I am leaning heavily into small daily lessons from Eckart Tolle, who manages to find ways to make the same basic message fresh enough so that it has a chance to seep into my nervous noggin: the present moment is IT. Our unhappiness comes from wishing the past had been different and fretting about how awful the future might be, even though neither, in reality, exist. It's a simple truth but one that's hard to wrap our conditioned brains around. I'm working on it, and actually appreciate that the nuttiness of our current national/global situation is forcing me to do so. Meanwhile, here's an observation for you, Warrior Woman Julia: anyone who has been through all you've been through and not only survived but thrived and is now inspiring others — is someone who is way too tough to be taken down by anything the power-drunk twittering egos about to take the reins in our country can throw at us.
Julia, this essay made me think and think hard, using the framework of boredom to re-examine the stories and thought patterns I've created throughout my life. Indeed, when these stories and thought patterns get repeated so many times and make us yawn, it's time to think of and do something else ;-) In fact, when I noticed how my stories of my ex started to bore my closest friends and even myself, I decided it was time to put an end to my contact with him for good, so there would be no more repetition of those unnecessary dramas.
I like the comments by M. Louisa Locke. That's such a creative way to use our imagination. As a "worry wort," I can see how this reframing can help me to calm down my overactive nervous system when it comes to certain aspects of life.
Lastly, thank you for being so kind as to mention me in your essay.
You're an inspiration, Lily, because you notice. When we look at the source of our suffering, we can heal it- that's why I love Buddhism. We don't avoid pain, but if we're willing to walk into it, there is often great release.
Mika has been very attentive to my moods lately- so she's been much closer and physically affectionate. She still chews the rugs and furniture but at least she stops long enough to remind me that I'm loved. Makes it VERY hard to have rough words with her about eating the couch.
For anyone who identifies with being painted by false narratives or the 'scapegoat narrative' in your family-of-origin, you can watch my video about this here: https://youtu.be/nMCKjITib18
I’m beyond bored by politics in specific and have been for quite some time. I’m glad it’s good enough we can get bored.
I think about how upsetting it was for soldiers in world war 2 or for holocaust victims whenever I think my life is troublesome and upsetting. It’s a good wake up call as I complain about paying my bills or whatnot from my warm living room.
Well said, Tim. My HVAC system went out this past week, just in time for the cold but I have a house. After this Administration I may not, but right now I do and by god I am grateful for it.
Kelly, every time I think that a place outside myself is going to be safe I am proven wrong. then I am reminded that I have to keep ME safe inside ME. I've not always been the best at that. Bout time, I think.
THAT is a profound comment you just dropped in my lap Miss Julia. Thank you!
I’m new to Substack and really enjoy your stories and writing. You’re pretty cool and inspirational!! Thank you for opening your heart and mind to others.
Yep. It was enraging that a place of healing designed for healing was trolled by a perpetrator of the very thing people were there to heal. You have gently right into that that I require something outside of me to be a safe space. Nope I’m the safe one which is why I complained, advocated on behalf of the people seeking community and healing there, and made sure that post was removed and it was.
We agree, Kelly. Not taking issue with you at all. It takes real work to create the safe place inside us which is unassailable. I'm the last one to say that we have to find external places of safety, especially today, and most especially online. The deep work is inside, putting up the guard rails.
Yep. I didn’t feel you took issue; just wanted to clarify. I don’t believe in trigger warnings etc. etc. etc. I’m with you. The only safe place is within and from there, we create our own safety.
I am leaning heavily into small daily lessons from Eckart Tolle, who manages to find ways to make the same basic message fresh enough so that it has a chance to seep into my nervous noggin: the present moment is IT. Our unhappiness comes from wishing the past had been different and fretting about how awful the future might be, even though neither, in reality, exist. It's a simple truth but one that's hard to wrap our conditioned brains around. I'm working on it, and actually appreciate that the nuttiness of our current national/global situation is forcing me to do so. Meanwhile, here's an observation for you, Warrior Woman Julia: anyone who has been through all you've been through and not only survived but thrived and is now inspiring others — is someone who is way too tough to be taken down by anything the power-drunk twittering egos about to take the reins in our country can throw at us.
Julia, this essay made me think and think hard, using the framework of boredom to re-examine the stories and thought patterns I've created throughout my life. Indeed, when these stories and thought patterns get repeated so many times and make us yawn, it's time to think of and do something else ;-) In fact, when I noticed how my stories of my ex started to bore my closest friends and even myself, I decided it was time to put an end to my contact with him for good, so there would be no more repetition of those unnecessary dramas.
I like the comments by M. Louisa Locke. That's such a creative way to use our imagination. As a "worry wort," I can see how this reframing can help me to calm down my overactive nervous system when it comes to certain aspects of life.
Lastly, thank you for being so kind as to mention me in your essay.
You're an inspiration, Lily, because you notice. When we look at the source of our suffering, we can heal it- that's why I love Buddhism. We don't avoid pain, but if we're willing to walk into it, there is often great release.
I giggled real good at breathing in our dogs farts 🤣 Lord knows that's some stimulation I don't need. But I'm lucky my dog is a great hugger 🫂 🤗
Mika has been very attentive to my moods lately- so she's been much closer and physically affectionate. She still chews the rugs and furniture but at least she stops long enough to remind me that I'm loved. Makes it VERY hard to have rough words with her about eating the couch.
For anyone who identifies with being painted by false narratives or the 'scapegoat narrative' in your family-of-origin, you can watch my video about this here: https://youtu.be/nMCKjITib18
I’m beyond bored by politics in specific and have been for quite some time. I’m glad it’s good enough we can get bored.
I think about how upsetting it was for soldiers in world war 2 or for holocaust victims whenever I think my life is troublesome and upsetting. It’s a good wake up call as I complain about paying my bills or whatnot from my warm living room.
Well said, Tim. My HVAC system went out this past week, just in time for the cold but I have a house. After this Administration I may not, but right now I do and by god I am grateful for it.
Thank you, Julia 💕! Walking and leaning into pain is my m.o. It trains the muscles called courage.
Bored as eff. But did feel some righteous rage today for the first time since election triggered by cult behavior in an otherwise safe space.
Kelly, every time I think that a place outside myself is going to be safe I am proven wrong. then I am reminded that I have to keep ME safe inside ME. I've not always been the best at that. Bout time, I think.
I have to keep ME safe inside ME.
THAT is a profound comment you just dropped in my lap Miss Julia. Thank you!
I’m new to Substack and really enjoy your stories and writing. You’re pretty cool and inspirational!! Thank you for opening your heart and mind to others.
Yep. It was enraging that a place of healing designed for healing was trolled by a perpetrator of the very thing people were there to heal. You have gently right into that that I require something outside of me to be a safe space. Nope I’m the safe one which is why I complained, advocated on behalf of the people seeking community and healing there, and made sure that post was removed and it was.
*misread I require externals to be safe. I am the safe one. Case in point.
We agree, Kelly. Not taking issue with you at all. It takes real work to create the safe place inside us which is unassailable. I'm the last one to say that we have to find external places of safety, especially today, and most especially online. The deep work is inside, putting up the guard rails.
Yep. I didn’t feel you took issue; just wanted to clarify. I don’t believe in trigger warnings etc. etc. etc. I’m with you. The only safe place is within and from there, we create our own safety.