Living real means recognizing that all of us at one time or another will mess up. We're going to be a part of the conditions that cause hurt for others.
As I head into another year of my life, I hold on to one of my favorite quotes by spiritual teacher Ram Dass: "We are all just walking each other home."
I heard she keeps immaculate space
but says the Divine hides in messes
and that, like a compass, she knows the way
but will swear all her directions are guesses.
What can we do when we mess-ups make a mess? No doubt we make messes together, but often we clean it up or live with them alone. Regret is sheer foolishness, but not all hope is lost.
If being honest when someone asks you 'How are you' is too taboo, let’s stop asking the question altogether. We all feel that pressure to be light, glazed over, and happy like a Barbie doll on downers, when we are all dying and waking up in equal measure. Give more energy and time to reality ...
With anxiety, we will navigate the familiar internal conflict that develops when we both realize we can’t be faulty enough to make the other run away. It’s like we both have one foot in with the other poised to bolt if what draws us together becomes a threat to the walls of the mirrored ...
You want to alleviate the pain. You seek painkillers in the form of distractions, friends, entertainment, or an anesthetizing drink. Of course, it works for a while; the soothing effect of that first gulp of wine, the comforting hug of a loving friend, the joyful escape of a good movie. ...