff.
Depression is the transition of letting go of the old you and getting deep rest as you FIND that which you enjoy doing to the point where you'd be willing to do the service for free(which might make zero sense to important people in your circle). Healing comes from yielding, distancing, going inward to "find out what YOU dream" want to do next without asking another for approval or direction. It's your journey with your soul.♥️ Boundaries are needed to be set so leeches don't tie you down and suck you empty of everything as they are envious, scornful, jealousy, critical, cynical, etc with their mask on...as you grow towards your dream/destiny.
So much compassion and wisdom you have Jeff. I had a similar experience and the way out for me was finally resting in the now knowing. I had struggled for so many years to make life better, to feel better, to be better. Finally, after pure exhaustion, I just said, I don't know how to live and don't know how to do this. And for the first time I completely allowed myself to not have any answers, to not know the way, to not know anything and to let me be what I was feeling even when it wasn't socially acceptable. Which for me that meant I could feel angry and sad and I allowed it without telling myself there was anything wrong with me for feeling that way. I didn't take that out on others, but I stopped trying to hide it from the public view. I stopped trying to look like I had my shit together all the time basically. After a few months of this new kind of freedom, I eventually started to feel better slowly and without any reason to feel better other than a new way of being and allowing and accepting myself - for all my traits. Thank you for having the courage and willingness to make this video.
***I just realized I'm still a perfectionist about a lot of things that most people don't concern themselves with, but even that I've come to accept about myself instead of judging myself for this trait that doesn't bother me as much as it bothers other people.
Exhausted!!!!! Yes 💜. I'm exhausted. Trying! Trying Trying! Am addicted to the seeking and trying. It's so uncomfortable to be still and take a "deep rest". I hate feeling I'm in limbo of my life....just introduced to your work today. Today I'm sitting....stop being at war with my life.
I feel like depression is a call to surrender. That's how it affected me. At one point everything just gets to be too much to "hold up" and you just drop it all. At that point fear is gone because you have gone so far. True surrender is a beautiful thing. It is often our struggles in life that point the way there. Use them as a teacher.
I love your take on this. It's such a natural feeling to want to rest, and at the same time I believe most of us need to give ourselves permission to do this and not care about what others think or say. I gave myself permission and family and friends fèlt uncomfortable but I didn't care. That was their problem lol
"Without resistance to suffering, there is no suffering." ~ Adyashanti I love how you express in this video, authentic human experience in such a profound way. Thank you.
the exhaustion (deep-rest; depression) is the temple bell telling me something is 'off' in the self - and for me, slowing down to examine the thoughts and inquire can be magical - thanks jeff foster - you've fostered a new seed - you're cool!
This was very true for me. I was always depressed, even as a young child. My childhood was a fortunate one however, and still I was unhappy. (I don't mean I was an ungrateful spoiled brat, we didn't have money, I just mean nothing bad ever happened). As soon as I found God (not religion), or woke up, or however you want to say it, I found ME. I finally realized that I am me, and I need to love as me. The world needs people like me, and it needs people like you...in that our true identities are needed here. I realized I don't have to look or seem any certain way to anyone. I don't have to rush into a large bank account. I am not obliged to do anything really, as long as I don't hurt anyone in any way. I don't have to do it the way they told me to. There's many other paths to take. Although narrow and unpredictable, where it leads you will open your eyes and your heart.
Live*
This makes perfect sense. Jeff. One concept I live by is that the human body is so beautiful that it can heal itself. For instance a cut, one doesn't really need antibiotics in order for it to heal, the body will try to heal itself and I want to thank you for opening my mind to view depression this way. I have being in depression for so long. Thank You!
Uh Ugo sheet Khomeini oi
how are you now ???
i feel as if most people discover the truth through depression and feeling negative as opposed being contented with life.
so really maybe the pain eventually leads you to find this real joy that you would not have found if you had not felt depression
Thank you for this, reminding me of this. Ive been feeling this for quite some time, as ive been battling the depression brought about by motherhood and outside circumstances becoming too oppressive. My husband has died recently, and it has become a catalyst for spiritual awakening. Im still struggling to accept and understand that part. I know it is part of the intricate tapestry of life and how we are enmeshed with those we love and share life with, it has brought me to a true KNOWING instead of just belief on our eternal true selves and also the depth and strength of our love. I am still struggling with how to practically live with this knowing of true reality, as i am a mother to a toddler and in grief... and how to continue on here for decades with just a connection to the soul i love so deeply and all the weight of responsibility here as an only parent.
