02
There is what happens, and there is what we do about what happens, in response to what happens. And then, something else happens. And that's the way it goes all the way. With luck, we learn from what happens when we respond to what happens, and we get better at what is ours to do. But we must never, ever, close our eyes to the truth of what's happening! Our only chance is seeing what's what, knowing what our choices are, and trusting ourselves to know how to make the right ones over time. The national park motto always applies: Your Safety Is Your Responsibility! We come into the world with all we need to find what we need to do what needs to be done in each situation that arises. It is up to us to learn to use what we have to work with-- the gifts, genius, daemon, virtues, character that are unique to us, and are our Super Powers, unique to us, and ready to help us find the way through all of our trials and ordeals. Trust yourself to what comes built into you, and let yourself show you what you can do!
–0–
01
I don't know where the line lies between intimacy and vulnerability. I don't know if there is a line. I think it may be one thing. I don't know what to call it. I don't know where the lines lie among psychic and psychological and physical and emotional and spiritual. I don't know if there are lines. I think it may all be one thing. I don't know what to call it. "Me," perhaps. But then, where does the line lie between "me" and "you"? I don't know where the line lies between intellectual, rational and logical. Or if there is one. It feels like it would be easier to draw lines separating these last three entities from the others, but there is mutuality among them all, and we all sort ourselves out along a continuum containing all people from all times and places in a way that enables us to recognize one another and not confuse ourselves with any one. We all are different but remarkably similar. And how trustworthy are the lines separating these aspects of ourselves within ourselves, and separating ourselves from all other selves? How do we "get it all together" in all of these ways, as individuals, without being "together" with one another, with each other, throughout the continuum of humanity? And, could it be, that the things that keep us separated into categories of "me" and "you," and "us" and "them," also keep us separated/cut off/isolated/apart from all of these aspects of ourselves within ourselves? So that the more we identify ourselves as "us" and not "them," the less integrated and whole we are within ourselves-- and the more whole we are within ourselves, the less able we are to think of ourselves as "us" and "them"? And that we will not be safe, individually or collectively, without being whole individually and collectively? So that the work to be safe and secure in an environment that is trustworthy and dependable, is the work of becoming healed and whole and one within? Until we can be an "I" we cannot be a "We"? What do you think? Could it be? That the work of being safe is the work of leaving home and finding our father and our mother within ourselves through the trials and ordeals of life on our own in the world? That growing up is developing all of the tools of life mentioned above in order to be who we are and be okay with not knowing where any of the lines lie-- or even if there are lines? What do you think?
