The Robin Williams we knew made us laugh. Pause. Reflect. But there was another aspect of him. Depression.
As a student at Cornell I did an experiment. Since I was new in town, the community didn't know me so it was a good time to find this out. I decided not to share my dark side but come from a place of peace, love and joy. Everybody loved me. I was invited to professor's houses for parties, out for lunch. Dinner. My phone constantly rang with friends inviting me out.
After about six months, I decided to show another side. The days I was down, depressed. Distant. Not one person asked me about this. My social life became quiet. I got the answer I suspected.
People love an upbeat person. They want that in their own lives. They want to affiliate with you. But the moment that changes, they are no where to be found. It was the best part of the Cornellian education. I never forgot it.
I have suffered from depression lifelong. It is easier now. Maybe because I designed my life differently. Maybe the chemistry within has changed. I have let a lot of situational depression leave. My belief system is healthier. Investigate your expectations. They are way too high in western society. Love yourself enough.
It is believed that UFO abductees suffer depression lifelong. That may be part of this. Depression has a taste. Sour.
The best way, I have discovered to help a depressed person is to just be there for them. Tell them that. Tell them over and over.
Robin Williams made us laugh. He also made us think. Sadly, most people would have walked away from Robin's dark side, much like they did in my Cornellian experiment.
O Captain! My Captain!
O Captain! my Captain! our fearful trip is done,
The ship has weather’d every rack, the prize we sought is won,
The port is near, the bells I hear, the people all exulting,
While follow eyes the steady keel, the vessel grim and daring;
But O heart! heart! heart!
O the bleeding drops of red,
Where on the deck my Captain lies,
Fallen cold and dead.
O Captain! my Captain! rise up and hear the bells;
Rise up—for you the flag is flung—for you the bugle trills,
For you bouquets and ribbon’d wreaths—for you the shores a-crowding,
For you they call, the swaying mass, their eager faces turning;
Here Captain! dear father!
The arm beneath your head!
It is some dream that on the deck,
You’ve fallen cold and dead.
My Captain does not answer, his lips are pale and still,
My father does not feel my arm, he has no pulse nor will,
The ship is anchor’d safe and sound, its voyage closed and done,
From fearful trip the victor ship comes in with object won;
Exult O shores, and ring O bells!
But I with mournful tread,
Walk the deck my Captain lies,
Fallen cold and dead.
Rest in Peace, Robin.
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