I've been struggling with depression since my early teens and its has always been my sworn enemy until I stumbled upon your interview the DIVINE SUICIDE.. Now I see it as a friend and things are finally making sense. Thank you, Jeff!
After the death of my husband, I felt that the entire life I imagined I would have was gone. I was depressed and lost in my life. I decided at some point I must recreate my life without my husband. I see how misguided that was. I realize reconstructing a life is just replacing one set of fantasies for another. Ty
YesI think you change your act for different people. Maybe now you confined out who you are.
This is great. I already knew this but wasn’t applying it to my own life right now. I know my life is asking me to change to be more me but also have to be grateful for life I do have and not feel as though I’m doing anything wrong. So allow myself to change while also loving myself as I am.
Found this advice about deep rest and also Jim Carrey speaking of it here in 2022 wish had known yrs ago but glad know now incredible
What Jeff states is so true - because I had had a direct experience of waking up and also seeing my own processing, which I thought was truth, but definietly was not. I was able to 'sse' and observe what was happening when I had an experience I did not want. I did not see it as bad but as something which was wanting to talk to me and help me. I relaxed into this quite wonderful state of deep relaxation and even felt I didn't want to come out of it as I was so at peace, BUT because I knew what was happening I gradually let myself come out of this most profound state. and as I did so my energy began to return.. There is so much we do not know about ourselves and I made it my life purpose to make my unconscious conscious.
When I was 10 had an experience of nearly drowning in the sea and heard what I thought was someone speaking to me, telling me to stop strugglling and lay on my back and just float., which I did. I felt I I was being pulled down into the depths of the sea and so struggling to stay afloat by floundering with my arms. Without that intervention I would no doubt have died.
I feel so out of control and without purpose without family children or partner at 40 and having to go to the hospital every other day for kidney dialysis that life really does feel so scary and pointless that I sleep most days away. but at the same point my dreams are so lucid and brilliant that I'm not even sure if life are my dreams and dreams are reality. I hope Jeff's videos help me
I love the transparency and realness of Jeff. I realized that I am so good at manifesting anything I want, and then once I get it for a while all is well... until once again I 'hit this wall'... the realization that none of it matters... it's just STUFF and there is something so far beyond that material world of desire.... Depression sets in... 'what am I doing wrong?' or 'what's wrong with me?", and a part knows there is more to this than meets the mind. I love when Jeff said, "Depression is an invitation to rediscover your vastness... discover HOME, discover your unlimited Being. YES! Depression is a wake-up call to remember TRUTH of Self. To Be here in the acceptance of self in this moment. This is the reason my Soul called to go on a 9-day silent retreat with no media or phones. It isn't that I desire this, it is I have to do this... life is boring when one keeps playing of the same movie directed by the mind. Thanks Jeff!
Wow, this is a life changer, I have suffered depression for many years, always trying to get off medication.
This is a totally different approach, it's so true.
I cannot rest, I work and serve others until I am exhausted.
I drink wine to relax.
This has helped me so much.
Thank you
"The story of you is not what you really are." That has to be one of the most comforting things I've ever heard. Thank you! Also love "...rest deeply in the truth of who you are."
It feels very nice to relax into yourself. Thank you for sharing a better perspective to view depression.
This is beautiful and very true, depression is a Stop Sign of the soul to rethink our choices and the meaning we give to things. Mind you Jeff, there are different kinds of depression and there is a risk in overcomplicating them ( one of their key symptoms). While its important to heed their spiritual message, sometimes all that says a simple "Take more vitamin D and outdoors exercise, silly!" Some of the type that women suffer are more headachy and hormonal-related. They are easily alleviated with the right diet and perhaps some natural food supplements.
I've been thinking this for ages. Your told what you are from birth and you play a character to fit in.
Thanks, Jeff... This really fits into my current "life situation"... Those words Home, Rest, Peace, Love, Freedom and Truth are really the best description of the void inside, the missing part. Deep rest... I guess I am too busy seeking it, instead of just stopping. And I fear that my next step would be again "doing sthg about it" instead of just resting. Especially when work & survival comes into the mix...
