{Crisis Revisited}[2nd August 1988]

[Redbook5:241-247][19880802:1234]{Crisis Revisited}[2nd August 1988]

19880802.1234

A surprising feeling – not of depression but of inadequacy: of failure to fulfil my ambitions, my purpose, myself. This has been triggered off [sic] by contacts with two different sets of acquaintances, whose example indicated how far short I was falling in my own priorities: in vegetable gardening; and in general learning and re-learning. Interestingly, however, working on the small-holding (and, I think, on the inessential field of study in which my inadequacy was so pitifully exposed) does not help: only keeping to my purpose – that is, the purpose for me – satisfies the demands made on me.*

In practical terms, the first thing is to have a bath (and in this case wash off the morning’s sewer-clearance stains): I believe that the Bath used to be as much a religious, ritual purification as a method of personal hygiene, or more so, in some periods.** Certainly its psychological effect at the appropriate moment can be considerable.***

The second (yes, second, in this particular practice) is to consider God. In this context, God need not be defined except as that central source out of which comes goodness – that inner point of peace. It is not necessary to enter in to theological or scientific argument as to the existence of a personal, or even a creator, God.

And the third is to get back to the work of the purpose set for you.

*Also, get enough sleep: early to bed (yes, and early to rise).

**[In the first draft of [1] there was some discussion of this, which (along with the episode in which the discussion featured) was (correctly) deleted before the first typescript]

***[A former Vice-Chancellor (ie effective head) of the Chancery Division (ie a senior judge in England and Wales) used to conclude his list of guidelines for law students with the importance of regular baths, and not solely in the interests of personal cleanliness.]

[& cf New Scientist Daily email 23102018: 'Hot baths could improve depression: Treating mild depression could be as simple as a long soak in a hot bath. A small study has found that afternoon baths just twice a week produce a moderate but persistent lift to mood. The size of the benefit was similar to that seen with physical exercise, which is a recommended therapy for mild or moderate depression. The method could work because raising body temperature in the afternoon helps restore the normal circadian rhythm of body temperature, which is often disturbed in people with depression. The baths also improved people’s sleep patterns.']

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