Lilbuddha,

Woah, didnt think that anyone would have met someone who is so similar to this man that I met. Im sorry you were hurt by someone like this, that is hard to deal with and I hope you are doing ok and that it doesnt hurt as much. You seem to have great perspective and a great deal of strength, I think you will be more than ok! 🙂

It is scary that this man you know preaches to public, yikes! I know the man I met has had his own experiences that have defined what he believes in but a lot of what he said/thought was unhealthy for him. I could see that it was a destructive way of thinking and behaving but it was not my place to say anything. As someone who did care about him (as I would for anyone I meet), I felt so much compassion towards his confusion and struggle. He is scared and he is trying. I think I am able to do that now (see other people, myself more clearly) after having gone through my own struggles and having spent many years listening to myself, healing, reading and being here on Tiny Buddha. The best outcome of all this introspection is moments like this when I am able to feel compassion, care and softness for people who are struggling and hurting. And realizing that THIS is the kind of person I have always wanted to be, that I pray every morning to be.

We are all in the same boat in a lot of ways, we are all experiencing different degrees of struggle and heartache, desperately trying to make it. Some of us will learn in the process, not all though. We all have so many flaws, we are blind to so many things and we need to show compassion, patience and kindness to ourselves too. No one is a winner or a looser in all this.

I am glad you are learning and growing — and that you can share your journey with us here. I am glad sharing my experience helped you, just the way it has helped me reading yours.

Warmth and light your way
Lily.