2021 Week 6 Contemplation Thoughts So Far
(Updated throughout the week)
- Are relationships distractions or enhancements?
- I think our relationships with other people reveal more of our selves. It’s very easy to believe that one is patient, serene, enlightened when living alone in the woods, only interacting with nature. No noisy neighbours, no petty clients, no self absorbed cousins
- Are the relationships we form mostly just a distraction from the fact that we are each on our own? Or is that very question showing that my beliefs are deeply rooted in separation?
- Or maybe that previous question reveals that I have some issues with how I define relationships. Some skewed beliefs about closeness that actually lies in dependence and attachment
- Both positive and negative relationships create opportunities for us. Relationships with wonderful people, ones we love or admire, can inspire us to more. Relationships with those who we feel irritated, shame, stressed, angry, fearful around can prod us forward. Either by presenting us with a clear picture of how we DON’T want to be and how we DON’T want to treat others or by being part of experiences that eventually get us to the point of “No more!”
- relationship with X = how I relate to X = how I see myself through X
- …