Thanks both for sharing. This piece was extremely timely for me as I experienced a bit of "darkness" only this Sunday, while groceries shopping with my partner in the supermarket after an afternoon out at the cinema. For a reason too complicated to divulge here, I experienced an onset of what I call for myself the beginnings of a depression. Suddenly everything seemed dull, lifeless. I was no longer interested in the things around me. I didn't care what vegetables we bought. I was wheeling the cart around in a bubble of my own mind's making. Thankfully that bubble burst soon after as my partner did something rather silly without even knowing I needed cheering up. Later we had a conversation about it and I was able to resolve the thing that was causing me to feel depressed. So yes, the darkness came and went for me. It's frightening and confusing when it comes, but I know that it will visit again, and that each time it does I'll have to recognise it and find a way to pull through, as I always have.
I know that was hard for you to move through, Val. I'm glad to know you were able to be present with yourself and what you were feeling rather than sinking into the power of the emotions. Sending love xx
This was a beautiful piece to read from both of you - the intro and the piece itself was so personal and raw. I love the idea of thinking about light as a gradient and approaching darkness with complexity. Sending lots of love and light to you both xx
Wow, this was such a moving and beautiful piece, Nkem. You described so thoughtfully and eloquently this abstract feeling that I have been having trouble putting into words. I really love your prompts, and I can't wait to use them to delve deeper within myself and find meaning in the difficult moments. I agree that it is stigmatized to talk about the darkness we all grapple with, so thank you for breaking the stigma and using your words to make others feel less alone and more hopeful in our shared humanity. I like your pursuit of wholeness over chasing happiness. I need to remember that. Thank you for sharing openly and vulnerably - your words are illuminating and powerful.
Thanks both for sharing. This piece was extremely timely for me as I experienced a bit of "darkness" only this Sunday, while groceries shopping with my partner in the supermarket after an afternoon out at the cinema. For a reason too complicated to divulge here, I experienced an onset of what I call for myself the beginnings of a depression. Suddenly everything seemed dull, lifeless. I was no longer interested in the things around me. I didn't care what vegetables we bought. I was wheeling the cart around in a bubble of my own mind's making. Thankfully that bubble burst soon after as my partner did something rather silly without even knowing I needed cheering up. Later we had a conversation about it and I was able to resolve the thing that was causing me to feel depressed. So yes, the darkness came and went for me. It's frightening and confusing when it comes, but I know that it will visit again, and that each time it does I'll have to recognise it and find a way to pull through, as I always have.
I know that was hard for you to move through, Val. I'm glad to know you were able to be present with yourself and what you were feeling rather than sinking into the power of the emotions. Sending love xx
Thanks Nkem. :)
This was a beautiful piece to read from both of you - the intro and the piece itself was so personal and raw. I love the idea of thinking about light as a gradient and approaching darkness with complexity. Sending lots of love and light to you both xx
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Tessa. xx
Wow, this was such a moving and beautiful piece, Nkem. You described so thoughtfully and eloquently this abstract feeling that I have been having trouble putting into words. I really love your prompts, and I can't wait to use them to delve deeper within myself and find meaning in the difficult moments. I agree that it is stigmatized to talk about the darkness we all grapple with, so thank you for breaking the stigma and using your words to make others feel less alone and more hopeful in our shared humanity. I like your pursuit of wholeness over chasing happiness. I need to remember that. Thank you for sharing openly and vulnerably - your words are illuminating and powerful.