19 Comments

Yep, that's it all right!

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Hey, Carol. Love exchanging writing with you.

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Yes, it's messy and painful inside and out. We're all bozos on the bus but many don't realize it. That's part of what's painful and our own failures of awareness and caring. Thanks for the deep honesty.

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It's a mystery, isn't it? Becoming more aware without being inundated by grief.

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When people talk abut meditation, often it sounds too New Age-y for me to relate to. But the part that makes sense to me is similar to what you describe in this piece -- getting to a point where you can recognize your thoughts and feelings for what they are and "give them a seat at the table" without judgment.

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Contemplative practices seem to create more spaciousness, allowing you to observe yourself feeling sad, for example, without adding to that the feeling that you'll always feel sad.

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Thank you for expressing this so beautifully and eloquently. I think I am also coming down with a “bad case of wishing for authenticity and expressing my truth”. I love your writing. I also loved your interview with the artist on Creativity and Spirituality. I really resonated with that. Thank you.

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So glad to hear from you. Any chance you'd be interested in talking with me for a future installment of Art and Spirituality? Might not be until Covid Winter II. Sigh.

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Hi Susie

I would be honored to talk to you about Art and Spiritually. Whenever. Just let me know. Thanks so much.🙏💖jill

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I feel this so acutely myself. Trying every single day to find the humor and beauty in the ordinary. Some days are tougher than others. Your beautiful, insightful writings help me to not feel so alone in my thinking.

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Today I found myself thinking about the hasidic parable of the man who wears a jacket with a pocket on each side. In one pocket is a slip of paper that says "you are nothing but a grain of sand." In the other pocket is a slip of paper that says "you are the apple of God's eye." Both are true, always. Humor and beauty sounds like just the right tonic.

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How do you DO this? Wild humor, heart-opening self-disclosure, inspiring reflection, and naked honesty. You ARE the best. I agree with Patricia.

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It's my pleasure to engage good people like you, Jinks. If I'm able to speak to a few discerning people, I'm smiling.

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That was amazing! I laughed out loud…..and then sat back and listened…you’re the best.

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It's so great that you laughed. Oftentimes, the humor just slips out unnoticed. I don't really plan on it, but I think we need it, don't we?

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Gorgeous writing, as usual. Thoughtful, funny, and true.

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Glad you found the humor. Sometimes it takes some leap of faith to embrace it.

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Amen. (And g'mar khatimah tovah!)

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Wishing you an easy fast and a sweet new year.

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