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anita

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  • #452794
    anita
    Participant

    Thank you for the reply, Roberta. I will listen to the rest of the video by tomorrow and get back to you!

    Best wishes back to you!

    Anita

    #452793
    anita
    Participant

    Whatever comes to mind this early Wed (Dec 9) afternoon:

    I feel great sadness (not depression), deep sadness, for saying- in my mind- GOODBYE to my mother. So much of my heart has been INVESTED in her- as a child, an adolescent, a teenager, a 20’s year-old, a 30-s year-old, a 40-s year-old, a 50+-s old- WAITING- A.L.L T.H.A.T T.T.T.I.I.I.M.M.M.E.E.E. for her to value me, to worthy me. To love me (tears in my eyes).

    I feel sorry for me For waiting and waiting..

    In my mind’s eye, right now, I still have the image of her as a loving person, one who CAN love me if only I get her attention in a big-enough way: become a movie star, become very rich. (Literally, these two things and nothing less).

    But that image of her is an illusion. It’s just something I desperately NEEDED, not something that has ever been there for me (or for anyone.. not as an adult). Her childhood was horrific, and what resulted was a mother incapable of loving.

    I kept imagining that what I needed so intensely was really there underneath the rage, the shaming, the relentless abuse.

    This afternoon, I say goodbye to the dream, the image still lurking in my mind. I choose to thoroughly see her as she’s been all along- ever since I was born to her- no love, no heart for me.

    To say goodbye to this stranger.

    She gave me food and cake, clothes, toys, school supplies, bus money & 2 trips within the country- Thank you, mother. Thank you!!!

    I wish her well as she transitions to.. The Source, the Tao.. God. I am so sorry you had such a terrible life. May you rest in peace, mother. May you REST in PEACE. I love you, always had. Goodbye.

    (I will not discuss you any longer. RIP).

    Anita

    #452786
    anita
    Participant

    Dear Peter:

    To me, the above post is the most meaningful of all your meaningful posts. You sharing your day (“A Day in Flow (update)
    Peter rose with the morning light. He poured tea…”) made it personal to me.. here’s Peter sharing his real-life day with me (and others), how precious. It means so much more than abstract reflections.

    “I was wondering what you thought of the suggesting that over the years we have been circling the challenge of taking our realizations past something that we know?… Perhaps this disconnect is not deliberate, but an unconscious pattern, treating the spiritual path as law as if law was the source itself… True embodiment flows from the source”-

    Before I read the above, before I read your post today, I wrote in my thread earlier: “This morning… I had this strange thought (strange because I don’t remember ever thinking it, at least not with such felt- clarity), that I am body, mind and soul. The first two will die, the third will never die.”

    I know that I heard and read about the soul for many decades, but it was all on the academic or superficial level, like when I’d study for a test in school and spill out info I memorized, and I’d forget about it.

    This morning, on the other hand, I just felt it.. for the first time. It became clear to me- not intellectually but in a soul recognition that part of me is indestructible. That indestructible part, the soul, that’s Tao and Flow is about living in or from the soul more than in the body and mind (aka ego)- is my best understanding, at this point.

    Thank you, Peter.. for helping me understand this..!!!

    I would love to read more and more from you, particularly personal things, like Day in Flow updates. Actually, I’d like to share such myself.

    🤍 Anita

    #452785
    anita
    Participant

    Dear Roberta:

    Congrats for starting your very first thread in the forums!

    I began listening to the YouTube about Patience and found myself losing patience, lol. But I do intend to listen to all of it and let you know what it meant for me

    I want to honor your participation in tiny buddha by posting here parts of your very first post in the forums. It was in a thread titled “The End of the Road”:

    Roberta, April 2, 2022: “Dear Javier I only joined this tiny buddha today, so I hope it is alright to post to you.
    As an only child, I knew it would be up to me to look after my parents in their old age, and if I did not want it to be a living hell for all of us including my children then something had to change to break the age old cycle

    “I had an uneasy relationship (that is putting it politely) with my mother. Back in 2009 when on retreat I realised  that I could only change my attitude and ideas about my mother, but not her and that the Buddhist path was going to be the biggest help…

    “The one or two practices that helped me be with my mum as she was dying was foremostly the loving kindness practice: May you be filled with loving kindness, may you be held with loving kindness, may you be peaceful & at ease and may you be happy…. Her passing was very peaceful and I am glad that I made the effort to not only study but practice the dharma. I am at peace with myself and my mother…. Kind regards, Dharma granny”

    May I be filled with loving kindness today and every day. May I hold others with loving kindness. May I be peaceful & at ease and may I help others be peaceful and at ease.

