Posted by dj on June 24, 2000, at 9:42:00
In reply to Mileage, the BEAST, creativity--and survival .... » dj, posted by shar on June 24, 2000, at 0:31:09
> So, it is doubly hard to let go of some things because they can make us feel intensely vulnerable when they are gone. And, there has to be something to put in its place. For me to give up just a few of these ideas has taken years of therapy, and meds to keep me out of the pit long enough to work in therapy.
>
> I say it is a good goal to become aware of the self-destructive things we do and thoughts we have, but people shouldn't feel pressured if they just can't "let go" immediately. Anything one learns, any modification of behavior, warrants a celebration.
>
> We are survivors, as screwed up as we may be.Sher,
I agree with you overall that it is challenging to let go of labels, thoughts and feelings which we cling to as identifiers and wayposts and deal with the void, without avoiding it. I'm attempting to put forth a perspective which is informed by much exposure to Buddhist concepts and other spiritual sources, though I am an agonostic, though drawn to the wisdom that I see in these writings and peoples.
The overall perspective, as I understand it, is all about looking closely at ourselves and the systems we are entangled in (and a good counsellor or friend can help here) and working on letting go of clinging to judgements - good, bad or indifferent. Just being and not condemning our beings, because it is the clinging to the ways we are - happy or sad, estatic or depressed -which leads to the suffering.
Being open to the possibilities of change, which are always happening and the beauty which can be found even when we are in pain. Challenging but possible...and good therapy can take you there, and meditative practices can help according to scientific research. So even if I'm not okay, that's okay.
All, easier said than done, particularly when our brains and our bodies are under internal and external chemical and societial assault. So, yes we are all survivors! And we are all in the same boat together so the challenge is to find ways to be kind to and celebrate ourselves and each other, even when we don't feel like it. Then it becomes even more challenging and even more rewarding, because we've experienced the extremes of pain and pleasure. And shall again...perhaps...
Namaste!
Duncan
poster:dj
thread:37856
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000619/msgs/38245.html