TGIF :: ClearLife & Antidepressants

#80 || Are they compatible? I want to hear from you. A brief introduction to a multi-part review.

The Inquiry

“What do you think about taking antidepressants while on a ClearLife path?”

It’s a fair question. ClearLife and The Eight Awarenesses are about undimming ourselves so we can hear, feel, and or follow our inner guidance, even when doing so might result in some inconvenient life changes. It’s part of why it’s scary, sometimes exhilarating, and almost always courageous to opt into clarity. We see and feel it all.

But what if someone is suffering—struggling with mental health challenges, mood disorders, or intense anxiety? Yet, they want to live “undimmed?” Let’s say they are getting by—not seriously depressed to the point of suicidal thoughts or dysfunction—but still deeply affected in ways that compromise their well-being and strain their relationships. Would taking antidepressant medication somehow conflict with a commitment to live clear, without dimmers? It’s a common and important question.

Stinson Beach last week. Next time I’ll leave my phone in the car.

Research + Your Help

I started researching this topic recently—reading and speaking with people about their experiences. I’ve also started emailing and interviewing a handful of experts in the fields of medicine, dharma, and psychology. In coming weeks I’ll be sharing some of my findings and the valuable perspectives these generous people are sharing.

I’d love your input, brief or lengthy, anonymous or not (I’ll honor your request if you choose the former). I am, we are, here to learn. If you are inclined, please share either via direct response to this email or in the comments below.

1. Do you have experience in this area you’d be willing to share, either your personal experience or that of someone close to you?

2. Similarly, do you have expertise in this area you’d be willing to share?

3. More simply, I also welcome other perspectives from this community on this topic.

Thank you in advance for any and all that you share. We are in this together. I look forward to capturing what comes together in next week’s TGIF (and possibly beyond)! 🙏🏼

Wishing all a safe, sane, and health-full week and for those who participate, Thanksgiving holiday.

Love. ❤️

---

A Few Invitations: Ending 2024 with Presence & Intention

Please consider joining us at one or more of the following:

🧘🏻‍♀️ December Meditation Series: Donation-based, via Zoom, we’ll meet twice a week for a guided practice followed by some Q&A with each of Roshi Joan Halifax, Trudy Goodman, Jon Kabat-Zinn, Rhonda Magee and Sharon Salzberg plus a handful of community sessions. Details here: Stillness Within: Cultivating Presence in Uncertain Times.

☀️ December 5-Day Workshop in Baja: Peel away from the holiday madness and join us! We’re going to enjoy a magical seaside week of play, inner work, and exploration of The Eight Awarenesses. Details here. Use CHIP25 for a 25% discount upon registration. Scholarships still available too (let’s use them!).

❤️ More Intimate, and Always Free: The next Sangha Saturday will be Saturday November 30th at 9a PT. Join us for a brief grounding meditation, themed shares, and open explorations of what’s alive. Complete this brief form for a calendar invite.

🌟 More Music: This one is easy. Try turning off the voices (news, podcasts, etc.) and tuning into your favorite music this weekend, next week, and beyond. Notice how it feels. Maybe even light a candle too. These are the moments. 🤍