nevermind the bricolage

black dog day

Today is World Mental Health Day, and this year the WHO is ackowledging the 'black dog,' depression in all its forms. it was Winston Churchill I beieve who coined the term to describe his won struggle with depression. I know that dog quite well, generally not to the point of complete catatonia, but close sometimes. I can trace its appearing at times to certain events in my world, but generally it seems to make appearances bidden only by what is occurring in my unconscious.

There was a sort of cult of melancholy in England in the 17th century, and the disease has been claimed as a mark of the English. The outbreak of 17th century melancholy was attributed to the religious uncertainty caused by the Reformation? It produced some beautiful music and literature...and continues to do so I believe. 

So happy black dog day--going back in my hole now!

black dog days

Apologies for the lack of substantive posts. I have been pretty busy of late, but more than that, I have have hit a bit of an emotional wall--life has just been tough lately, and I have, to coin Austin Powers, "lost my mojo." I'm sure it will return--once I have vanquished Dr. Evil and banished the black dog days I seem to be living in:)

On a positive note, once the mojo returns I will launch my new a/theology site, AfterTheology-which will offer up more expansive reflection son philosophy, theology and everything else. In the meantime, a duet from Messrs. Waits and Richards seems to fit the order of the day.

 

Villainous Melancholy

"My cue is villainous melancholy, with a sigh like Tom O'Bedlam." King Lear.
There was an interesting article in the Health section of the Los Angeles Times today about the relationship between yoga and depression. Apparently practicing yoga might trigger a neurotransmitter that regulates depression and anxiety disorders according to the Journal of Alternative and Complimentary Medicine.