It is this process of discernment - knowing when more discernment is needed, specifically, that I have found most valuable in my upbringing and experience as a Quaker. My Aunt calls it my ‘Inner Clearness Committee.’ It came to mind reading what you wrote, and I offer that up in support of your process and your heart, that may need some holding right now. ❤️
Thank you for the holding. Yes to discernment and Inner Clearness Committees. I think the thing that I am circling around and trying to language properly is the necessity of submitting to outer discernment as well at the hands of those we know will not agree with us before any of us can rightfully said to know the truth. Not those who will degrade us or dehumanize us, but those who will listen actively and say, "Yeah, I think that's not quite right. I think you're missing this piece over here. Have you thought of it another way?" Until we're willing to actually test and risk our truth out loud, with that kind of humility and open-handedness, I think we cannot rightfully say it is our truth and not just a story we are telling ourselves for one reason or another.
whoof. holding you and this process tenderly and gently.
i have been getting a bunch of insight and support in my own wrestling from _the things that scare you_ by pema chödrön and _anatomy of the spirit_ by caroline myss
carolyn hax also often has wise words for me, and these have helped me recently (i paraphrase): "let acceptance come first; understanding may or may not come after that, but you can start with acceptance of what *is*."
also: breath, breath, breath and leaning into the discomfort of the moment
It is this process of discernment - knowing when more discernment is needed, specifically, that I have found most valuable in my upbringing and experience as a Quaker. My Aunt calls it my ‘Inner Clearness Committee.’ It came to mind reading what you wrote, and I offer that up in support of your process and your heart, that may need some holding right now. ❤️
Thank you for the holding. Yes to discernment and Inner Clearness Committees. I think the thing that I am circling around and trying to language properly is the necessity of submitting to outer discernment as well at the hands of those we know will not agree with us before any of us can rightfully said to know the truth. Not those who will degrade us or dehumanize us, but those who will listen actively and say, "Yeah, I think that's not quite right. I think you're missing this piece over here. Have you thought of it another way?" Until we're willing to actually test and risk our truth out loud, with that kind of humility and open-handedness, I think we cannot rightfully say it is our truth and not just a story we are telling ourselves for one reason or another.
whoof. holding you and this process tenderly and gently.
i have been getting a bunch of insight and support in my own wrestling from _the things that scare you_ by pema chödrön and _anatomy of the spirit_ by caroline myss
carolyn hax also often has wise words for me, and these have helped me recently (i paraphrase): "let acceptance come first; understanding may or may not come after that, but you can start with acceptance of what *is*."
also: breath, breath, breath and leaning into the discomfort of the moment
i'm sad for you and for the pain of right now
Thank you. Yes. There's no negotiating with reality, ultimately, particularly in this case.
Holding you, dear Asha.