I would have to say one is “setting boundaries to protect my own peace”. I really never learned that until some time later in life. I am grateful my children have way more wisdom about things like this at their age.
I have learned many lessons
over the course of my life,
and most of them
have come from painful experiences,
but a recent one
that I really,
at a deeper level,
that I am beginning to learn
is the ‘gentle art of blessing’.
The basic concept
is not new to me,
but the actual,
hands on practice of it
is.
Although it may just be beginner’s luck
or my imagination,
I am feeling buoyed up,
and thoroughly surprised
that it doesn’t take up time–
just a wakeful mind
and an open heart.
I always think kindly
of each and every one of you
who people this forum,
but now
I actively bless you all.
This art
involves heartfelt sincerity
and a deep desire
for others to receive the gifts of Life
and to be whole inside.
‘I can do this’,
I said,
as I was reading . . .
‘I really think I can do this.’
I have always admired Pierre Pradervand
and what I have heard of his life and works,
but one of his books,
“The Gentle Art of Blessing”
has come to me
at a time when I was hungry for more compassion.
I felt myself
becoming bitter, suspicious,
and even hateful
of the administration that governs this country right now,
and I find,
that with reading the book
and digging deep within myself
I’m beginning to love my perceived enemies.
I could feel it growing . . .
twisting and turning restlessly
under my skin,
but couldn’t pull it out,
and now it is unfolding
like a spring flower
on a cold day.
My amazement
is complete . . .
it is one of the keys I have been looking for.
I feel as if I’ve shed one of my skins
like a snake does
when it outgrows the old one . . .
fresh, shiny,
and new.
I’m a little wild with the euphoria of it,
and things will settle down,
but I will be forever grateful for this opportunity,
especially to learn
without suffering so much. ♥
Thank you,
dear Barb . . .
I feel like this book
opened up a door I’ve been banging on
for a long time.
I hope you find something beautiful in it
too. ♥
It’s not as difficult as I had thought,
dear SunnyPatti . . .
I think it’s been brewing inside of me
for quite awhile.
Just needed the cork removed.
Thank you. ♥
That things do not stay the same, everything changes in our “real” world.. Thiat there is space for the unexpected, for surprise, and it is equally for better or worse, depending on our thoughts, words and deeds. It is valid also for the consequences of our thoughts, words and deeds. This is related to the law of Karma, which is of relevance any moment, so to have learned this, and with it to stay kind, compassionate, and following the heart, humbly and open to whatever might be is a lesson learned I am deeply grateful for, and for all related kindred hearts who helped so much. Thank you dearly to all concerned.
The lesson that I am learning (over and over) is,
to loosen my grip on control. To relax and enjoy and take a deep breath and tune into my senses.
Amount many other lessons that I seem to need to remind myself of constantly.
I’ve learned that something that feels crushing in the moment will recede in the distance with time, covered over by the layers of life that follow like an archaeological site and losing its sting or its burn. There’s always tomorrow! And the tomorrows that follow after that place any given today into perspective.
Drea, this reminds me of Paw Mu’s advice of not going alone and needing to stay close to my root people. Trusting them isn’t always easy. Some of it has to do with my competitive ego taking over too. It’s served me well in growing and defying odds but has also prevented me from receiving love and care from elders.
When listening to others, my own experience with “similar” situations is just a source of secondary knowledge. The primary one is an open mind to what I don’t know, not what I believe. Got it. Happy Monday to everyone! 💐
My Ngoc, different strokes for different folks. For example, the traditional Asian method has worked before successfully more times than not. A different set of rules is required for someone like me.
What a valuable insight, Ngoc! So often I know I jump from listening to what someone is saying to sharing a story about myself. I know my intent is to demonstrate that I understand based on a similar experience, but it moves the focus from them to me.
First of all, I have the most similarities to MJ for NBA all-time greats from past to present. I thought I was a rebel. It turns out that I was a competitor which is why I had troubles co-existing with Paw Mu in the first place. She and many of my root people have the right ideas of protecting me, but their actions made me felt held back. Babying and cuddling only fuel my competitive fire. I have the mindset to dominate in every corner but never try to outsmart god.
Last summer, Ngoc went to Vietnam for 6 weeks. I thought I was pulling strings for autonomy. Knowing that I’m a competitor, turns out that it was my own signature flu game move. Some of my LA Fitness buddies nicknamed me “Flu Game Loc” a few days ago. It comes from MJ’s famous 1997 flu game when he scored 38 points in 44 minutes to will his Bulls against the Jazz in game 5 of the 1997 NBA finals winning 90-88 to take a 3-2 series lead despite dealing with food poisoning.
