Wrong kind of empty?

[JBradley]

I have never had a teacher not even sure if there are any near by. Most everything I have learned has been from books and internet. My question is about this emptiness I am feeling if its the right emptyness or noself? I feel empty, lost, confused and alone. I dont know what to do and will just meditate or sleep if there isnt a required obligation. I do take medication for depression but this feels diffrent than just lack of interest. It just feels like there isnt anything to do or that doing doesnt improve or change anything so why do something that is nothing?

I have also been having issues with nausea when trying to eat and am plagued by simple "bad luck" just little things breaking or going wrong. This doesnt really stress me out but I dont understand why it is happening?

I understand that it is possible that none of this has anything to do with my practices as a beginner Buhhdist. Thanks for reading and I look forward to seeing anyones response.

[Aloka]

Hi JB,

I'm no expert, but it seems as though you could be suffering from anxiety, as well as depression. You've mentioned taking medication for depression, but are you getting any counselling from a qualified health professional as well? It may also be necessary to speak to your doctor about any additional symptoms you're having.

In the meantime this article "Liberating Emotions" by Ajahn Sumedho might possibly be helpful - and there's some instructions for the practice of Metta in our Buddhist Meditation forum.

https://buddhismnow.com/2011/02/12/l...ajahn-sumedho/

With very best wishes for your health and happiness,


Aloka

[philg]

I have never had a teacher not even sure if there are any near by. Most everything I have learned has been from books and internet. My question is about this emptiness I am feeling if its the right emptyness or noself? I feel empty, lost, confused and alone. I dont know what to do and will just meditate or sleep if there isnt a required obligation. I do take medication for depression but this feels diffrent than just lack of interest. It just feels like there isnt anything to do or that doing doesnt improve or change anything so why do something that is nothing?

I have also been having issues with nausea when trying to eat and am plagued by simple "bad luck" just little things breaking or going wrong. This doesnt really stress me out but I dont understand why it is happening?

I understand that it is possible that none of this has anything to do with my practices as a beginner Buhhdist. Thanks for reading and I look forward to seeing anyones response.

Don't worry about emptiness as this is a misunderstanding of Buddhism. The Buddha was trying to say that we assume so much about things and people, and these assumptions lead to unnecessary stress and suffering. Things are empty of our assumptions, but are there really,

[JBradley]

I appreciate the responses.