    Thank you, Roberta (Dharma granny) for your honest, high quality posts to so many members over the years (3 years, 8 months, and 7 days).   

    Kind regards, 🤍 Anita

    #452779
    anita
    Participant

    Dear Tee:

    (I will not copy every part of your post because I already copied it in its entirety for my personal records)

    “I’m thrilled to hear that your depression has lifted and that even though you heard some disturbing news yesterday, you’re still feeling okay and keeping yourself occupied with cleaning the house and studying Tao 😊”-

    Thank you, Tee 😊 The recent weeks- long elevated anxiety has led me to pray daily, and the most recent, unexpected depression, has led me to explore spirituality, and that has helped lift the depression. This morning (3rd day of not being depressed 🙏), I had this strange thought (strange because I don’t remember ever thinking it, at least not with such felt- clarity), that I am body, mind and soul. The first two will die, the third will never die.

    I do like the wooden sign and I may some day arrange for a photo album, thank you for the idea! Thank you also for the support and encouragement in regard to future volunteering to help people IRL.

    “I’m really happy you feel like you’ve found your true self and gained self-esteem and a positive self-image during these past 4 years. And also that you’ll never allow yourself to be a non-entity in your own life. Remember, your needs matter, your voice and opinion matter. You are equally worthy as anyone else! 🫶 🤍”- Worth recopying!

    I started to repeat your words about me (in an earlier post) as part of my daily mantra: “I am a good and worthy person, helpful and hardworking”.

    “I’m happy you’re feeling better, Anita, that the pain is subsiding and the path forward is becoming more visible. I am rooting for you from the bottom of my heart!”- Thank you so very much, Tee (and I don’t think I thanked you for the white hearts 🙏

    * I do wonder every day about how you are feeling, but I don’t want to ask just in case you’d rather not talk about it 🫶

    🙏 🫶 🤍 🙏 Anita

    #452766
    anita
    Participant

    Hi Peter:

    “The small self resists this truth, clinging to control and fearing the surrender that freedom requires.”- you said it so perfectly!

    “Realizations are not meant to remain as ideas but to sink into us, becoming embedded, becoming flesh. In this way, embodiment is the quiet shift where belief dissolves, and life itself becomes the expression of knowing. Flow”-

    I want to surrender to Flow.. but I need not grasp to the wanting to surrender; just humbly, ego-less-ly surrender. Like right now.

    It is very difficult because of these Tourette tics. They are in the way of relaxing and surrendering, and I don’t know how to stop them, or if it’s at all possible to stop (for anyone in my place). They’re a half century+ neurological-muscular habit.

    Regardless, I am willing to surrender best I can. I think I am surrendering right now. I am hearing the rain (been raining all day).

    I am not even following what I’m saying right now, not checking to see if I’m making (ego) sense.. lol.

    So, going with the flow, as I hear the rain, and see the total darkness outside the windows. The only light is coming out of the computer screen showing the printed letters I’m clicking..

    It feels like the rain is not for me or against me; nether is the darkness, it feels like I am part of the rain and the rain is part of me, and so is the darkness. And the people I interact with on these forums.. no separateness, not really.

    .. I just got worried: how do I sound, how do I come across.. Have I just made a fool of myself..

    But that’s just ego, is it, Peter?

    I am having a feel, a felt realization of non-separateness right now.

    Anita

    #452765
    anita
    Participant

    My goodness, Gerard, you are a deep thinker indeed, and you’ve done a lot of research on limerence in only an hour, I’m impressed!