Coming to the realization that I’m a competitor only motivates me further to surround myself with people who will allow me to just be me. I’m certainly compatible with Ngoc. She already has attributes I’m already attracted to in long hair and a natural sweet voice. She used to be like a lot of Traditional Asians who speak her mind and give advice, especially with those who she’s close to but has adapted through this social major field and being closer to me by providing a safe space for me to go to for emotional support. Advice and a strong personality is the last thing competitors like MJ and me who have a basic desire for autonomy need. It’s why years ago, Sean Coughlin nicknamed me “Loc Jordan.”
Also, building my BosLoc empire has helped shift the narrative on me too. Environmental factors like culture matters. Collective cultures are strict. Social hierarchies are based on age. The younger must obey the elders. Anyone can be our parent. Even if you’re a 30-year-old adult, 70-year-old women could start kissing you like a baby too. With all that being said on both my backstories, developing my BosLoc empire has helped me shift the narrative from rebel to firey competitor. Rebellion and competition look similar.
Now that I’m able to separate rebellion and competition, I have a better definition for both. I find that the 2nd one is healthier, because it shows the desire to grow and defy odds. As a Christian, I view rebellion in a more negative light. It’s trying to outsmart god. It’s basically an unhealthy form of competition. The breakthrough life lesson that has helped me navigate delicate balances is to stay true to my ways for as long as I put god first. As for now, it all comes back to staying the course.
Avril, you just spoke to me. If you come across my Michael Jordan answer, my competitive fire dims the more I’m surrounded by people I have more common ground with like here on this site.
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I would have to say one is “setting boundaries to protect my own peace”. I really never learned that until some time later in life. I am grateful my children have way more wisdom about things like this at their age.
I have learned many lessons
over the course of my life,
and most of them
have come from painful experiences,
but a recent one
that I really,
at a deeper level,
that I am beginning to learn
is the ‘gentle art of blessing’.
The basic concept
is not new to me,
but the actual,
hands on practice of it
is.
Although it may just be beginner’s luck
or my imagination,
I am feeling buoyed up,
and thoroughly surprised
that it doesn’t take up time–
just a wakeful mind
and an open heart.
I always think kindly
of each and every one of you
who people this forum,
but now
I actively bless you all.
This art
involves heartfelt sincerity
and a deep desire
for others to receive the gifts of Life
and to be whole inside.
‘I can do this’,
I said,
as I was reading . . .
‘I really think I can do this.’
I have always admired Pierre Pradervand
and what I have heard of his life and works,
but one of his books,
“The Gentle Art of Blessing”
has come to me
at a time when I was hungry for more compassion.
I felt myself
becoming bitter, suspicious,
and even hateful
of the administration that governs this country right now,
and I find,
that with reading the book
and digging deep within myself
I’m beginning to love my perceived enemies.
I could feel it growing . . .
twisting and turning restlessly
under my skin,
but couldn’t pull it out,
and now it is unfolding
like a spring flower
on a cold day.
My amazement
is complete . . .
it is one of the keys I have been looking for.
I feel as if I’ve shed one of my skins
like a snake does
when it outgrows the old one . . .
fresh, shiny,
and new.
I’m a little wild with the euphoria of it,
and things will settle down,
but I will be forever grateful for this opportunity,
especially to learn
without suffering so much. ♥
ps. I apologize for how long my reflection is.
I always love your reflections, Sparrow. Never too long, and a blessing of their own.
Thank you for this. I’ll look for the book.
Thank you,
dear Barb . . .
I feel like this book
opened up a door I’ve been banging on
for a long time.
I hope you find something beautiful in it
too. ♥
Thank you for what you shared, Sparrow. I appreciate the blessing for myself and for those in control of our country.
It’s not as difficult as I had thought,
dear SunnyPatti . . .
I think it’s been brewing inside of me
for quite awhile.
Just needed the cork removed.
Thank you. ♥
Your reflection reminds me of ‘silent blessings’ whom I forget had mentioned it on here before and I loved that idea.
It is so freeing
to be actually doing it,
and there is no skin at all
off of my nose,
dear Michele. 🙂
Dear Sparrow, first thank you for the blessing. Second, I accept this blessing with grace. Namaste.
Namaste,
dear Joseph . . . ♥
That things do not stay the same, everything changes in our “real” world.. Thiat there is space for the unexpected, for surprise, and it is equally for better or worse, depending on our thoughts, words and deeds. It is valid also for the consequences of our thoughts, words and deeds. This is related to the law of Karma, which is of relevance any moment, so to have learned this, and with it to stay kind, compassionate, and following the heart, humbly and open to whatever might be is a lesson learned I am deeply grateful for, and for all related kindred hearts who helped so much. Thank you dearly to all concerned.
Life is trustworthy and so am I!
The lesson that I am learning (over and over) is,
to loosen my grip on control. To relax and enjoy and take a deep breath and tune into my senses.
