Comments on: Part 4: Teeth

By: Paul

Paul — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 15:42:59 +0000

Thanks for the valuable observation, Susan. To expand upon it, as each of us walks through the world we imagine we are alone in our inner suffering.

But one’s uniqueness is only within the imagination and protected by ego. I think this is the basis of compassion. If I harbor feelings of inadequacy or sadness or whatever, so must you. If I have need of your understanding, patience, and kindness, so must you have the need of mine.

And, as you suggest, it begins with having compassion for oneself.

By: heart in san francisco

heart in san francisco — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 09:01:05 +0000

What a fascinating exercise you’ve undertaken! I read these meditations with great interest and admiration, and I think you’re right that our personalities are greatly affected by events in our childhood like your broken tooth, which make time stand still in a way. Even though the tooth is eventually repaired, inside we forever feel like a painfully self-conscious kid who dares not smile.

We all have something like that to overcome, whether or not it shows. And we all feel inadequate in some way. Perhaps maturity is accepting our own imperfections as generously as we do those of others.

By: Paul

Paul — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 15:31:14 +0000

Thanks for stopping by, Peter. I’m enjoying the process of examination. Part of the process is figuring out what comes next. It’s like having a plan with no plan behind it.

By: Peter Clothier

Peter Clothier — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 22:39:55 +0000

What a good idea this is, Paul! Sorry I’ve been out of touch for so long, and not following the blogs–other than, selfishly, my own! I do think this is a terrific series, one that could make an interesting little book. Speaking of which, I must bet back to my re-reading of “While I Am Not Afraid.” Blessings…