Depression Meditation with Dr. Dawn-Elise Snipes
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This meditation for depression is led by Dr. Dawn-Elise Snipes. Depression is characterized by feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, and a lack of pleasure. The purpose of this meditation is to help you reach a happy place in your mind, triggering the release of dopamine and serotonin to improve your mood. To ensure a successful meditation, find a safe and interruption-free environment. It is preferable to lie down, but at least get comfortable. If closing your eyes is uncomfortable, focus on a stationary object in the room or the provided image.
During this meditation, you will imagine taking a walk in a forest. Pay attention to the sights, sounds, smells, and sensations you experience. Dr. Snipes describes smelling the earthy scent of decaying leaves, as well as smoke and hints of honeysuckle and jasmine from nearby vines. She also feels the cool breeze and the dampness of the forest on her skin. As she sits on a bench, she observes the old-growth forest with trees such as oaks, maples, and pines. There is minimal undergrowth, but she notices vines, ferns, moss-covered rocks, and a blanket of leaves on the ground. A stream with colorful stones and blackberry brambles lines its banks. Dr. Snipes spots a bunny hiding under the blackberries, a log cabin in the distance, and squirrels playing and chasing each other. She also sees a squirrel searching for bugs and a woodpecker pecking for food.
In addition to the visual aspects, Dr. Snipes becomes aware of various sounds in the forest. She hears the wind blowing through the trees, the flowing stream, and the chirping of birds like chickadees and cardinals. She also hears bobwhites calling to each other, a screeching hawk, and a red-bellied woodpecker. As she continues to observe, she notices a box turtle sunning itself on a rock in the stream and a group of deer downstream. The forest becomes quieter as the temperature drops, and she hears the soft cooing of a great horned owl in the treetops.
Throughout the meditation, Dr. Snipes expresses feelings of happiness and relaxation. She encourages you to reflect on how you feel during this experience. Take a few more minutes to sit with the image and notice any additional details. Consider what else you would like to see in the scene to enhance your sense of relaxation and peace.
This meditation for depression is led by Dr. Dawn-Elise Snipes. Depression is characterized by feeli