tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7239140084937897595.post4307115903589059153..comments2023-10-19T10:26:30.108-04:00Comments on Yin and Yang: A Tribute To Pema ChodronUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7239140084937897595.post-72007341950543866752013-01-06T10:45:12.290-05:002013-01-06T10:45:12.290-05:00Dear Kate,
What a wonderful, wonderful post and p...Dear Kate,<br /><br />What a wonderful, wonderful post and portrait! Do you know that I was just thinking about Pema Chodron and wondering whether it was time for me to take the plunge and look at her "stuff" now...I so agree with all that you wrote already. Though as you also know I have yet to reach any place of lovingkindness for myself...In fact, it is precisely the LK stuff directed towards me that keeps me back. I won't write about it now, because I just wanted to say hello and tell you how much, how very much this post meant to me. It made me happy on a bad day. It just was so lovely to read and know that you were able finally to write it and mean it. I am so glad to hear how you have journeyed on your path. It brought tears to my eyes to know that you are NOT quite so isolated, and that you are more balanced and indeed that Pema Chodron's teaching were at least partially responsible. I can believe that.<br /><br />Take care, my friend. My email box is always open for communication from you if you have the time or desire for a longer "letter" someday. In the meantime, be well, stay well, and be at peace.<br />Yours,<br /><br />Pam W<br /><br />PS I see double all the time, so I hope I can make out the two words to prove I am not a robot! 8DPamela Spiro Wagnerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15099575785070895367noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7239140084937897595.post-76204450091717589202013-01-06T09:04:52.637-05:002013-01-06T09:04:52.637-05:00Hi Kate!
Its nice to have a hero. I have many, b...Hi Kate!<br /><br />Its nice to have a hero. I have many, but they are artists. I love reading about their lives, thinking that if they can deal with obstacles, then I too can overcome adversity. Of course my hero's don't usually talk, they make pictures and that is what I think about and ponder and let influence me in the direction my work takes. But I think that with my heroes, some have had unhappy endings. I do what I can so I don't go the dark places they go. I try to learn from other's mistakes. Of course that's not anywhere as good as learning from another's course of wisdom............you are lucky that you felt such a bond with Pema. I think by nature you are kind and compassionate, and a religion that holds these things central is a very good one for you. I know a mentally ill man whose life was saved by Buddhism, literally he stopped trying to commit suicide after he started practicing Buddhism. <br /><br />My current hero is David Hockney, an artist who has had a long, prolific life. I love what he is doing in old age.............it gives me the hope that my best work is still to come. I suppose that Hockney is a man who never stopped changing and growing, and if you can have a life of constant growth, I think this is ideal. Wisdom is never just finally caught and pinned down. I think you have to search for it until the end.<br /><br />All my love,<br />KarenKaren May Sorensenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14436905322393073250noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7239140084937897595.post-7360631440174570132013-01-05T18:55:12.583-05:002013-01-05T18:55:12.583-05:00Hi Kate,
I am glad to hear you are maintaining go...Hi Kate,<br /><br />I am glad to hear you are maintaining good health!- 11 years strong since your last psychotic break.<br /><br />I did not know of Pema Chodron, however, I have had a few mentors to understand the care she must have had for you and other mentees. Your mentor sounds non-judgmental, passionate, and wise. When I pass, I hope I've made my impact on the community and an array of individuals with or without mental illness.<br /><br />I am not familiar with the Buddhist practice but would not mind learning it, in order to learn more about myself and to have inner peace. I went to a couple of meetings last year and I liked the ongoing educational aspect of it. But I am not sure if that is the path for me because of my Christain upbringing.<br /><br />In fact, I know a couple of individuals who also have a mental illness and practice Buddhism. I think that is awesome- practicing Buddhism because I know it must take a lot patience commitment, and hard work.<br /><br />Best wishes,<br /><br />Ashley SmithAshley Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03227478646550668474noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7239140084937897595.post-82572402962938139522013-01-03T20:45:03.698-05:002013-01-03T20:45:03.698-05:00Hey Kate,
I bought two Pema Chodron books: Takin...Hey Kate,<br /><br />I bought two Pema Chodron books: Taking the Leap (short and tiny yet oh so good) and When Things Fall Apart (doubly good).<br /><br />Alas, I can't commit to becoming a total Buddhist or adopting Buddhist principles.<br /><br />I can see a lot of the focus on compassion is valid yet Buddhism seems itself like another organized religions whose beliefs you're supposed to adhere to without questioning.<br /><br />I wonder about this.<br /><br />What is your take on it? Can we take what we need and leave the rest when it comes to our spirituality?<br /><br />A noted priest who wrote a book lamented the "cafeteria style" method of picking and choosing what beliefs you adopt.<br /><br />Yet I'm not sure this is totally wrong. A person can take parts of Christianity that work and leave behind what doesn't like some of the women's health stance.<br /><br />I didn't read his book straight through. It was popular about seven years ago.<br /><br />Possibly I believe we all have a spirit that is the essence of who we are and this could be our original self apart from a doctrine. Even if the belief is one we treasure.<br /><br />Certainly:<br /><br />Faith and spirit have a reverent place in a person's recovery.<br /><br />Regards,<br />ChrisChrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15705538654048829908noreply@blogger.com