u/mental_stat

I read somewhere that the hallmark of dysthymia is a feeling that you don't belong. I find that its true for me. I have never felt that I really belonged to my family of origin or any group, really.

My first question is do other people with dysthymia feel that way.

It defenitly has a negative aspect but I find it has a positive aspect, too. Group thinking never sweys me and I'm able to be in groups and have a completely different way of of thinking than the group norms. Also, the group hirarcy does not impress me. I evaluate things according to their essence and not according to who said them, be it a proffesor/teacher/manager etc. That, of course, got me into trouble not once but its valuble to be able to evaluate the essence of things and see theough people's titles.

My second question is if other people with dysthymia have it, or it is just me.

Has anyone here tried a 'Grow' support group? I have just recently heard about this organization.

I am really glad I found you guys. I thought I'm the only one who is surviving double depression and no one even knows what it is.

I'm 52F and was dysthemic probably since the day I was born. Lucky enough to have found along the way things that help including antidepressants, supplements, light therapy, etc.

Lucky enough to have started practicing Vipassana meditation at 26. The first truth in this school is 'life is suffering'. When I heard that I thought: At last! I know that since I was a child, but why no one else says it?!

Another trurh is that there is a way to get out of suffering!! Not that its easy or quick but boy, just the hope it gave me... And it does help... :-)

A land, 10 minutes walk from the New Zealand Vipassana centre, was bought by two couples of meditators with the aim of living near the centre, supporting it and being supported. One of the couples is selling their share. My partner and I are staying. If, by any chance, you, or someone you know, is interested to explore the option of buying (it's rural New Zealand, Makarau Vally, steep hill side and the flat area for building is 100 meter square. The price is about 220,000 NZD) please let me know. Questions welcome.

Are there people here who practice both Reiki and Goenka Vipassana?

Practising both is considered dangerous among Vipassana people, but it's hard to find first-hand accounts in these circles.

Did anyone here try it? Could you please share your experience?

Someone here practised both Vipassana and Reiki? Could you please speak about it? Did you find it problematic? Did you find it beneficial?

I've never practised Reiki myself, I am just wondering if the Vipassana people haven't taken it too far with allowing only one course to Reiki people, and then they have to choose.

Is this rule applicable all over the world, by the way, or is it just the west?

I am interested in lived experiences. No theoretical explanations, please, I know them all.

I'm practising for 25 years and served long-term in two centres and trusts, the one in my home country and the one in the country I immigrated to.

I was astonished by the difference between them. The one in my home country is managed well and there is a big community and many people involved in service. The feeling from the assistant teachers is that they are there to support/serve the students and the servers. If you try to thank them, they'll tell you: 'Dont thank me, thank Dhamma'.

On the other hand, in my new country, the assistant teachers behave like they are God gift to humanity. They actually demand respect. The servers who are welcomed are those who flatter their egos, and those who threaten their authority (even in things they know nothing about, like construction) are shunned. Of course, with this kind of treatment, no community evolved to support the centre, and it is neglected and badly managed.

I'd like to know if there are people here who experienced this type of behaviour and attitude from assistant teachers and what you think about it.