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I know this is not a popular opinion in general, but the most powerful antidote I know (well, more correctly the ONLY one I know) against self-disdain or simila

I know this is not a popular opinion in general, but the most powerful antidote I know (well, more correctly the ONLY one I know) against self-disdain or similar feelings, is realizing that you are deeply loved by the Creator of heaven and earth himself. King David summarizes this very succinctly in his own way: "Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me." The whole of Psalm 27 is very encouraging I think: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2027&version=NIV https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2027&vers...

forgotmypw17 5y ago
I have had a similar experience. Since I started having a daily conversation with ,,the void,, or ,,the universal good,, I have felt much better, even with everything going on in the world.
- indigodaddy 5y ago
  Interesting. I like this idea. Seems like it would be a very peaceful activity/thing.
  - forgotmypw17 5y ago
    Here is my rather straightforward practice. I consider myself addressing both the sysadmin and the hardware-software of my existence when I speak to anyone doing this. I generally do it at the same time of day, though sometimes I make an exception and do it earlier or later, when I feel that my presence elsewhere is important for good. I developed it after several years of studying several different meditation traditions, attending churches, and reading religious texts. Ideally, I do this in a quiet room, sitting by myself, but that is not always possible, and I do not demand it. It can be done internally without altering anything in the physical. For prayer, I tend towards a three-step process of gratitude-forgiveness-petition. First, I express gratitude for all my gifts and privilege throughout the day that I can think of. Second, I ask for forgiveness for anything regretful... Missing out on acknowledging someone. Laziness in performing a necessary task. Allowing myself to ruminate or think negatively. Then, it is time for requests. I ask for guidance and to see clearly into my intentions to ensure that they are joyful and good. And then I express them the best I can, being mindful to not be too specific, nor too attached to any particular outcome, because I cannot see the big picture. After this, comes the other important part. Listening for a reply. Our existence is infinitely more complex than our language and human-human interaction allows, and so it may be hard to understand or even see the message. After all, you are taking on the role of an ant asking for help from a human, except infinitely more removed from each other. It is not always peaceful, sometimes it is overwhelming and I cry. All this knowledge repeats again and again in texts both old and new, and if you allow yourself to consider the possibility that maybe, just maybe, people who lived more than 100 years ago were not complete buffoons and idiots, it can bring peace, joy, satisfaction, amazement, marvel... Even that feeling of "time slipping away faster every day" will recede. Take it from me, I was depressed through and through for a good 15-20 years straight almost without respite. Good luck, and I'd love to hear your experiences. May this knowledge help you and bring you joy!
indigodaddy 5y ago
And if one does not believe in god, one can indeed still marvel at the spectacular creation that is this universe and beautiful planet that we live on, and count ourselves lucky and blessed that we have a chance to live on it—- and are likely (if we are here posting on HN) in a more beneficial position/circumstance than many others on it...
- forgotmypw17 5y ago
  I've heard it said that arms and legs are already a huge privilege and a lot to be grateful for.

forgotmypw17 5y ago

I have had a similar experience. Since I started having a daily conversation with ,,the void,, or ,,the universal good,, I have felt much better, even with everything going on in the world.

indigodaddy 5y ago
Interesting. I like this idea. Seems like it would be a very peaceful activity/thing.
- forgotmypw17 5y ago
  Here is my rather straightforward practice. I consider myself addressing both the sysadmin and the hardware-software of my existence when I speak to anyone doing this. I generally do it at the same time of day, though sometimes I make an exception and do it earlier or later, when I feel that my presence elsewhere is important for good. I developed it after several years of studying several different meditation traditions, attending churches, and reading religious texts. Ideally, I do this in a quiet room, sitting by myself, but that is not always possible, and I do not demand it. It can be done internally without altering anything in the physical. For prayer, I tend towards a three-step process of gratitude-forgiveness-petition. First, I express gratitude for all my gifts and privilege throughout the day that I can think of. Second, I ask for forgiveness for anything regretful... Missing out on acknowledging someone. Laziness in performing a necessary task. Allowing myself to ruminate or think negatively. Then, it is time for requests. I ask for guidance and to see clearly into my intentions to ensure that they are joyful and good. And then I express them the best I can, being mindful to not be too specific, nor too attached to any particular outcome, because I cannot see the big picture. After this, comes the other important part. Listening for a reply. Our existence is infinitely more complex than our language and human-human interaction allows, and so it may be hard to understand or even see the message. After all, you are taking on the role of an ant asking for help from a human, except infinitely more removed from each other. It is not always peaceful, sometimes it is overwhelming and I cry. All this knowledge repeats again and again in texts both old and new, and if you allow yourself to consider the possibility that maybe, just maybe, people who lived more than 100 years ago were not complete buffoons and idiots, it can bring peace, joy, satisfaction, amazement, marvel... Even that feeling of "time slipping away faster every day" will recede. Take it from me, I was depressed through and through for a good 15-20 years straight almost without respite. Good luck, and I'd love to hear your experiences. May this knowledge help you and bring you joy!

indigodaddy 5y ago

And if one does not believe in god, one can indeed still marvel at the spectacular creation that is this universe and beautiful planet that we live on, and count ourselves lucky and blessed that we have a chance to live on it—- and are likely (if we are here posting on HN) in a more beneficial position/circumstance than many others on it...

forgotmypw17 5y ago
I've heard it said that arms and legs are already a huge privilege and a lot to be grateful for.