That’s exactly what the monk said, that feeling guilt without knowing what to apologize for, and thinking you are less than others is a terrible—and false—emotional burden.
I remember listening to a talk by a Buddhist monk sent from India to the US to teach. He said the English words/concepts he found the hardest to understand were “guilt” and low self-esteem.
It's amazing how culturally determined those concepts are. It must make life so much lighter and less burdensome when you aren't carrying that baggage around.
This is a simply exquisite invitation to be in relationship with the sacredness of all life. I just finished reading Barbara Kingsolver's Demon Copperfield, and felt sad for a few days that I had left that world. I felt a little the same with this piece Susie. I didn't want it to end.
I remember struggling with the word "joy" not that long ago and being filled with awe at your familiarity with it. You have been a teacher. I think when I write that joy and presence are of a piece, I mean that real presence allows me to be aware of pain without falling into despair. May it be so.
That’s exactly what the monk said, that feeling guilt without knowing what to apologize for, and thinking you are less than others is a terrible—and false—emotional burden.
I find I'm more drawn to randomness than I used to be. It washes out a lot of the biographical material.
I remember listening to a talk by a Buddhist monk sent from India to the US to teach. He said the English words/concepts he found the hardest to understand were “guilt” and low self-esteem.
It's amazing how culturally determined those concepts are. It must make life so much lighter and less burdensome when you aren't carrying that baggage around.
This is a simply exquisite invitation to be in relationship with the sacredness of all life. I just finished reading Barbara Kingsolver's Demon Copperfield, and felt sad for a few days that I had left that world. I felt a little the same with this piece Susie. I didn't want it to end.
Thank you so much. Every piece leads to another piece. I seem to think and write episodically.
Thank you for that! And yes, I hear you……about presence……
To be present …..so simple yet so complex.
Certainly. It’s always my intention but I’m not always there.
I love your ability to break down complicated, abstract ideas into simple terms that make perfect sense.
Thank you, Don. Sometimes I feel concern about the possibility that the break down will result in glibness. Must avoid that.
So beautiful! Joy…..hmmm…..for me it is liberation from despair and entrance into Hope and newness.
I remember struggling with the word "joy" not that long ago and being filled with awe at your familiarity with it. You have been a teacher. I think when I write that joy and presence are of a piece, I mean that real presence allows me to be aware of pain without falling into despair. May it be so.