Starting a New Thing… That’s hard, is it not? That’s what’s real for me right now, feeling the mounting pressure of creating something new while meeting the demands of a culture that says, “Sure, start something new! Go ahead!, but don’t forget all your obligations ($$$).” The measure of success is in how hard I’ve had to work, how much sleep I’ve sacrificed, and ultimately of course how much material wealth I can gather up. Still hanging around, that rags-to-riches, pull yourself up by your bootstraps, Horacio Alger narrative. But where is community? What do things look like when we are at least as much interested in “we” as in “I”?
Uh oh. Now I’m in trouble. That feels like a risky, un-American thing to state, but it’s real for me. What I wish for is the space to be able to state what’s real, whatever it is, and be met by other humxns who can respond with curiosity, a desire for understanding, and a willingness to own their experience, even if it’s in direct opposition to mine or even really upsetting.
Nothing is wrong with the thoughts swimming around in my head or the emotions generated by others in response. Our work, if we’re willing, is in what comes next: how we communicate, how we own our projections, how we recognize that the other is not responsible for our emotions, and ultimately how we intentionally pursue a way to see others that reveals the reflection of self in other and the divinity we all share.
Authentic Relating is, in my experience, some of this work. Please join us at Lake Merritt for the next in-person event - April 12, 2022 from 5:30p-7:30p. It’s fun, spicy, edgy, silly, unpredictable, and anything else that comes up.
Warmly,
Ryan