    So the thinking and feeling about old loves.. is about you longing for youth..? Or missed opportunities, a desire to redo the past?

    🤍 Anita

    #452763
    anita
    Participant

    Dear me: You are very welcome! So, it’s adios for this thread… I am looking forward to a new thread.

    Take care, me, I am missing you already 😊

    🤍 Anita

    #452761
    anita
    Participant

    Dear Tee:

    And I am thrilled to get your message 🙏 🙏 🙏. I read it repeatedly and copied it for my records for keeping. I will reply further in the morning.

    🙏 🫶 🤍 🙏

    #452758
    anita
    Participant

    Double posting, Gerard. I will read and reply to your 2nd recent post in a few hours 😊

    #452757
    anita
    Participant

    Dear Gerard:

    A limerence with a small “l”, funny, the way you say it.

    “The real drive is to find new meaning and purpose in retirement… I am a deep thinker, I consider and reflect , seeking meaning and understanding. I know I am becoming spiritual. First, seeking to understand my life, who know where it will lead me”- I am curious as to where your deep thinking and growing spirituality will be leading you.

    Would love to continue to witness the process..!!!

    Anita

    #452751
    anita
    Participant

    Hi Alessa:

    I am feeling emotional- in a good way- about your message right above, it’s so kind, so generous, so.. I feel honored to receive it, fortunate, really! It’s just beautiful 🙏

    “If there is anything else at all I can do. I would be happy to. 🤍”- thank you, and same here: If there is anything else at all I can do for you, Alessa, if something I say- or how I say it, is a trigger for you, please let me know 🙏 🤍

    “Checked out another nursery. I’m not sure which one to pick.”- I just asked my AI source (just in case it could possibly help):

    “The best way to choose a nursery for a 2‑year‑old is to focus on safety, staff quality, environment, and emotional fit — and to reassure the mother by involving her in visits and decisions so she feels confident.

    “Key Factors to Consider- *Safety and cleanliness: Check that the nursery has secure entry, child‑proofed spaces, and clear hygiene practices. * Staff qualifications and warmth: Look for trained early‑years educators who are patient, nurturing, and genuinely enjoy being with toddlers. * Environment: The space should feel welcoming, with age‑appropriate toys, outdoor play areas, and opportunities for exploration.

    * Structure vs. flexibility: At age 2, children thrive with routines but also need freedom to play. A good nursery balances both. * Communication with parents: Staff should provide regular updates, be approachable, and respect the mother’s concerns.

    * Ratios: Ensure there are enough adults per child (often 1:4 for 2‑year‑olds) so each child gets attention.

    * Gut feeling: Sometimes the most important factor is whether the mother feels comfortable and senses her child will be happy there….

    “It’s natural for a parent to feel anxious about leaving a 2‑year‑old in someone else’s care. To ease that:… * Trial sessions: Many nurseries offer short ‘settling in’ visits so the child adjusts gradually…* Trust building: Meeting caregivers and watching them interact with children can reassure her.

    “Everyday Example- Imagine two nurseries: One has bright rooms, attentive staff, and children happily engaged in play. Another feels crowded, with staff distracted and little communication. Even if both are safe, the first will ease the mother’s anxiety because she sees her child thriving there.

    “Simplest Summary- Choosing a nursery is about more than convenience — it’s about finding a safe, nurturing place where the child can grow and where the mother feels reassured. Visiting, asking questions, and starting gradually can transform anxiety into confidence.”

    I then asked about the specific concern you expressed some time ago. Answer:

    “Here are some general, supportive steps that can help her feel safer and more empowered when choosing a nursery:

    Practical Safeguards- Ask directly about policies: Nurseries should have clear safeguarding policies for intimate care (like diaper changes). She can ask how staff are trained, how procedures are supervised, and how privacy and dignity are maintained.

    “Check staff ratios and transparency: A good nursery will ensure more than one adult is present in areas where children are changed, or will have open, visible spaces rather than closed rooms.

