A friend of mine recently sent me a video of a young stray kitten and a mama cat. The kitten was inside a box that had been tilted on its side. The older cat came in to comfort him, but the tiny cat hissed and scratched so vehemently that she ran out. But she came back a few moments later and quietly arranged herself in the front of the box with her back to the frightened kitten. He hissed and struck out at her with all his might many times, but she just kept her steady countenance and ignored all his threatening behaviors. He really tried to scare her away!
After a while though, he ran out of steam and saw that she was not going away, so he just sat down next to her and relaxed, as if there was nothing else to do. 💕
I wonder if we’re called to be the momma cat in the face of all the fearful and threatening ones in this world. Not to allow them to hurt us, but to keep our countenance of love and point them back to love and safety in who and what we are being, to stand up for the preciousness of life in the face of cruelty and violence, like Martin Luther King and Gandhi, and not to be corrupted by the swirling fear and hatred.
In my experience of the divine, we are all innocent and precious, no matter how awful and deranged our behavior is, or how lost and separate we feel.
Seems like that’s the good news that can guide us back to being human and our true Selves.
Hi Donna! They did a piece on the Human Library on the CBS Sunday Morning program and I loved it! So happy to read your post and I am always touched when you mention Debbie. Her work still lives inside me. Sending you lots of love and hope.
Lovely and heartfelt, Donna. Yes, some actions are beyond our understanding. And beyond our acceptance. It’s a constant practice, isn’t it. Keep fighting the good fight. ❤️
Thanks, dear Jane. So lovely to hear from you. Yes, that is it - a constant practice. As I said in my previous article, practice is the secret of life! I hope you are well.
I like what you've written but think you're being too hard on yourself. I struggle with the idea that every difficult relationship can or should be repaired. Curiosity works best when it is mutual. What happens when one person is willing to listen openly, but the other has no interest in offering the same respect?
Some people may not be “reachable” in the sense that they are unwilling or unable, at least right now, to engage honestly, reflect, or reciprocate openness. That doesn’t mean we stop being compassionate. It may simply mean compassion takes the form of boundaries rather than reconciliation.
Can a meaningful conversation happen if only one person is committed to curiosity?
Hi David, Thanks so much for your feedback. It means a lot to have your insight. I agree that it may be futile! My work seems to be accepting life as it is in this moment - and to stop beating myself up!
There is a difference between people with different opinions and life experiences and people who are toxic. I’m happy to learn from anyone about anything, but having grown up with a mother who was a narcissist, I know that there are some people who are unable (not unwilling) to change. I refuse to allow toxic people in my life any more. That’s self love, not judgment IMO. Also, quote for the day: when arguing with an idiot, make sure the other side is not doing the same. Another fascinating article. I think my question to a “book” would be “what would you like me to know about you?” My book would probably be something along the lines of “figuring out later in life that I’m probably on the spectrum”.
BTW, just to be sure we’re on the same page, I first met you in 1970 when you were pledging and used to hang out at my house with my sister who was 1 of the 5. You were always very kind to me.
Love this, Donna! So well spoken.
A friend of mine recently sent me a video of a young stray kitten and a mama cat. The kitten was inside a box that had been tilted on its side. The older cat came in to comfort him, but the tiny cat hissed and scratched so vehemently that she ran out. But she came back a few moments later and quietly arranged herself in the front of the box with her back to the frightened kitten. He hissed and struck out at her with all his might many times, but she just kept her steady countenance and ignored all his threatening behaviors. He really tried to scare her away!
After a while though, he ran out of steam and saw that she was not going away, so he just sat down next to her and relaxed, as if there was nothing else to do. 💕
I wonder if we’re called to be the momma cat in the face of all the fearful and threatening ones in this world. Not to allow them to hurt us, but to keep our countenance of love and point them back to love and safety in who and what we are being, to stand up for the preciousness of life in the face of cruelty and violence, like Martin Luther King and Gandhi, and not to be corrupted by the swirling fear and hatred.
In my experience of the divine, we are all innocent and precious, no matter how awful and deranged our behavior is, or how lost and separate we feel.
Seems like that’s the good news that can guide us back to being human and our true Selves.
Beautiful, Elena.
Hi Donna! They did a piece on the Human Library on the CBS Sunday Morning program and I loved it! So happy to read your post and I am always touched when you mention Debbie. Her work still lives inside me. Sending you lots of love and hope.
Fascinating concept!
Lovely and heartfelt, Donna. Yes, some actions are beyond our understanding. And beyond our acceptance. It’s a constant practice, isn’t it. Keep fighting the good fight. ❤️
Thanks, dear Jane. So lovely to hear from you. Yes, that is it - a constant practice. As I said in my previous article, practice is the secret of life! I hope you are well.
I like what you've written but think you're being too hard on yourself. I struggle with the idea that every difficult relationship can or should be repaired. Curiosity works best when it is mutual. What happens when one person is willing to listen openly, but the other has no interest in offering the same respect?
Some people may not be “reachable” in the sense that they are unwilling or unable, at least right now, to engage honestly, reflect, or reciprocate openness. That doesn’t mean we stop being compassionate. It may simply mean compassion takes the form of boundaries rather than reconciliation.
Can a meaningful conversation happen if only one person is committed to curiosity?
Hi David, Thanks so much for your feedback. It means a lot to have your insight. I agree that it may be futile! My work seems to be accepting life as it is in this moment - and to stop beating myself up!
There is a difference between people with different opinions and life experiences and people who are toxic. I’m happy to learn from anyone about anything, but having grown up with a mother who was a narcissist, I know that there are some people who are unable (not unwilling) to change. I refuse to allow toxic people in my life any more. That’s self love, not judgment IMO. Also, quote for the day: when arguing with an idiot, make sure the other side is not doing the same. Another fascinating article. I think my question to a “book” would be “what would you like me to know about you?” My book would probably be something along the lines of “figuring out later in life that I’m probably on the spectrum”.
Thanks, LV! I love your library book! And, I appreciate your feedback.
BTW, just to be sure we’re on the same page, I first met you in 1970 when you were pledging and used to hang out at my house with my sister who was 1 of the 5. You were always very kind to me.