Thank you for this. It came at very divine timing confirming elaborating exactly how I’ve been feeling. Like Ive been ‘resting’ from what my life was…to then begin anew. And realizing the burden has not been from myself to rush it….and ‘get back to it’ but pressure coming from external expectations. Thank you for this beautiful expression and clarification! Blessings to Jeff and to all ✨
WOW! This is so profound and is so common sense, it is just that we have been conditioned to think otherwise (duality either or rather than both/and) about our lives...i.e. if we are not struggling then we are not achieving. I AM EXHAUSTED fighting the image of who I think I am and who I know I really am!!!!!
Thank you so much Jeff, you don't know how much listening to you speak in plain language the truth about our lives has had such a deep effect on me. I can speak for others because all those I live and work with and love are experiencing this malaise because we know at the deepest level we are upholding an image of ourselves that is not who we really are! Forever grateful :))
Everything is an invitation. My way was and still is through depression and anxiety. Thank you for this video.
There are support groups for a lot of troubled thinkers such as us. I've spent years with one of them. Listening to you took me back to that period. You have reminded me of how comforting it is to listen to someone share about something deeply personal and relating, feeling connected, to it. Knowing we are not alone is important. Thanks for the sharing.
thank you Jeff! I deal with depression, major disinterest and do take lots of naps and lay-down time. I resonate deeply with what your saying. I think it's an important message that needs to be more widely understood. BTW, I'm happy I got to meet you briefly during your NY visit at One Spirit. Bless you!
I think this is absolutely true, especially for depression brought on by a specific situation, occurrence, stress on the mind/body.
its a great way to see things and gives hope. I have been there suffering for too long/20yrs but now try to help others who are going through it. thanks everyone who shares and be blessed.we can all be Jeff in some way or the other.
Definitely appreciate the part about the "deep rest" of the UNIVERSE recides within. I know this might be narcissistic but I felt it more of an awareness towards worldly connectedness. Love to tell you about my new born baby theory and breathing.
Thank you
I've been struggling a lot with lots of pressure in my life and also a lot of people are telling me that Im guilty for things I didnt make. So the deal is like no matter how much I try people will not like the things Im doing. So I just stop trying and my therapist told me like i have to do an effort for no to do no effort. Now I understand my body needs to rest from all this struggle. I need to have a huge rest for enlightement and embrace all this darkness and find the path through life. Stop pretending to be perfect and just stop trying to make everyone comfortable. Its a process and its valid im going through all of this. Thank u so much for this wise words. This invitation says a lot like dont try to much just try the things that are in your hands. Thank you
That's such an accurate analogy, de pressed, weighed down by my own story, On bad days I cannot get vertical, sit in a chair, I have to be in bed, I cannot shower, I can't stand that long, so I bath, but I do agree that depression is not futile , you learn and make decisions, look so deeply, for so long so that is enlightening, a learning experience. I really relate to your metaphors and description. Its so validating, thankyou
Depression is totally safe. W can fully let go of all control. The depression is already deep rest. It doesn't need to change. Dare to let go and let it be completely.
Ive suffered from depression and anxiety for as long as I can remember. Is there something that teaches us how to make the shift from fighting it to accepting it? Its simple enough to say this is what you need to do, but how does one actually do it? How do I start to come out of the darkness that has forever threatened to swallow me alive, how do I accept that?
This hits home so so so much. Thank you for sharing this beautiful video with us Jeff. I've felt heavy in the last couple of months and this helps tremendously to ease in and accept what is. Love.
I love the new take you give on depression. After all, there's no use in fighting it away--may as well learn from it. Love your hair, by the way!
"Life is everything." I simply adore that phrase. Depression made me want nothing, nothing for so long. I'm going to keep that statement close to my heart. Life is everything.
made me cry everything your saying is true ive suffered for many years thank your the first person to make alot of sences to me x
It’s exactly the teaching of Eckhart Tolle! Thank you for sharing.🤗
we can all be Jeff and create different options of sharing the message of love, hope and healing. i experienced 20yrs of deep sadness and suffering, exhaustion an finaly awakening, healing, peace, joy and love. Blessings to all.
thank you jeff, I am resting now :)
I relate a lot and I'm happy I found this (me too because of Jim Carrey).
Thanks for everything
thank you Jeff going through one right now nobody understand they want you 2 be as usual funny strong etc and they can't THEY can't handle it so so exhausting thank you Jeff
Elizabeth Clapp This feels so refreshing and whole. Thank You.
Thank you for this most helpful and true perspective. You just turned my head completely around to a new place.
I agree about the meaning of depression, but even after the awakening moment it's hard to go on living in this reality. Just because eventually you get tired of keeping your body alive. When everything in this world means nothing to you it's suffering to force yourself to go to work and stuff.
