Tag: empathy

Quote of the Day – August 22 2012

“The single biggest problem with communication is the illusion that it has taken place.”
― George Bernard Shaw

 

I still become amazed that communication happens at all. We each use words in our own ways, often with very different meanings for any given word than the others around us are using. We hurt and become hurt so easily and willfully misunderstand according to our own experience. Yet not only does communication happen from time to time but even understanding may ensue. Not by happy accident but thru sheer intent and will does this happen. Communication often becomes hard. We must really want to do it pretty often.
It occurs to me that many of the same things that block us from expressing our hearts, our pride and need to be understood are also the things that make it happen. When it comes down to it, despite appearances, perhaps communication does not happen body to body but heart to heart.
Blessings, G

 

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Quote of the Day – May 30 2012

“Wake up first. Wake up, and then you can double back and perhaps be of some use to others if you still have the urge. Wake up first, with pure and unapologetic selfishness, or you’re just another shipwreck victim floundering in the ocean and all the compassion in the world is of absolutely no use to the other victims floundering around you.     — Jed McKenna

As I was looking for a quote for this evening, I held a question in my mind. How could I balance spiritual development with getting involved politically and compassion for those made to suffer by others. For me one of the largest elements of a spiritual path is to develop empathy and compassion for all. What good does it do one to mediate for weeks and achieve deepest satori if it means that we can’t hear the cry of a hungry child? OK extreme example yet pertinent.
I can find merit in what Jed McKenna is saying here tho I don’t know that I agree with him. Surely on my path to travel I can find a way combines spiritual practice with political awareness. It will be found.
Blessings, G

 

& nbsp;

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Sun Shining Down by G A Rosenberg

Coiled by G A Rosenberg

Quote of the Day – May 29 2012

“Many people need desperately to receive this message: ‘I feel and think much as you do, care about many of the things you care about, although most people do not care about them. You are not alone.'”
–Kurt Vonnegut

 

Reaching out
with words with feelings as long as it is with heart
If the intention is to understand
than the reception becomes unimportant or at least secondary

 

I reach out to you
and listen as your being speaks to mine
I need to hear your song,
the one unique to you

 

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Generation by G A Rosenberg

Viewport by G A Rosenberg

Pain Shoes by G A Rosenberg

I wanted to understand
so I put on those pain shoes
and let you transmit your experience
directly into my being
You used words but I felt meaning
and while i tried to integrate
another’s excruciating existence
you kept on speaking
way beyond need
“I get it, I feel it”
but so accustomed to
ignorance you continued…

If you would stop
I could rid us both
of this…
these shoes hurt my feet
and yet knowing this you still continue
a litany of woes
the tale of everyone and anything
that you felt had done you wrong
beyond any forgiveness
Finally I realized
you don’t want to lose your pain
you don’t wish understanding
and you hate me for presuming to help
How dare I try to take away what makes you real to yourself?

I smile sadly
as the shoes slip off….
Another mile in another’s moccasins…
Another mile in my own….

Masochistic Empathy

“Man goes to doctor. Says hes depressed. Says life seems harsh and cruel. Says he feels all alone in a threatening world where what lies ahead is vague and uncertain. Doctor says Treatment is simple. Great clown Pagliacci is in town tonight. Go and see him. That should pick you up. Man bursts into tears. Says But Doctor I am Pagliacci.

I am the clown….Laughing even when it hurts, tho usually finding it all pretty funny especially myself

anyway no new-agey fucking advice…I’ve been tuning my empathy too much,
and other people’s pain feels like tinfoil across fillings
Sorry bro, getting way too heavy

BWAHHAHAHAHAHHAHAHA
PSYCHE
Life is hysterical
you don’t think i meant that do you?

Who let the damn clown in my head?

Oh yeah I did
One wonders tho-how to practice empathy in this world without becoming a masochist?
People seem so in love with their pain
How can I not love it a bit too
tho with my laughter perhaps
I can transmit the pain into joy
for them and myself
Can they forgive me?
What excuse will they have?

By what right did I do it?
Was not the pain their own
the stone they chose to drag
until they could free themselves?
What avenues of growth did I deny them?
Perhaps masochism might be the way to go