Hi James

I know that you have had some extremely difficult experiences with your health and I’m so sorry that you suffered through. 🩵

I hear that cultures in the east have a focus on preparing for death. To ease the transition. So I agree that it is important, especially as old age and illness can cause a lot of suffering. It is a shame that the west doesn’t explore these things more actively. 🩵

I guess… Everyone has different experiences. I drowned and had to be resuscitated, I found it quite peaceful.

I’ve had some fun experiences with feeling surgery whilst awake. *sarcasm*

And medicine has saved my life.

Then again I have had health issues that made me long for death because quality of life is important.

I came into this world through a lot of abuse. I experienced more. But I have also met some amazing people who have helped me. I do believe that kindness is healing. I do believe that the good outweighs the bad, but it is important to actually look for it.

Like you say, getting up in the morning is a blessing. A lesson you only really learn when you have things once taken for granted taken away from you. 🩵

Life is a mixed bag, you make what you can of it. For what it is worth, I’m glad that we are all here today. 🩵

Hi Tee

Merry Christmas! 🎄

I understand what you mean. I think as well that perhaps ego might not be the best choice of words for some phenomenon. 🩵

The way I think about it, language is a social construct that is supposed to alert us to danger before it becomes violence or results in negative consequences.

When social constructs are adhered to, people ideally don’t perceive a threat. When language becomes negative, people start to perceive danger. Is that ego? Or is it just that life is uncertain and this aspect of language serves a necessary social function? 🩵

Do I think James means badly? No. He is just James. 🩵

I can say that I don’t always say everything I think when answering people on the forum. It is not my place to comment on how people should live their lives. I’m not opposed to people who do have that style though. Everyone is different. 🩵

I can see how some people might interpret that as a lie or fakeness. It aligns with my values to support people regardless and encourage their autonomy. I think that from this lens, it takes the sting out of edgy words like lie and fake. 🩵

Much love 🩵

Dear Anita

Well I started to write to you last night and part way through I realised that I couldn’t make it until the end. So I thought I’d leave you a note instead. 🤍

I can just remember most things that I read. I have a terrible memory for other things though. 😊

It is awful how your mother humiliated and abused you. 🤍

Fortunately, you have learned to stand up for yourself and reclaimed your voice that was once stolen from you. You have learned to trust and develop relationships with people who support you as much as you support them. 🤍

It seems like your mother believed that good people are weak?

She was the real enemy wasn’t she?

What would exploring these themes of freedom look like for you?

Hmm I wonder what the opposite of shame and pain would be for you?

I feel like Bogart is a lovely step, dogs are so full of love and joy. I hope that he helps to heal your PTSD. 🤍

Take care 🤍

Dear Anita

It sounds like Bogart is settling in nicely! I’m glad that you are starting to get into a normal routine with the walks and visiting the tap room. 🤍

Sorry I’m really tired, so I’m gonna to have to finish writing to you tomorrow. 🤍

Hi Peter

I’m so sorry for the delay in replying. I don’t have a lot of time to write, it has been so busy! 🩵

Thank you for the beautiful Christmas blessing. I always love to see your writing. It very kind of you to share it with us. A blessing indeed. Merry Christmas to you as well!🩵

Yes, that is an excellent point about themes of being childlike. 🩵

You raise a lot of interesting points actually! Lots of food for thought. I do agree that compassion is essential. 😊

I think for me, I’m drawn to Cheng. I find that my adult mind is often divided. I’m curious about trying to create harmony there.

Hmm I feel like trusting oneself is important. I used to worry about the future more and lack confidence in my ability. But what helped was to reflect on how I respond to emergencies.

I feel like learning is key. By studying, reflecting and listening. We build a solid base of morality and wisdom.

If our mind isn’t divided, we are in the moment, and we have the mental resources to draw upon, flow is the natural result. The answer will present itself. 🩵

I have been reflecting recently on how much of what we do lies beyond the surface. Walking my dog in the woods in the dark is an excellent reminder. I don’t shine the torch at my feet. I just walk, avoiding stones without even thinking about it. I shine my torch on my dog, so I can see her and keep an eye on her. I follow her with the light without thinking.

Meanwhile my mind was occupied by other things. Reflecting on your post specifically. 😉 Enjoying the walk. Keeping an eye out for other people or wildlife.

It is wild how much people are able to do, but it relies on a ton of practice. I feel that people are lucky to be able to function because the bar in society is very high. People who don’t have the faculties to cope really struggle. 🩵

Walking alone is based on sitting, crawling, standing. So many layers of skills built on top of each other, so much time and effort invested and we don’t even think about it in the end. 🩵

Dear Anita

That’s wonderful! You’re a good dog Mom doing your research and you have good instincts. 🤍

Honestly, puppies get into everything. All you can do is try your best. 🤍

I think you’re making the right decision keeping him indoors until you get a harness that fits. I only had very young puppies, before getting my most recent pup. She was older and more mature. A young pup won’t go far, but older ones can run off in a panic. She was on a lead and the collar didn’t fit properly. She ran off on the first day. Fortunately, I got her back quickly, still it was scary!

It sounds like he’s having a lot of fun exploring right now. I’m sure you are too! 😄

You’re doing a fabulous job taking care of him. 🤍 🤍