Posted by Journeyman on February 23, 2004, at 21:02:21
In reply to Journeyman, posted by KathrynLex on February 23, 2004, at 14:13:37
K,
That's kind of you to say. There's no secret.
Here's the past: I've spent virtually my whole life trying to mold myself to other people's wants, needs, and expectations. My sense of my own worth has been a reflection of others' feelings about me. If they liked me, I was good; if they didn't, I was bad or inadequate.
Here's the present: I take regular 'temperature readings' of how I'm feeling and I am grateful for whatever feelings I have (that includes the good the bad and the ugly). I've learned recently that the bad and ugly have no power over my psyche as long as I welcome, accept, and learn from them. They are messengers, every bit as important to teaching me as are the good feelings.
Here's the future: I accept that as living matter, I am really no different than any other living organism. We're all connected by the web of life, and as such, I can empathize, embrace, and enjoy all that is.
The most influential reading I've been doing lately, and I've really gotten through only a few pages of it, is "Radical Acceptance," by Tara Brach. I highly recommend it if you have a tendency to beat up on yourself for having negative feelings.
Enjoy your path,
Journeyman
poster:Journeyman
thread:109458
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040223/msgs/317012.html