Sometimes I don’t know what to say when my mind has been expanded and thoughts swirl around my brain, which happens more often than not after reading your provocative words and insights. I think, wow that’s profound but how can I pick up what he’s laying down? There are few people I read who bring me into deep introspection. You are one of them. Thank you.
You're so right, Ian. I've always loved the silence and solitude. Hope we get to connect soon. Excited to hear about your book project and help however I can.
I really enjoyed this, you put words to my experiences. I have long considered freedom from yourself - freedom from suffering - one of the truest freedoms. It's tough because I know it, but practically, I keep forgetting it. I try reminding myself of this constantly, only to get sucked back into the stream of the wants and self centeredness almost immediately.
Do you do anything in particular to stay mindful of the true meaning of freedom, and acting on it? How do you balance your life between the demands of society (which forces us to think in a self centered way to a degree) and from this inner freedom?
You're telling the story of my life--cycling between remembering and forgetting. The most helpful advice I ever received was, "As often as you can, return to the question, 'Who am I?'" The world is a loud place so I try to build space into my day when I can focus on building my Presence muscles and direct my attention to the moment. Then I can carry that clarity into the craziness of my day. I'm finding for myself that Presence is cultivated (and most noticed) in the storm.
You’re my first read and comment EVER on Substack as a subscriber. And it was most worthy!
That freedom from self, or the concocted version of selves fashioned over time, experiences and expectations was an ‘oof’ for me. Who am I under the ice shield I erected to protect me from past and future traumas, hurts and disappointments? Again, ‘Oof’. This was so good.
Yes...these are the questions that run through my mind. And I do get stuck on question 3, then find some space to breathe, live happily and freely for some days and then I'm back on the lost and confused trail.
Sometimes I don’t know what to say when my mind has been expanded and thoughts swirl around my brain, which happens more often than not after reading your provocative words and insights. I think, wow that’s profound but how can I pick up what he’s laying down? There are few people I read who bring me into deep introspection. You are one of them. Thank you.
That means a lot Nina. I’m grateful my words encourage and challenge at the same time. 🙏🏼
There is such wonder in stepping into the somewhat scary practice of silence & solitude isn't there, Kevin? It's quite remarkable its power .
I might book a session with you in a few months about book pubbing, my friend. Go well.
You're so right, Ian. I've always loved the silence and solitude. Hope we get to connect soon. Excited to hear about your book project and help however I can.
Thanks Kevin! In the silence I can feel my pulse. Bless you 🙏❤️
🙏🏼
Best title ever!
Thanks Gillian! It makes me chuckle.
I draw a cartoon most days - would you mind if I use it as a caption? Happy to link to your article too.
Yes, please! That sounds like a lot of fun!
Ok Super! Will do :-)
Hey Kevin, Here's the cartoon you inspired! Thanks for being a good sport xo https://open.substack.com/pub/sparkinthedark/p/dont-just-do-something-sit-there?r=pna8j&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
thank you. its about letting go sand letting life flow through you, which will guide you
Easier done than said! 😉
I really enjoyed this, you put words to my experiences. I have long considered freedom from yourself - freedom from suffering - one of the truest freedoms. It's tough because I know it, but practically, I keep forgetting it. I try reminding myself of this constantly, only to get sucked back into the stream of the wants and self centeredness almost immediately.
Do you do anything in particular to stay mindful of the true meaning of freedom, and acting on it? How do you balance your life between the demands of society (which forces us to think in a self centered way to a degree) and from this inner freedom?
You're telling the story of my life--cycling between remembering and forgetting. The most helpful advice I ever received was, "As often as you can, return to the question, 'Who am I?'" The world is a loud place so I try to build space into my day when I can focus on building my Presence muscles and direct my attention to the moment. Then I can carry that clarity into the craziness of my day. I'm finding for myself that Presence is cultivated (and most noticed) in the storm.
Well framed and presented, Kevin. 🙏
You’re my first read and comment EVER on Substack as a subscriber. And it was most worthy!
That freedom from self, or the concocted version of selves fashioned over time, experiences and expectations was an ‘oof’ for me. Who am I under the ice shield I erected to protect me from past and future traumas, hurts and disappointments? Again, ‘Oof’. This was so good.
Yes...these are the questions that run through my mind. And I do get stuck on question 3, then find some space to breathe, live happily and freely for some days and then I'm back on the lost and confused trail.