You've had quite the life, Rick... and it ain't over yet! Methinks you are destined to be forever on the highwire (cycle) without a net. I get the chills just thinking about the things you've done... what you've dared to do. Cheers, mate.
Thank you PJ. Everyone once in a while I have fleeting fantasy about playing closer to the ground, but I suspect you're right, there's a thirst for discovery that hasn't loosened its grip yet.
Having such a Teacher in your life who has achieved that level of mastery is a rare gift -- one our egos desperately need but so often resist.
Thanks for sharing their effect on you and your own struggle with that process. That, in and of itself demonstrates the effectiveness of their work, and your own growth. It seems you've come to know and sing your own song well.
My teacher always held this perspective up as a litmus test, advising us that if we wanted to know whether another teacher was worth working with or paying attention to the only thing you needed to look at was the state of teacher's students. Assess the tree by its fruits. And yes, I can honestly say that no single person in my life has done as much to clarify and encourage finding my tune.
I could feel my own anxiety mounting as I read this story! What a powerful reminder of how growth opportunities rarely arrive on our terms, and how much they ask of us in the moment. Thank you for sharing this in such an honest way; it really made me pause and reflect on my own edges.
: ) Sorry for the anxiety Rachel! But glad the mood was conveyed and you got to peer over your edges. It's so important to our growth that we acknowledge we have them and pay attention to where they are. Thank you for going there with me.
Loved this Rick! “Sometimes you’re just playing for the Angels,” really resonated with me.
Like so many in my generation who were intent on bringing about some large scale social change, I have lately been utterly content making beautiful silk scarves out of men’s donated neckties.
It’s all I want to do.
This one simple, self-gratifying task is teaching me that there is great value (for me and perhaps for the angels), in doing something as simple as taking an increasingly obsolete symbol of masculine power and transforming it energetically and figuratively into flowing expressions of the deep feminine, a reconciling force for good.
That's beautiful Vicki. How wonderful you're giving yourself permission to honor the call toward this simple beautification and transformation of substance by your actual hands. I feel more grounded just hearing your story about the work.
Another thought-provoking essay. There’s so much here. The fact that you shared this experience with your teacher makes it feel like he’s still having the chance to teach others through you.
I feel in many ways like you’ve been that similarly wise and insightful teacher for me. It is miraculous how the universe provides the right teacher at the right time.
Your spiritual group sounds super interesting. I’d love to hear more stories from that group.
Thank you Kathy. It's profoundly nourishing to feel such gratitude to someone who has instilled perspectives and energy that is life-giving and have the opportunity to share it forward with others who are receptive and responsive to the gifts.
You've had quite the life, Rick... and it ain't over yet! Methinks you are destined to be forever on the highwire (cycle) without a net. I get the chills just thinking about the things you've done... what you've dared to do. Cheers, mate.
Thank you PJ. Everyone once in a while I have fleeting fantasy about playing closer to the ground, but I suspect you're right, there's a thirst for discovery that hasn't loosened its grip yet.
Wonderful story, Rick.
Having such a Teacher in your life who has achieved that level of mastery is a rare gift -- one our egos desperately need but so often resist.
Thanks for sharing their effect on you and your own struggle with that process. That, in and of itself demonstrates the effectiveness of their work, and your own growth. It seems you've come to know and sing your own song well.
My teacher always held this perspective up as a litmus test, advising us that if we wanted to know whether another teacher was worth working with or paying attention to the only thing you needed to look at was the state of teacher's students. Assess the tree by its fruits. And yes, I can honestly say that no single person in my life has done as much to clarify and encourage finding my tune.
I thought this also. Rick’s teacher was such a huge gift, giving Rick what he needed when he needed it.
After being in groups for 2 years that Rick has facilitated, I can say the same of Rick himself regarding what he’s taught me.
That's very kind and so good to hear Kathy.
Love the ending...The secret is knowing your song.
How true that is.
Thanks Genie.
I could feel my own anxiety mounting as I read this story! What a powerful reminder of how growth opportunities rarely arrive on our terms, and how much they ask of us in the moment. Thank you for sharing this in such an honest way; it really made me pause and reflect on my own edges.
: ) Sorry for the anxiety Rachel! But glad the mood was conveyed and you got to peer over your edges. It's so important to our growth that we acknowledge we have them and pay attention to where they are. Thank you for going there with me.
Loved this Rick! “Sometimes you’re just playing for the Angels,” really resonated with me.
Like so many in my generation who were intent on bringing about some large scale social change, I have lately been utterly content making beautiful silk scarves out of men’s donated neckties.
It’s all I want to do.
This one simple, self-gratifying task is teaching me that there is great value (for me and perhaps for the angels), in doing something as simple as taking an increasingly obsolete symbol of masculine power and transforming it energetically and figuratively into flowing expressions of the deep feminine, a reconciling force for good.
That's beautiful Vicki. How wonderful you're giving yourself permission to honor the call toward this simple beautification and transformation of substance by your actual hands. I feel more grounded just hearing your story about the work.
Another thought-provoking essay. There’s so much here. The fact that you shared this experience with your teacher makes it feel like he’s still having the chance to teach others through you.
I feel in many ways like you’ve been that similarly wise and insightful teacher for me. It is miraculous how the universe provides the right teacher at the right time.
Your spiritual group sounds super interesting. I’d love to hear more stories from that group.
Thank you Kathy. It's profoundly nourishing to feel such gratitude to someone who has instilled perspectives and energy that is life-giving and have the opportunity to share it forward with others who are receptive and responsive to the gifts.
❤️
Thanks Annie.