This whole self-improvement project is so individualistic. We’ve been conditioned by all the religions and also by psychology to work on ourselves and purify and perfect ourselves. It is endless. And it can be so discouraging, because we keep waking up and making the same mistakes over and over again.
The individual path is really lonely and daunting. But when we do it in community, it’s less overwhelming. So, I recommend cultivating soul friendships with people who see you in your shadow and your light—people who can love you through it and tell you the truth, but mostly be gentle with you and supportive.
Hi Bill, so good to see what you selected here. After I read this piece, I sat for at least a half hour unable to respond, which is rare. But you nailed it with this passage. For a long time, when I was younger, I was always “trying to improve” myself. And it is discouraging! And then at some point in time, I read a quote by the Dali Lama that said something to the effect that it was more about “emptying” yourself and that really resonated with me. To release all that was no longer serving me - the toxic dogma of my religion, the cultural conditioning and limiting beliefs that are created to keep me fearful and disempowered. I’m finding this process so much more liberating and impactful. I can feel the lightness in my body and mind, gaining more strength, clarity and acceptance of my entire self. There is perfection in the imperfection, in vulnerability. One day during Covid, when I was walking in nature, an inner voice suggested that life itself be my community. At the time I was in a reiki group but I was finding it too like minded, too restrictive for me. So I left that community and set the intention to open myself to all that life presented each day. That each person I came in contact with had something of value to offer me, and me to offer them. It’s been a deepening of my connection, my compassion, my gratitude and joy. SO nice just sitting here rambling - felt like one of our conversations. I miss you! Sending love your way! Peace!
Love this!
Me too. What a treat.
I'm especially grateful for this passage:
Hi Bill, so good to see what you selected here. After I read this piece, I sat for at least a half hour unable to respond, which is rare. But you nailed it with this passage. For a long time, when I was younger, I was always “trying to improve” myself. And it is discouraging! And then at some point in time, I read a quote by the Dali Lama that said something to the effect that it was more about “emptying” yourself and that really resonated with me. To release all that was no longer serving me - the toxic dogma of my religion, the cultural conditioning and limiting beliefs that are created to keep me fearful and disempowered. I’m finding this process so much more liberating and impactful. I can feel the lightness in my body and mind, gaining more strength, clarity and acceptance of my entire self. There is perfection in the imperfection, in vulnerability. One day during Covid, when I was walking in nature, an inner voice suggested that life itself be my community. At the time I was in a reiki group but I was finding it too like minded, too restrictive for me. So I left that community and set the intention to open myself to all that life presented each day. That each person I came in contact with had something of value to offer me, and me to offer them. It’s been a deepening of my connection, my compassion, my gratitude and joy. SO nice just sitting here rambling - felt like one of our conversations. I miss you! Sending love your way! Peace!