Amount many other lessons that I seem to need to remind myself of constantly.
Learning/ practicing … to respond, rather than react.
Also, that love is understanding (from Thich Nhat Hanh). Very much a work in progress, but practice makes better … 🙂
Never never never give up.
(Winston Churchill)
🕊️🩷
“Never give up! Never give up!”
(Dora the Explora’)
“Never give up! Never surrender!” –Capt. Jason Nesmith (Tim Allen) in Galaxy Quest
I’ve learned that something that feels crushing in the moment will recede in the distance with time, covered over by the layers of life that follow like an archaeological site and losing its sting or its burn. There’s always tomorrow! And the tomorrows that follow after that place any given today into perspective.
Barb C, as the old saying goes, time heals all wounds.
How do i see profile pictures? I am on web browser?
I see them on my laptop but not when I’m using the browser on my phone.
That I don’t have to be alone.
Drea, this reminds me of Paw Mu’s advice of not going alone and needing to stay close to my root people. Trusting them isn’t always easy. Some of it has to do with my competitive ego taking over too. It’s served me well in growing and defying odds but has also prevented me from receiving love and care from elders.
I am so grateful that I learned early in my life the beauty of diversity.
Katrina, it’s helped me form my own buddy systems.
How do I see profile pictures?
We don’t have them,
dear Claire,
only avatars. ♥
When listening to others, my own experience with “similar” situations is just a source of secondary knowledge. The primary one is an open mind to what I don’t know, not what I believe. Got it. Happy Monday to everyone! 💐
Hope you had a happy Monday too, Ngoc.
My Ngoc, different strokes for different folks. For example, the traditional Asian method has worked before successfully more times than not. A different set of rules is required for someone like me.
What a valuable insight, Ngoc! So often I know I jump from listening to what someone is saying to sharing a story about myself. I know my intent is to demonstrate that I understand based on a similar experience, but it moves the focus from them to me.
What a wise and beautiful distinction you have drawn,
dear Ngoc . . .
something I will
be sure to bear in mind.
Thank you. ♥
That we are more alike than different.
Fair point, Yram. After all, we share the same basic desires to be loved, respected, and treated with dignity.
First of all, I have the most similarities to MJ for NBA all-time greats from past to present. I thought I was a rebel. It turns out that I was a competitor which is why I had troubles co-existing with Paw Mu in the first place. She and many of my root people have the right ideas of protecting me, but their actions made me felt held back. Babying and cuddling only fuel my competitive fire. I have the mindset to dominate in every corner but never try to outsmart god.
Last summer, Ngoc went to Vietnam for 6 weeks. I thought I was pulling strings for autonomy. Knowing that I’m a competitor, turns out that it was my own signature flu game move. Some of my LA Fitness buddies nicknamed me “Flu Game Loc” a few days ago. It comes from MJ’s famous 1997 flu game when he scored 38 points in 44 minutes to will his Bulls against the Jazz in game 5 of the 1997 NBA finals winning 90-88 to take a 3-2 series lead despite dealing with food poisoning.
Coming to the realization that I’m a competitor only motivates me further to surround myself with people who will allow me to just be me. I’m certainly compatible with Ngoc. She already has attributes I’m already attracted to in long hair and a natural sweet voice. She used to be like a lot of Traditional Asians who speak her mind and give advice, especially with those who she’s close to but has adapted through this social major field and being closer to me by providing a safe space for me to go to for emotional support. Advice and a strong personality is the last thing competitors like MJ and me who have a basic desire for autonomy need. It’s why years ago, Sean Coughlin nicknamed me “Loc Jordan.”
Also, building my BosLoc empire has helped shift the narrative on me too. Environmental factors like culture matters. Collective cultures are strict. Social hierarchies are based on age. The younger must obey the elders. Anyone can be our parent. Even if you’re a 30-year-old adult, 70-year-old women could start kissing you like a baby too. With all that being said on both my backstories, developing my BosLoc empire has helped me shift the narrative from rebel to firey competitor. Rebellion and competition look similar.
Now that I’m able to separate rebellion and competition, I have a better definition for both. I find that the 2nd one is healthier, because it shows the desire to grow and defy odds. As a Christian, I view rebellion in a more negative light. It’s trying to outsmart god. It’s basically an unhealthy form of competition. The breakthrough life lesson that has helped me navigate delicate balances is to stay true to my ways for as long as I put god first. As for now, it all comes back to staying the course.
My mindset can often shift to hopeful if I keep putting one foot in front of another : just keep on going.
I am enough.
Yes we are, Avril. Yes we are.
Avril, you just spoke to me. If you come across my Michael Jordan answer, my competitive fire dims the more I’m surrounded by people I have more common ground with like here on this site.