The trance of unworthiness keeps the sweetness of belonging out of reach. The path to "the sweetness of belonging," is acceptance - acceptance of ourselves and acceptance of others without judgment.

When you are in touch with your body and heart, it allows you to then be in the world and act with intention and clarity and kindness.

It is through realizing loving presence as our very essence, through being that presence, that we discover true freedom.

Offer some gesture of kindness to yourself. Sometimes it's just a message, to say: "It's okay. You're going to be okay. We've been through this before." The intention is reassurance, that you are not alone and you can do this. It is the most powerful way to come out of what I call the "trance of unworthiness."

Awakening self-compassion is often the greatest challenge people face on the spiritual path.

Radical Acceptance: Embracing Your Life with the Heart of a Buddha.

I think of depression as the mechanism that pushes down the pain of that loss. It tries to distance us from the loss but it lowers our whole energy level. I think that's a pervasive way we end up responding to loss or the anticipation of loss. Natural but not necessary.