Wonderful Jeff, THANK-YOU so much.
This will help so many people...you pierce through to the true deep meaning of depression and offer a real answer..profound valuable true..bless you ❤
Thanks Jeff, that is a great insight. I will remember deep rest the next time I visit Melancholia. Which I have had since a head injury in Kindergarten.
Jim Carrey brought me here after being asked who were the most enlightening people he's met in his latest Norm Macdonald interview. Hi :D
I love this. Love and appreciate you, friend 💗 i always try to live by “ebb and flow” in life. Also, I love your positive perspective on viewing depression as an opportunity for something new and authentic.
If for a moment
you paused
it was intended that there is
a thought beyond the repose
that sees the viewed value composed
in lifes' livelier laughter
and prose
I found this so beautiful, not only for people who are de-pressed (I try to help them in my practice) but also for all people who are not depressed. Cause the truth of who we really are is so evident in it, So I have translated it into Dutch. Jeff Foster I love the way you talk about everything, I have been following you for a couple years now, and it becomes more and more clear to me, maybe because of you getting even more clear or maybe it gets more clear to me :-))))
I love what he says bout how you are not the story of ur life and depression as an invitation. ur supposed to interested in ur life. brilliant
I like this guy. It takes guts t speak from your soul the way he is to the whole world here. But at 12:37 I stopped and took a little break and wanted to just ask everyone a question. Since we can all agree that most of us think about the same things every day with just minor variances for big events like crisis and birthday partys and deaths and births, may I ask all of you oen thing, and this should be a huge compass to your recovery, your journey from depression. And that is: What is the subject matter going through your mind when you felt the most hopeful or the happiest in the past 7 days or so? What is a craving (healthy things, not drugs) you keep getting that you think wil be the cure for your depression or suicidal thoughts? What fantasy do you keep having over and over and over that either lifts you up or,the thought of NOT being able to do it brings a crash and a major depression or a constant depression? What is that thing?
You look just like Steven Seagal!!
"What is that thing?"
Hope.
I love the new take you give on depression. After all, there's no use in fighting it away--may as well learn from it. Love your hair, by the way!
very helpful on my journey in finding my true self - thankyou
Thank you so deeply dear Jeff. ❤
Enlightening and relieving.. Thank you for your sincerity :)
healing words
This is life saving!!! Wonderful!!! Thank you Jeff!💗🦋
Depression, anger turned inward. Being under attack from the ego.
Depression, the lies the ego told my mind.
Spiritual surrender...the unseating of the ego, displaced by God.
These vids are all from exposure to alcoholics annonymous.
R
I am not depressed nor do i suffer from it but this is spot on
God says "I am who I am" - and maybe this is the deepest lesson - that as we are created in Gods image - the essense of me is not to be like him or her or them... but I am who i am... with everything good and "not good" - it all is me and i am happy to tell anyone and everyone - i am who i am - i cannot and you cannot define me - and defining me is the cause of all the stres and pain and exhaustion - dont be x - just be who you are and love it - breathe it in and be it. then tomorrow morning you can take the first steps in the way that you want.
I see this truth and really understand your truth it is very simple . Allowing the simple nature of being ness
Thank you Jeff 😊
Great video. Thank you for offering your perspective on depression.
You were so calming to listen to, thank you for posting this :)
Beautiful Jeff. I have had an experience of deep-rest recently and now.
I had a feeling there was a gift in here and you have verbalised some clarity for me. Thank you.
Thank You Jeff ❤
wow the part when you said that we are the home and life rest with and in us, instead of us in it totally changed my life thanks, seems like your a great positive person.
:)
Well done Jeff on your Heroic Quest in your obvious eventual discovery of your True Self vs False Self, Have been a MH Nurse for over 30 years, 1000's of broken minds and souls along the way.......... You have a great gift of healing others..... which eventually is what heals us. Depression affects greater numbers of humanity then all the other diseases combined, your words are entirely inclusive of just about everything that I 'encountered' along my own journey, within myself and my clients. We are now brothers.
I needed to here this today. Here & Now. Bless you my Brother. Deep Rest :)
I really liked the way you frame things , your ideas are really wonderful. I am going to reflect over all you said. Although very irrelevant but I really like your hair :D Beautiful color and shine, I was distracted :P
This is just wonderful...
it is really easy to never be clear...Jeff does this well...and people suck that up...its profound because it isn't clear..if i boil his thinking down it is summed in very simple concepts people share when you are struggling...just be yourself! WOW dude...that's it! So if you really listen to Jeff or Elkart they had THAT illuminating experience on a bench or walking in the rain...and then try to teach this to others. So for someone struggling with deep-rest (depression for 20 years) they just needed to rest for 20 years? Im getting tired...
