Dear Anita,

It is a path of creating rather than reacting

Thank you for this great quote.  How true.  So far, when I work on doing no harm, I am creating a new habit, not just simply reacting based on patterns and habit.

Interesting you mention my sister,  I was thinking earlier how we haven’t spoken much, but I am sure in the next month or so – I will have an interaction with her – which to be perfectly honest, i don’t look forward to – I dread.

I do not miss spending time and talking to her.  It is important to be honest with yourself and admit such things even if they do not sound nice.  So I do not miss our interaction.  In fact, over the last few years, it has been more guilt oriented than anything.  The fun times are like you’ve stated, a respite from the distress.  A “respite” during which I am still ON and not turning OFF.

Do no harm/no help must be practiced in life circumstances that are small and large, before we are able to employ them with people who are very emotionally triggering.  I am glad I am doing practice with daily routine, so that – hopefully – when larger circumstances arise, I have a sense of what protecting my spirit feels like