This morning, I was still sitting with a range of emotions some of them escalated. I knew on an academic level that the moral outrage I was feeling and the judgements I was making were partially driven by how confused I was by the things I had seen. But there was more to it and I did not know what.
I also knew, that come hell or high water I had made certain commitments to myself and I needed to honor those. So I got in touch with me and set out to do what was in front of me to do next, cleaning the laundry room.
I gathered my supplies and my iPod and set about the task at hand. Suddenly, the real pattern in my thinking forced its way into my consciousness. My fear of being alone, abandoned, unsafe, my fears of being neglected were all wrapped up in the things I had seen. They were skewing my perception, distorting my reaction. I began to cry. And then, I was done. My heart still hurts I still miss our family pet. I still miss the other creature whose end I witnessed, completely by accident. But, I don't feel outraged, I don't feel liking shaming anyone, I don't feel guilty or wanting to lay guilt on anyone, and I don't feel pity for myself or these other beings who signed up in whatever capacity to live in an impermanent world that takes no prisoners. And I know that peeling away another layer of my thinking eventually leads to more joy. Eventually.
(Harry, whose first name was Sally until we could no longer ignore the large anatomy proving he was a boy. We had 5 years with you, you awesome little man.)
Oh my...I know exactly how you feel. I am terrified by the same things and sometimes I take it out on my loved ones, too. AND I end up appologizing for my behavior. In the end my best therapy is the same...clean something and think for a good long time. It's amzing how one thing leads us down the road to so many more emotions. And we survive non the less. I wanted to thank you for stopping by my blog and would love to send you a print of my crow if you would send me your address!? mylifewithmonkeys at gmail
ReplyDeleteHi Kellee, Thanks for stopping by. I used to be terribly afraid of my own emotions, like they might crush me and I would cease to exist. But you are so right, we survive and sometimes even thrive.
ReplyDeleteWish I could give you a hug right now:( Sorry to hear about Harry. I think death can bring about a lot of different emotions, both good and bad, because it reminds us of how fragile life really is and that can make us feel vulnerable and scared.
ReplyDeleteNobody's perfect, but being able to stand back, assess a situation, realize that you made a wrong choice and then proceed to apologize and right the wrong takes immense strength. You, my friend, are an incredibly strong person. Hope to see and talk with you soon.
Julie, You are a great friend. I really miss you. Thanks so much for your kindness!!
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