You are becoming the master of last sentences. Like wind-up toys--perfect.
I often wonder to what extent our hyper-capitalist culture--which is only mostly based on making money and consuming at hyper-speed--is responsible for the low opinion of ourselves so many of us feel. Afterall, few of us can win in this race to be wealthy and important.
Apparently, lots of folks think they do. And parents are understandably fearful of going against the grain, not preparing kids for this dog-eat-dog world.
As a therapist, I can say that circumstances and self-worth don't seem to correlate. Most people seem to think that they're not ok the way they are. Sad. Hard to just experience life when you have to doubt yourself all the time.
Your empathy comes shining through here. I can feel your pain and that of the letter carrier through your words. A particularly wonderful piece of writing.
Pre-pandemic no, post pandemic, yes on zoom. I was excited for you to have moved so close to his center. I don't have your email address, which is why I didn't reach out to you sooner.. oodles of love to you and hope all is well. Xxx
So special to hear from you. I do not know TERGER. Send me a link or something. My problem is that I no longer drive and I'm in the west metro so St. Paul is a stretch. You study with him on zoom?
Boom! So much here that's so crucial for we humans, but I just had to compliment the ending. It's the natural correlary to your main point but I didn't see it coming and that made it all the more impactful.
One of my readers mentioned that I'm really coming up with some good endings. Interesting, because they are so difficult. I think it's the format of c. 750 words. It has a life of its own.
I think she may have been speaking ironically, cognizant of how we often rate people based on their jobs, but aware that she was far better than any stereotype.
That's a WHOLE different perspective and one that merits consideration. I'll never know what she meant on that occasion but I do see her all the time and might pick up some clues. Thank you for this.
Great to read all the reflections that her comment opened up for you (and by extension, for all of us who are your readers!) Gets me thinking about class, culture, education, community, location.
I spend a lot of time in my head on those subjects. They continue to challenge me in ways that the gentler spiritual material doesn't. The real world keeps barking at me.
Oh, Susie, this is the best writing and topic that I have read of yours. I think that you should submit it to a women’s magazine, like Oprah for publication. Since I live, just above you in the building, I know the woman that you speak of, and I talk to her often and never realized her pain.
Eve’s spike heels was an evocative image, hilarious and at the same time painfuI and sad.
I am reminded of the “fraud syndrome” that many, I think, mostly women, experience when they have more public or powerful positions. They believe that they have tricked the powerful to be where they are, and that they really aren’t as smart or capable as their positions suggest, and beyond that the pain of believing that they don’t deserve it, whatever “it” is.
Thank you for your gift. Perhaps it should be required reading in every high school in our country. Sending you my appreciation this morning.
You are very dear. I hope I haven't misrepresented our postal delivery person. One commenter above suggested the exchange might have been ironic. If that's the case, it makes my reaction even more complicated. Nothing is as simple as it looks, yes?
You are becoming the master of last sentences. Like wind-up toys--perfect.
I often wonder to what extent our hyper-capitalist culture--which is only mostly based on making money and consuming at hyper-speed--is responsible for the low opinion of ourselves so many of us feel. Afterall, few of us can win in this race to be wealthy and important.
I believe the "system" is a major factor. Also child rearing and the whole idea of winning. Who needs it?
Apparently, lots of folks think they do. And parents are understandably fearful of going against the grain, not preparing kids for this dog-eat-dog world.
As a therapist, I can say that circumstances and self-worth don't seem to correlate. Most people seem to think that they're not ok the way they are. Sad. Hard to just experience life when you have to doubt yourself all the time.
Thank you, Peg, for expanding on this theme. Who are the people who don't struggle with the suspicion that they're not ok?
I don't know.
Your empathy comes shining through here. I can feel your pain and that of the letter carrier through your words. A particularly wonderful piece of writing.
Thank you for writing. Knowing my regular readers are out there makes all this language possible.
So well written! Loved every word.
Glad to hear from you.
https://tergar.org/communities-and-practice-groups/find-a-center-or-group/minneapolis-st-paul/
Pre-pandemic no, post pandemic, yes on zoom. I was excited for you to have moved so close to his center. I don't have your email address, which is why I didn't reach out to you sooner.. oodles of love to you and hope all is well. Xxx
Miss you sister!
Your essay dazzles and touches my heart.
I hope you know TERGER (the great Mingyur rinpoche) is in St Paul. I study with him.
So special to hear from you. I do not know TERGER. Send me a link or something. My problem is that I no longer drive and I'm in the west metro so St. Paul is a stretch. You study with him on zoom?
Susie, One of your all time best! Zingy Guy
You are very kind. Appreciate your ongoing interest in my writing.
Boom! So much here that's so crucial for we humans, but I just had to compliment the ending. It's the natural correlary to your main point but I didn't see it coming and that made it all the more impactful.
One of my readers mentioned that I'm really coming up with some good endings. Interesting, because they are so difficult. I think it's the format of c. 750 words. It has a life of its own.
I think she may have been speaking ironically, cognizant of how we often rate people based on their jobs, but aware that she was far better than any stereotype.
That's a WHOLE different perspective and one that merits consideration. I'll never know what she meant on that occasion but I do see her all the time and might pick up some clues. Thank you for this.
Great to read all the reflections that her comment opened up for you (and by extension, for all of us who are your readers!) Gets me thinking about class, culture, education, community, location.
I spend a lot of time in my head on those subjects. They continue to challenge me in ways that the gentler spiritual material doesn't. The real world keeps barking at me.
Oh, Susie, this is the best writing and topic that I have read of yours. I think that you should submit it to a women’s magazine, like Oprah for publication. Since I live, just above you in the building, I know the woman that you speak of, and I talk to her often and never realized her pain.
Eve’s spike heels was an evocative image, hilarious and at the same time painfuI and sad.
I am reminded of the “fraud syndrome” that many, I think, mostly women, experience when they have more public or powerful positions. They believe that they have tricked the powerful to be where they are, and that they really aren’t as smart or capable as their positions suggest, and beyond that the pain of believing that they don’t deserve it, whatever “it” is.
Thank you for your gift. Perhaps it should be required reading in every high school in our country. Sending you my appreciation this morning.
You are very dear. I hope I haven't misrepresented our postal delivery person. One commenter above suggested the exchange might have been ironic. If that's the case, it makes my reaction even more complicated. Nothing is as simple as it looks, yes?
Excellent