In this class we will be exploring the big picture of metabolic exhaustion in the depression process and how depression, unpleasant though it is, saves us from death. We will be looking at the ways that our shame and self-criticism, in the effort to get us out of the depressed state, instead exacerbate the painful condition of shame that leaves us even more alone and prone to the experience of depression and immobilization. We will learn why our resonance and empathy for our depressed state so rarely seems to reach that part of ourselves, and how we need to move back earlier in time in order to get some traction with time travel and trauma work, in order to be able to lift the burden on the depressed self, to make it easier for that self to imagine coming out of the state.

Our seeking and rage circuits are the major circuits for mobilization that exist in our systems and as we begin to do this work, we start to feel them thawing and coming out of the freeze of immobilization. When we recognize them and support them, they are our helpers in finding a pathway back to life.

There is a particular sweetness in bringing creativity into this healing journey. Depression can suppress creativity, but as we work through immobilization, creative energy often reawakens—becoming a vital source of momentum and renewal.

People who participate in this class will leave the class with a very solid foundation for self-compassion, whenever they are immobilized. And clear routes for recovery and self-connection as they negotiate this difficult world. And also compassion for others who are also immobilized.

A warm space that creates room for the flow from thought into expression, support and resonant feedback, all in service of unblocking your creativity and more fluid expression. In each 85-minute class, we will:

• • Begin with a free writing period
  • Offer a resonance exercise or demonstration to support the movement toward free expression
  • Continue with a second free writing period
  • Create space for sharing and resonant responses to each other’s work

The classes will be recorded for participants in many time zones

Week 1: Holding Our Metabolic Exhaustion
Week 2: Unconscious Contracts That Keep Us Immobilized and Depressed
Week 3: Time Traveling to the Precursors Of Depression and Immobilization
Week 4: Mobilizing Seeking and Rage to Help Us
Week 5: Detoxing Our Self-Criticism
Week 6: Embracing Accompaniment

For writers, artists, explorers and creatives looking for a resonant space in which to support their creative expression. The creative process work that we’ll explore in this class is for anyone involved in, or longing to be involved in, any kind of creative pursuit.

Assistant support is available during classes. There are three ways this happens:

• In groups of three with one assistant and two participants, so that participants can practice the breakout exercises with support.
• In small groups, with 1 assistant and 3+ participants, with work with one participant occurring by lottery, and the remaining participants observing.
• Depending on assistant availability, the third option is 1-1 support to receive resonant processes like time travel and unconscious contracts for material that comes up during class.