December 22, 2023 – A

We come to life
within the context
of our lived experience,
complicated by our wants and wishes,
fear and desire,
perceptions, perspectives, opinions
and expectations...

We are hardly a "blank slate,"
and need to erase much of what is there
to have a chance of waking up
and doing what needs to be done
without getting in the way.

Psychotherapy is about erasing 
what's there
and replacing it with what would be helpful
in the work to be who we are
here and now
in the time left for living.

Reducing (instead of increasing)
the noise and complexity
of living
by examining our options
and the choices we make
is a giant step toward
balance and harmony,
integrity and sincerity
oneness and peace
"upon the heaving waves
of the wine dark sea."

And that requires examination,
reflection, awareness of and attention to
what we are doing
and what happens when we do it
and what we might do instead
to restore the connections 
with heart and soul,
enabling us to live soulfully
with our heart in what we are doing.

Partying hardily
and letting the good times roll
is not the recipe for mindful living.

Walks in the woods
along streams,
by ponds
and the sea,
Baroque music 
and retreats into silence
help to offset the tenor of the times
and enable us to resonate
with the inner voice
of wisdom and grace,
putting us back in touch
with our original nature
and innate virtues/attributes,
making a new life possible
in relationship with ourselves.

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