I’ve been re-reading Pema Chodron’s ‘When Things Fall Apart: Heart Advice for Difficult Times’ and I love her description of similar sentiments in “When things fall apart and we’re on the verge of we know not what, the test for each of us is stay on that brink and not concretize” Essentially she calls it being nailed to the present moment. I really appreciated your Substack, especially finding me while reading Chodron. I echo your concerns about floating away from the pain. We rob ourselves of so much by numbing, fleeing or deluding that we aren’t having this human experience.
Thank you so much for sharing this, Ryan. I haven’t read the book but I’m really touched that my writing found you at the same time you were revisiting Chödrön’s work. That overlap speaks to how universal and recurring these human experiences are.
Can you believe it was first written in 1997? Even reading the 20th Anniversary Edition from 2016, it strikes me how timeless Chodron’s message is if not a little uncanny for our current times.
Excellent piece. It seems as if everything has been reduced to an instagram quote. And from that comes no wisdom. And yet it's wisdom we seek. 🤔or not?!
I know exactly what you mean. There’s a real temptation to condense deep truths into bite-sized, aesthetic slogans, but in doing so, we often lose the depth and nuance that true wisdom requires.
And wisdom is usually hard earned. You have to be present, with all the pain that sometimes goes with that, and continue to move forward (somehow). This process takes time and anything short of instantaneous just doesn't fit the "modern" paradigm. What a waste of so many lives! What a waste of so much potential wisdom!
Wow another incredible peice!! I think you really broke this topic wide open!! It never ceases to amaze me the level of depth, wisdom and understanding that goes into your writings!! I cant tell you how timely this one is for me!! It resonated in such a deep and meaningful way!! I love the teachings that you share!! They are full of humanity and humility!! You explain things in away that opens the door for everyone not just the super self controllers!! I have always enjoyed learning about different spiritual practices and teachings...but I felt like there was no way someone like me so vibrating with emotion theres no way to put a lid on this pot!! But little by little being exposed to you and others like you Im realizing thats not the point!! So thank you so much for your writings!! It matters so much more than you may know!!
Thank you so much for your incredibly kind words, Tara.
I'm honored to be a small part of your unfolding path and I'm grateful that the words found their way to you at the right time. Your message truly reminds me why I write. Thank you for taking the time to share this :)
FACTS, everything here is just facts, I am making a comic book and my main characters super power is to wipe nonchalance, that's why we are so scared of AI cause everyone is trying to act like AI with curated emotions cause we know if we felt more, we would be more
So valuable and helpful in these (and all) tumultuous times. <3
I'm glad you believe so, Stephanie :)
I’ve been re-reading Pema Chodron’s ‘When Things Fall Apart: Heart Advice for Difficult Times’ and I love her description of similar sentiments in “When things fall apart and we’re on the verge of we know not what, the test for each of us is stay on that brink and not concretize” Essentially she calls it being nailed to the present moment. I really appreciated your Substack, especially finding me while reading Chodron. I echo your concerns about floating away from the pain. We rob ourselves of so much by numbing, fleeing or deluding that we aren’t having this human experience.
Thank you so much for sharing this, Ryan. I haven’t read the book but I’m really touched that my writing found you at the same time you were revisiting Chödrön’s work. That overlap speaks to how universal and recurring these human experiences are.
One of my very favorite books Ryan!!
Can you believe it was first written in 1997? Even reading the 20th Anniversary Edition from 2016, it strikes me how timeless Chodron’s message is if not a little uncanny for our current times.
That really is...shocking. Both points you made!
Excellent piece. It seems as if everything has been reduced to an instagram quote. And from that comes no wisdom. And yet it's wisdom we seek. 🤔or not?!
Thank you so much, Pat.
I know exactly what you mean. There’s a real temptation to condense deep truths into bite-sized, aesthetic slogans, but in doing so, we often lose the depth and nuance that true wisdom requires.
And wisdom is usually hard earned. You have to be present, with all the pain that sometimes goes with that, and continue to move forward (somehow). This process takes time and anything short of instantaneous just doesn't fit the "modern" paradigm. What a waste of so many lives! What a waste of so much potential wisdom!
A very compelling essay that hits the right points! Compassion fueled by wisdom will certainly produce right action not indifference.
I'm happy it resonated with you, Richard. Yup, it's that balance of heart and clarity that can truly transform how we respond to the world.
Wow another incredible peice!! I think you really broke this topic wide open!! It never ceases to amaze me the level of depth, wisdom and understanding that goes into your writings!! I cant tell you how timely this one is for me!! It resonated in such a deep and meaningful way!! I love the teachings that you share!! They are full of humanity and humility!! You explain things in away that opens the door for everyone not just the super self controllers!! I have always enjoyed learning about different spiritual practices and teachings...but I felt like there was no way someone like me so vibrating with emotion theres no way to put a lid on this pot!! But little by little being exposed to you and others like you Im realizing thats not the point!! So thank you so much for your writings!! It matters so much more than you may know!!
Thank you so much for your incredibly kind words, Tara.
I'm honored to be a small part of your unfolding path and I'm grateful that the words found their way to you at the right time. Your message truly reminds me why I write. Thank you for taking the time to share this :)
FACTS, everything here is just facts, I am making a comic book and my main characters super power is to wipe nonchalance, that's why we are so scared of AI cause everyone is trying to act like AI with curated emotions cause we know if we felt more, we would be more