Depression as a Spiritual Teacher: Bentinho Massaro’s Insights
Depression can feel overwhelming and all-consuming. It’s easy to get stuck in the downward spiral of negative thoughts and emotions. But what if there’s a different way to view depression? Spiritual teacher Bentinho Massaro offers a unique and empowering perspective. He suggests seeing depression not as an enemy to be battled, but as a signpost on your spiritual journey, guiding you back to your true self.
Depression: A Manifestation, Not Your Identity
Massaro emphasizes that depression is a temporary experience you manifest, not a reflection of who you truly are. It’s like a dark cloud on the canvas of your life, but the cloud is not the canvas itself. When you recognize this distinction, you create the space to separate yourself from the heaviness of depression.
He also explains that feeling bad arises when your state of being is out of alignment with the truth of who you are. Your higher self, or your core vibrational frequency, is always present. Depression and other negative emotions signal a distance between your current state and this higher vibrational reality.
Healing Through Presence and Preference
The idea of “spiritual bypassing” can be controversial, but Massaro’s perspective is compelling. He argues that staying trapped in past traumas doesn’t facilitate healing. Instead, healing comes from consciously shifting your vibrational state into alignment with your higher self. This can be done by focusing on and embodying your preferences; the feelings, thoughts, and states of being that resonate with joy, expansion, and peace.
Massaro reminds us that we can’t erase past experiences. They exist as part of the infinite possibilities of creation. However, when we change our vibrational reality, those experiences fade into distant memories. You no longer feel the emotional charge connected to them. This is true healing: not the removal of the experience, but a vibrational shift that renders the pain neutral.
“Love it, embrace it, let it be there…but actually let it be there.” – Bentinho Massaro
Key Takeaways
- Depression is not who you are. It’s a temporary state.
- Negative feelings are signposts that your current vibration is out of sync with your true self.
- Healing is possible by consciously shifting your vibration, not by fighting your past realities.
- Focus on the states of being that align with your higher self – the feelings of peace, joy, and expansion.
Bible Reference
“Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love.” – Lamentations 3:32. (This verse reminds us of the coexistence of pain and the promise of compassion within the Divine.)
Diving Deeper:
Depression is a state of mind that is rooted in a lack of awareness of our true nature, and can be transformed through self-inquiry, mindfulness, and spiritual practice.
Here are some of the ways you could deal with depression:
- Self-Inquiry: Engage in a process of self-inquiry, which involves examining our beliefs, values, and motivations. By exploring these areas, we can gain a greater understanding of ourselves and the root causes of our depression.
- Mindfulness: Importance of being present in the moment and cultivating a deep awareness of our thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations. This can help us to become more aware of negative patterns of thinking and behavior that may be contributing to our depression.
- Spiritual Practice: Spiritual practice can be a powerful tool for transforming depression. This may include practices such as meditation, prayer, yoga, or other forms of spiritual exploration. By connecting with our innermost being and cultivating a sense of inner peace and fulfillment, we can overcome depression and find greater joy and fulfillment in life.
- Seeking Help: Importance of seeking help when dealing with depression. This may include talking to a therapist or other mental health professional, as well as reaching out to friends and family for support. By seeking help, we can gain new insights and perspectives on our situation, and receive the guidance and support we need to overcome depression and move towards a happier, more fulfilling life.
Overall, Stress the importance of self-inquiry, mindfulness, spiritual practice, and seeking help when needed. By adopting these qualities, we can overcome depression and find greater peace, joy, and fulfillment in life.