Head Crowded but Cozy

 

“I finally figured out that I’m solitary by nature, but at the same time I know so many people; so many people think they own a piece of me. They shift and move under my skin, like a parade of memories that simply won’t go away. It doesn’t matter where I am, or how alone–I always have such a crowded head.”
― Charles de Lint

 

If we’ve had a conversation or have known each other for a time, the chances are I carry you in my head. If you said something that struck me, I’ll carry your words and have conversations with them letting them challenge me anew. So many people have offered me encouragement and during the times I need it most when I am happy with the work I do I hear you cheering me on. Others have discouraged me and told me their doubts. They too I have conversations with. You don’t even have to be real. So many fictional characters from books and movies are in their too and occasionally you talk together with me as silent spectator. The theatre in my mind runs day and night. Luckily at times I can leave it behind but it can be very useful. Atheists and people who’s beliefs cover every spectrum debate. Scientists and mystics and right hand path and left hand path, Conservatives, Liberals and Socialists all share in the debate and I can be witness or participant as need be. Oh it may get crowded in here but thanks to meditation I can leave from time to time and come back refreshed. As I said it may be crowded but at least its cozy.
Blessings, G

 

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Haunted by Memories of Home LostHaunted By Memories of Home Lost by G A Rosenberg

 

Mauve and Green ReflectionsMauve and Green Reflections by G A Rosenberg

Wrestling Demons and Singing Angels (Courage)

“Confront the dark parts of yourself, and work to banish them with illumination and forgiveness. Your willingness to wrestle with your demons will cause your angels to sing.”
― August Wilson

 

I look into the mirrored
eyes of my friends
and want to be better
than the reflection I see before me.
Oh I’m OK
but to live the love reflected
I want to be even more
more honest, braver
and more open

 

More and more I find that conversations take courage. Oh not the chatty every day ones tho to initiate them with strangers takes its share. I mean the ones where ideas and ideals get discussed and debated. First of all to even engage with someone when you disagree with their point of view can be daunting. After all, perhaps they are correct and I may have to change what I believe. So many people seem to have trouble with that. It is amazing how often we conflate a viewpoint that we hold with our own identity and find a challenge to one to be a challenge to the other. If we are truly open to learning and seeking a higher understanding then doesn’t that mean we want to know when there is a better way of looking at things? If the price of a clearer vision, is merely giving up what we previously believed isn’t that a small one to pay? I believe so. Yet there seems to be much fear over surrendering who we are for who we may become.

Another thing that takes courage is being willing to engage with those who may debate differently than we do. Perhaps they become a bit more aggressive than we are comfortable with and we find that off-putting. Does that mean they are wrong? Not necessarily, they could simply be passionate about the subject under discussion or perhaps they find our communication mode just as off-putting. Is tone really that important? Isn’t what is being said more important than how? Does the problem lie with the other person or does it lay with us? In my experience, when I have a knee-jerk reaction to something, it is normally a reflection of my own stuff. Again if greater understanding is our aim, isn’t a new perception of ourselves and our ‘buttons’ an amazing gift. Why do so many people appear afraid to accept it?

I ask for the courage to accept each lesson of self-knowledge and the compassion to see not only my reflection inside each discussion but also an understanding of the others involved as well. May I be able to teach and learn, to listen and communicate to the benefit of all.
Blessings, G

 

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Fractal Chambre of the Heart2Fractal Chambre of the Heart by G A Rosenberg

 

Industiwheel MandalaIndustri-Wheel by G A Rosenberg

 

Quote of the Day – February 18 2012

““We have to dare to be ourselves, however frightening or strange that self may prove to be.”
–May Sarton

After watching yet another discussion in a Face Book group that started as a difference of opinion and degenerated unilaterally to name calling and hurt feelings (oddly enough on the part of the person doing the name calling I posted a question that’s been on my mind for awhile.
Why is it easier to attack someone who disagrees with you rather than looking at what they say and either make a case for your viewpoint or perhaps be willing to consider a new one? How do we change this in ourselves? It puzzles me how people can identify so strongly with their belief that an attack on the belief is equated in their minds to an attack on them and rather than respond to the opposing thought they respond to the person usually with accusations and name calling. “you’re being hurtful, you’re being judgemental” No he just disagrees.
I am not saying that everybody should be tolerant of opposing opinions. If you search your heart and you disagree with something, then state it, state why you disagree but do it like an adult. It is the viewpoints that are in opposition not the people. Who knows if I try to debate the idea and not the person I may turn out to be wrong. I may even learn and grow from it. My thinking may evolve. Whereas if i debate the person and feel hurt that they disagree and insult them I only paint myself as a jerk.

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Heart’s Tale by G A Rosenberg