    “Look for accreditation/licensing: Licensed nurseries are required to follow strict child‑protection standards. She can ask to see inspection reports.

    “Observe interactions: Visiting during the day and watching how staff interact with children can help her see whether care is gentle, respectful, and professional.

    “Communication: Ask how the nursery keeps parents informed (daily reports, apps, verbal updates) so she feels connected to what’s happening…”.

    I hope something in the above is helpful.

    Your anxiety is understandable, Alessa. I know that you are doing your very best for your son!

    🙏 🤍 🙏 🤍 🙏 🤍 Anita

    #452746
    anita
    Participant

    Dear Gerard:

    Thank you!

    As I read your today’s message, the term Limerence occurred to me for the first time in regard to you. I wonder if this will resonate with you to one extent or another, partly or fully, in regard to your long-gone relationships:

    (Online): “Limerence is an involuntary state of intense romantic infatuation, marked by obsessive thoughts, longing for reciprocation, and emotional dependency on another person. It feels overwhelming, often ecstatic and anxious at the same time, and is usually one‑sided… The person of focus is called the “limerent object” (LO).

    “Unlike ordinary attraction, limerence is driven by uncertainty: Does this person feel the same way?

    “Key Features- * Intrusive thoughts: Constant, involuntary thinking about the LO. * Idealization: Irrationally positive evaluation of their qualities, overlooking flaws. * Emotional dependency: Mood swings based on perceived signs of reciprocation. * Longing for reciprocation: The central desire is not just to love, but to be loved back. * Physical/emotional intensity: Can feel euphoric when hopeful, or deeply distressed when uncertain…

    “Everyday Example- Someone might develop limerence for a person from their past, a colleague, or even someone they barely know. They replay interactions endlessly..”-

    It says right there: “a person from their past”.

    What do you think, Gerard?

    Anita

    #452745
    anita
    Participant

    Hi Allessa:

    “I’m glad to hear that you are feeling calmer today. Enjoy your break from the topic. 🤍”- thank you, Alessa. I heard some disturbing news last night but still having a calmer day, reading and processing spiritual principles recently is helping me.

    “Yes, I switched to blue hearts for you. 😊”- I had no expectation that you’ll stop using red hearts in communication with other members. The possibility didn’t even cross my mind once, and when I saw you using blue hearts.. I wondered about the reason. Only later (maybe as late as reading the message I am responding to), did I realize you did it for me!

    Actually, I hoped but didn’t expect you (or Tee) to stop using red hearts in communication with me after expressing my feelings about it.

    Again, it goes back to childhood. I had about zero experience being accommodated by my mother, so I still don’t expect it, sometimes like with the hearts emojis- it didn’t even register that I was accommodated!

    Thank you so much, Alessa!!!

    “I don’t like making mistakes. The white ones are harder for me to see when I’m tired…”- It’s perfectly okay with me that you don’t post white hearts because they are difficult to see. Also, it’s okay to make mistakes, Alessa. So, if you post a red heart in a message to me, I will understand. And of course, it’d be okay with me that you post red hearts to other members. In no way do I want to be controlling.

    How are you today?

    🤍🤍🤍 Anita

    #452743
    anita
    Participant

    Thomas, I just had to tell you that your line “… Sorry, lost track of what I was saying. I just had a Senior moment. Where was I ? Never mind. Maybe I should erase this? Ah fudge. Sorry.” placed the first actual smile on my face this morning. You are positively hilarious at times, thank you 😊

    Alessa: I too take things literally, and it was only yesterday- when I did my study on Advaita Vedanta- that I stopped being confused regarding this topic. So, when James said “you actually never did protect your child”, he meant (I hope!) that in the context of the eternal, Ultimate Truth, or Ultimate Reality (pure consciousness, where a body and mind do not exist), you can’t protect anyone.. because there’s no body or mind to protect.

    But in the context of the temporary truth, or conventional reality of your every day life, of course you have protected your son every step of the way and will continue to do so best you can 😊

    🤍 🩵 Anita

Viewing 15 posts - 1 through 15 (of 4,732 total)