I purchased a couple of texts from the self-help section of Barnes and Noble -- much to my surprise and consternation. The one I am currently reading is by Jon Kabat-Zinn, Wherever you go, there you are. It's all about meditation and mindfulness, and I am enjoying every word. I'm out of my comfort zone in the self-help section -- a public place that declares to everyone that I am seeking (and therefore needing) assistance. All my life I have accepted that not needing assistance was the best persona to project. "Walk like you are going somewhere." "Never turn your head to look when someone shouts, or a horn beeps." "We don't need help, we help others." "Never let them know they've got you down." All those kinds of common advice can be handy at times -- but to always live by them is limiting.
Now maybe opening to possibilities is more helpful than projecting personas. Getting help is a pathway to being able to give it. Following someone's lead, or listening to their advice, can shed light in a dark place. Once I'm back steady on my feet, I can do offer the same to another. And so on, and so forth throughout time.
"If we hope to go anywhere or develop ourselves in any way, we can only step from where we are standing. If we don't really know where we are standing . . . we may only go in circles, for all our efforts and expectations. So, in meditation practice, the best way to get somewhere is to let go of trying to get anywhere at all." (16)
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Anne, I think you will agree that the letting go part is the most difficult step in any journey. As I struggled with my thoughts about my family, I kept telling myself that they are the way they are. I don't need to figure out why, I just need to forgive and let it go. The letting go part is the hardest. I liked reading your quote. It reminds me of our talks of living in and being aware of the moment instead of looking ahead or behind.
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