“like sinking everso gently into a hot reality bath.” What a GREAT line”. It actually gives me shivers! This piece is such a perfect reminder. “Suffering is wanting things to be different than what they are” - I remember when the meaning of this kicked in for me and it changed my life.
The Buddha's teachings on greed, hate, and delusion are so relevant to our modern struggles. Your examples of craving fudge, harboring mean thoughts, and avoiding the kitchen mess are hilariously relatable.
And I just wrote my own piece on non-violence from a self perspective.
It's these everyday struggles that keep us from feeling better, from experiencing the peace that comes with accepting reality. Your gentle approach to confronting these "three poisons" is a reminder that we don't have to berate ourselves for our imperfections. Instead, we can approach them with curiosity and kindness, just as you did with your own insecurities about writing this piece. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you. I found this helpful and especially the ‘reality’ facing part. It often sounds like quite a chore to me (facing reality) although I’m wondering about reframing it as benign! - because it’s always better to be dwelling in the truth of the situation, kinder too…
My old Buddhist teacher used to speak of the ‘benign unfolding’ - Buddhanature in everything, doing its thing - and I always loved that phrase. I guess sometimes it can involve feelings - discomfort, embarrassment, the need to change tack etc… but for me, as long as I'm listening to any parts that may have particular worries FIRST, it can feel like sinking into a bath… wishing you the same Dharmakarunya, or whatever works for you. Good to have you here!
I sit here on the edge of possibility wondering which side to jump into. Now I realise it is not time to jump. Just to breathe the possibility until it clears a little more. Thank you Satya x
Yay to that Elaine - sounds perfect. And maybe you can have a picnic, call in the wisdom of the invisibles, enjoy the view for a little while etc etc 😊🙏🏻
I’m fairly certain I reach a perceived equilibrium because that’s what I want it to be, because I don’t want to rock the boat, and yet I know it’s not good enough, I know I have work to do, I just don’t want to because it will be difficult. So I pretend all is good and that’s all I need and want, I pretend I’m in equilibrium and not tottering on the edge. Let the toppling begin!
Ah how interesting Tam - I can identify with preferring to be in equilibrium/on steady ground rather than acknowledging the topplesome nature of life... I wonder if a reframe might be a playful kind of wobbling, so you can bring all your parts and all their concerns along, addressing them as you go? A gentle unbalancing ; ) Thanks for sharing & for being here.
Thank you Satya, for just being there, writing what you write... I'm listening, hestiating on the edge of possible change for the better. Can I really have better, can I feel better than I mostly do?
These insights are very helpful. Keep talking... 🙏
Thank you Murray. I love how you describe that edge. I'd be curious about what's at stake in terms of whether you take a step into ‘feeling better’ - what old beliefs would be challenged, what self-protection would be at risk, how can you help all those parts to feel safe and secure as you lean into the good stuff… I hope your internal conversation continues!
And, it is always good to hear that someone is listening and finding some value in my writing. Thank you.
Just popping in to say I am rooting for you about all of the house stuff (and everything else)!
Thank you! No news yet - practicing being in the not-knowing : )
I am so looking forward to this!! 💖
Glad : )
Thank you.
My pleasure.
“like sinking everso gently into a hot reality bath.” What a GREAT line”. It actually gives me shivers! This piece is such a perfect reminder. “Suffering is wanting things to be different than what they are” - I remember when the meaning of this kicked in for me and it changed my life.
Yes it's such a biggie isn't it Elocin? Thanks for your comment!
The Buddha's teachings on greed, hate, and delusion are so relevant to our modern struggles. Your examples of craving fudge, harboring mean thoughts, and avoiding the kitchen mess are hilariously relatable.
And I just wrote my own piece on non-violence from a self perspective.
It's these everyday struggles that keep us from feeling better, from experiencing the peace that comes with accepting reality. Your gentle approach to confronting these "three poisons" is a reminder that we don't have to berate ourselves for our imperfections. Instead, we can approach them with curiosity and kindness, just as you did with your own insecurities about writing this piece. Thank you for sharing!
Thanks Alexander! Do share the link here if you'd like to : )
Thank you for the invitation! I don’t like to presume and spam my links anywhere :) here you are! https://blog.dralexlovell.com/p/when-thoughts-become-weapons?r=g4z2i
Thank you. I found this helpful and especially the ‘reality’ facing part. It often sounds like quite a chore to me (facing reality) although I’m wondering about reframing it as benign! - because it’s always better to be dwelling in the truth of the situation, kinder too…
Anyway thank you!
My old Buddhist teacher used to speak of the ‘benign unfolding’ - Buddhanature in everything, doing its thing - and I always loved that phrase. I guess sometimes it can involve feelings - discomfort, embarrassment, the need to change tack etc… but for me, as long as I'm listening to any parts that may have particular worries FIRST, it can feel like sinking into a bath… wishing you the same Dharmakarunya, or whatever works for you. Good to have you here!
I sit here on the edge of possibility wondering which side to jump into. Now I realise it is not time to jump. Just to breathe the possibility until it clears a little more. Thank you Satya x
Yay to that Elaine - sounds perfect. And maybe you can have a picnic, call in the wisdom of the invisibles, enjoy the view for a little while etc etc 😊🙏🏻
i needed to read this today
I'm glad Mohika (not that you needed to read it, but that you did & that it was of some comfort). Sending love to all your parts.
I’m fairly certain I reach a perceived equilibrium because that’s what I want it to be, because I don’t want to rock the boat, and yet I know it’s not good enough, I know I have work to do, I just don’t want to because it will be difficult. So I pretend all is good and that’s all I need and want, I pretend I’m in equilibrium and not tottering on the edge. Let the toppling begin!
Ah how interesting Tam - I can identify with preferring to be in equilibrium/on steady ground rather than acknowledging the topplesome nature of life... I wonder if a reframe might be a playful kind of wobbling, so you can bring all your parts and all their concerns along, addressing them as you go? A gentle unbalancing ; ) Thanks for sharing & for being here.
Thank you Satya, for just being there, writing what you write... I'm listening, hestiating on the edge of possible change for the better. Can I really have better, can I feel better than I mostly do?
These insights are very helpful. Keep talking... 🙏
Thank you Murray. I love how you describe that edge. I'd be curious about what's at stake in terms of whether you take a step into ‘feeling better’ - what old beliefs would be challenged, what self-protection would be at risk, how can you help all those parts to feel safe and secure as you lean into the good stuff… I hope your internal conversation continues!
And, it is always good to hear that someone is listening and finding some value in my writing. Thank you.
Have a great day 🙏🏻