Im also depress. Just know that many like you and feel pain and take it easy on yourself. Theres always hope
I think as an anecdote it's important to point out that I began taking a small amount of a antidepressant and its helped, it hasn't effected my spiritual practice and I have more energy...the idea of resting is also interesting, I don't think you can tell a depressed person to rest, in my personal experience that just made me more depressed however I could see how the burdens that some people take on definitely create psychosomatic stress where there is a sense of not being able to relax. so there's the question of whether to go outwards or inwards. certainly were social creatures and not contributing and being involved in society can cause people to become uncomfortable and afraid (maybe less so in Europe) but I definitely think relationship can be a path, the inward journey is I think more about what your talking about and also important, perhaps having that sense of a personal understanding of who I am that could be beyond concept.
he's talking about the deep rest of not holding any self images of ones self, which requires strenuous effort and the opposite of rest within ones consciousness. not physically resting all the time
life is becoming harder, more complex, can you imagine how depression statistics will rise, most people need to rest but the financial burden that is increasing will prevent that and the state of the health care system, in the US anyway. Deep rest when a mother of 16, 15, 12,11 year old and the guilt I feel that I may effect or damage them emotionally through being depressed, even though I tell them its not about them at all, what is the answer? How do you get your energy back, its been on and off now for a decade for me, also seizures related to emotional stress. I question and am disillusioned if I will ever have my vitality again, I live in hope.
de-pressed/ deep-rest/ deep breath!
this is so profound but maybe one can only see it when one has either been there done tha t and got the tee shirt... I have been down and realise where he is coming from...I have watched my mother go through stuff which was so much worse than my own and thought she should try to get out of it.....but in hindsight I realise now she had no choice but to go into deep rest. I am fortunate I dont "want" to strive like I did. I am finally content with "what is" rather than what I thought i wanted.
Jim Carrey brought me here.
John Baer facts
Ditto
Me too. Powerful insight.
John Baer same. Man did he lose his fucking mind. I wonder if it’s some actor thing.
Jim Carrey's videos led me here too
Find a place within yourself that can be peaceful and stay peaceful - carry this with you and allow it to arise whenever it is possible for you.
Thank you for sharing, I really enjoyed your perspective.
Oh wow... so glad I found this 'by accident' for the quote I received is one I thought I had originally thought of myself when trying to describe my own state of Deep Resting to someone quite some time ago... thank you xoxox
Big fan of you sir, kindly keep helping the ones who dont have knowledge on this
Thank you
Carl Jung says names can be sychronistic. Words too. I think I just got it Jeff. I have had ptsd and depression for ten years. Lat night I think I finally broke through into full realisation. I don't know why most people think this stuff is at odds with Western materialism. We all agree consciousness is a thing. We need to cut out the froth and sizzle and get this word out now.
Thank you!
It’s not just depression with me. It’s also complete terror, utter hopelessness, anger, unbelievable pain.... unbearable, suicidal. Destroyed . I can’t ‘just rest’ ... what do I do ?
Amy, two things that I think you might be able to do are to try and contact him directly (through his website or facebook).
Also, what you described sounds very very much like a dis-regulated nervous system, almost certainly as a result of trauma (no need to be ashamed about this, almost everyone in modern society suffers from this to one degree or another. but no one likes to talk about it, so most don't realize how prevalnt this misery is). I would suggest consulting a trauma informed therapist, specially one working somatically (with the body and the nervous system, not just conceptually/verbally). For example, you could look up 'somatic experiencing' (peter levin), or 'somatic practice' (Kathy Cain) or the excellent work of Irene Lyon (she also puts out a lot of info and videos that are very educational).
But Jeff Foster is truly on a different level and can show you how to truly love yourself. He also regularly posts on facebook very very touching and profound postings. Highly recommended. For me they were/are very transformative.
Lastly, look into the work of Scott Kiloby 'the living inquiries' and see if that might resonate with you. His appraoch is very very unique and he is truly wise and kind and his insights are profound.
Good luck :)
Hang in there Amy. I've been there as well. You will be and are ok. I'm open to talk if you'd like. Shoot me your email. Love and blessings to you.