There is a moment, a sliver of conscious awareness that I describe as the razor's edge of consciousness and being. As we practice acknowledging its existence, we then ask deep within our heart to gain awareness and access to this moment/sliver/razor's edge moment of “time,” however, we can find ourselves tumbling into the abyss of the darkness that some experience as depression. Yes, there is, indeed, the tiniest moment of time when we experience the feeling of moving into depression, however, it is very possible to cultivate an awareness of this and not fall in. You actually see the precipice, or entrance, into the abyss of suffering. However, by consistently practicing the art of introspection in a committed way, you will come to know that what you are experiencing is not the essence of YOU!
From the state of conscious awareness, prior to any thought, we must become increasingly devoted to healing—with a conviction and inner-direction that commands and proclaims, “I am existing with the intent of experiencing joy and happiness, stillness within, and centeredness, in this very moment!” Do not attach to any thought that is less than this. As thoughts of doubt, self-sabotage and self-deprecation arise, we MUST maintain a vantage point of seeing these thoughts—observing them as they emerge. And, from this vantage point, we can begin to sense the truest nature of me as self does NOT exist as these thoughts. YOU, as you state I AM, exist prior to any and all thoughts as pure unbound consciousness.
Think of a beautiful linen tablecloth placed on a table with serving dishes, plates, glasses, cups, utensils and flower vases bursting with color. Now, imagine the tablecloth and everything placed on it is lifted up and taken away, leaving only the bare table. See this table as consciousness - You. The place settings are your thoughts. They ARE NOT the table.
At the razor's edge moment, we can choose to deploy the intense discipline and conviction to say, I am now in this moment making a choice—a conscious choice not to go into a state of depression. We can pull back and actually observe our mind’s state from the vantage point of an observer. This is beautiful and phenomenal. Do this method/practice and watch what happens. It is achievable! Your life will shift and expand into and unto a new paradigm of being.
Grow the awareness and discipline to act in the moment and not fall prey to the dysfunction of wanting to invite, or chase after, suffering. We chase after suffering because of years and decades of programming that all of what we hold as belief is who and what we are as an inner response and behavior—but it no longer has to be this way.