Quote:
Originally Posted by ForeverLonelyGirl
Great food for thought Skeezkys,
I guess that could be true that we have to come to that conclusion ourselves, which obviously would take some time. I am past middle aged and don't have much time left I don't think. Who knows? So I've spent almost 2 years now trying to recover and I don't think that magically I am going to wake up tomorrow all healed and happy. Really I have tried to keep a positive outlook about the whole thing, but it is really difficult as time drags on and nothing magnificent has happened.
I keep thinking that getting back to my 'spiritual' roots (cannot say what I really mean by that here evidently) and get with other like minded people would help me a lot. I tried that months ago but felt too freaked out to sit in an audience.
I keep saying that I need to talk to a therapist and I need to make more of an effort, plus there is the big money issue. I have to talk to someone, my sons would not want to hear that I am going through an existential crisis.
|
Hello again ForeverLonelyGirl: Yes, I understand what you're saying. I'm 66 & I know I will never "heal". I have carried the issues I have, I believe, since birth (or maybe before) & I will have them with me when I die. I do think many of us, as we begin to age, become more spiritually aware. I suppose it's only natural. And yes talking to a therapist might be a good idea. Personally I have never found them to be helpful. However, I know many people do.
In
A Hidden Wholeness Palmer talks about how we cannot do the introspective work that is necessary in order to heal ourselves without having a supportive group around us. And, as I think I mentioned in my previous reply, therein lies the dilemma. Where does one find the kind of supportive group Palmer writes about? I certainly don't have one. I pretty-much keep to myself as much as possible. The likelihood of me finding such a group is vanishingly small. So to the extent I am going to experience any healing at all, or at least continue on the way I am, I have to be able to accomplish this alone.
For instruction with regard to how one can heal oneself, I turn to the Buddhist nun Ani Pema Chödrön. Pema teaches the ancient Tibetan Buddhist practices of Lojong & Tonglen. But, the main concept in Pema's writings I embrace is: one can learn to accept the things about oneself one most dislikes. One can learn to sit with one's depression, anxiety, loneliness, or whatever & over time the process of sitting with these concerns will cause them to fade. As Pema has written: you can start where you are. One can think one is the worst person who ever existed. That's a great place to start! The things which are of the most concern to you, or which you dislike, are your treasure. They are the building blocks, so to speak, of your recovery.
