It sounds like Owen Wilson is making some great progress in turning his life, his heath, and his head around. A lot of people who battle depression have low energy and motivation, but Owen seems to really be rallying in an impressive way. He’s embracing his health, and actively trying to change and improve his life, and it’s really inspirational to see. Owen has moved into a new house in Malibu that he’s spent over two years working on. It has a beautiful, serene view of the ocean and is said to be the “ultimate bachelor pad.” Hey, some things never change.

Sources tell Star the move is giving Owen, 38, a new lease on life and is really lifting his spirits. “He’s excited about the house, and he loves to talk about it,” says one insider. “The place was all custom-built: pool table, dartboard – it’s full of man toys!” Owen’s even getting friendly with his neighbors. According to the source, he’s been riding around the neighborhood on his moped and taking his dog for walks around the block in order to introduce himself to everyone.

So what changed for the old Owen, who was dark, depressed, and wanted to die? A lot! For one thing, he’s decided it’s better to love life and enjoy all he has, including his very supportive network of friends and family. He’s even hanging out with an old ex: Carolina Cerisola.

“Owen realizes that there are a lot of people who really care about him, so he’s taking serious steps to find peace,” says the source. He’s not drinking or doing drugs anymore. It’s difficult, but he knows it’s worth it.”

[From Star Magazine, October 22, 2007 print edition]

I like this proactive approach Owen is taking to change his life. If only we could all afford to move to a nicer place to lift our spirits! Owen also had a cleansing ritual over the Grand Canyon, which it sounds like was a symbolic way of getting rid of his past and starting a new chapter in his life. The Enquirer tells the story like he’s crazy or the people around him are nut balls for letting him do it, but I think they’re just taking an unnecessarily sensational view on it.

Owen – who slashed his wrists and swallowed pills at his Santa Monica home – participated in a “spiritual exorcism” September 29th, while perched on a scary glass walkway 4,000 feet above the rocky floor of the Grand Canyon, the Enquirer has learned exclusively. The 38-year-old actor stood on the walkway, stretched 70 feet over the Canyon’s western rim, as a medicine man prepared the ritual.

“Owen and his entourage of about a dozen people emerged from a tour bus at about 4 p.m., and there were two Indians with them, one with long black hair and a feather,” said a witness. “After a while, Owen and the feathered Indian, who was carrying a bag, moved out onto the Skywalk and Owen stood there, looking outward at the Canyon.” Tourists at the site were herded into the nearby Skywalk Cafe so that the healing ceremony could proceed.

The medicine man, from the Hualapai tribe, lit some sage on fire and then began chanting and dancing, while waving the smoke over Owen. In his hand he held a small woven object – a dream catcher. The goal was to scare away the demons. “Personally, I was shocked they let Owen, who has been suicidal, place himself in such a dangerous position,” the witness told the Enquirer. “The railing is only four feet high, and if depression had overtaken him at that moment, he could easily have leaped over the rail. They stayed on the platform for about 30 minutes – with the medicine man chanting and dancing the entire time. Afterward, Owen seemed happy, and was chatting with the tourists.

[From the National Enquirer, October 22, 2007 print edition]

I think as a general rule, depression doesn’t suddenly overtake someone at the moment. It tends to creep up, or sometimes a specific bad event triggers it, but rarely does it lead to an instant suicide attempt. Generally that takes some time and contemplation. Now certainly he’s been in that place before, but I’m guessing his family and friends wouldn’t have been supportive of the cleansing ritual if they thought there was a chance Owen would jump. First off, he doesn’t seem the type to do it in front of his loved ones. And this is clearly an attempt to move on, shed his demons, and focus on happiness and a positive direction. I’m kind of annoyed with the hysterical tone of the Enquirer’s article. It sounds like Owen is doing everything he can to actively embrace his recovery, and I wish him nothing but the best.