"The second reason you get up is that you’re loved. You don’t always notice it because it’s easy to become preoccupied with how much you hurt. But you are loved . . . by the farmers who grew the food you ate, the mechanic who changed your oil, and the people who maintain the roads. You are loved by the people who watch over your kids at school and their teachers. You’re loved by doctors, pharmacists, plumbers, truck drivers, bakers and mailmen. Even though they don’t always meet your expectations, they are doing what they can to try to keep you in the game. Without them the game would be unplayable."
I for one have never before viewed my simple everyday interactions with other people as received love. What a powerful observation! People doing their best at what they do in service to others certainly IS love, isn't it?
Thanks Barry. As always, an illuminating post. While reading this I couldn't help but think about how I needed to read this many decades ago, although I have no regrets.
Also, whenever I overcome procrastination and just start to do the next necessary thing, good things happen. "Well begun is half done"—Mary Poppins
Thank you so much Prof Brownstein. More exquisite wisdom. The perfect start to my day, having spent the night restless with worry... overly self-absorbed... this is a perfectly timed re-calibration.
These two essays on the session starting in May have really given me food for thought. I can only hope that reading the books and participating in the sessions lead to further changes in my way of being.
Kylee, You have been thoughtfully allowing what you read into your being. That is our part; the rest comes by grace. For most of us, this is experienced as a slow process of transformation.
Wow, Barry - this one is pure gold.
"The second reason you get up is that you’re loved. You don’t always notice it because it’s easy to become preoccupied with how much you hurt. But you are loved . . . by the farmers who grew the food you ate, the mechanic who changed your oil, and the people who maintain the roads. You are loved by the people who watch over your kids at school and their teachers. You’re loved by doctors, pharmacists, plumbers, truck drivers, bakers and mailmen. Even though they don’t always meet your expectations, they are doing what they can to try to keep you in the game. Without them the game would be unplayable."
I for one have never before viewed my simple everyday interactions with other people as received love. What a powerful observation! People doing their best at what they do in service to others certainly IS love, isn't it?
And again I say... wow.
Thank you, Jim.
I agree, Krech's words are poetic gold.
I agree - pure gold!
Thanks Barry. As always, an illuminating post. While reading this I couldn't help but think about how I needed to read this many decades ago, although I have no regrets.
Also, whenever I overcome procrastination and just start to do the next necessary thing, good things happen. "Well begun is half done"—Mary Poppins
Thank you. We are all learners on this path, so, as you write, no regrets.
What a simple rule. Do the next necessary thing!
Thank you so much Prof Brownstein. More exquisite wisdom. The perfect start to my day, having spent the night restless with worry... overly self-absorbed... this is a perfectly timed re-calibration.
And what great kindness my family has been shown today by complete strangers! I am so grateful!
Kylee, Thank you. I'm glad my essay played a small part.
And yes, when we alter our gaze by turning just a bit from our internal chatter, how different things seem.
These two essays on the session starting in May have really given me food for thought. I can only hope that reading the books and participating in the sessions lead to further changes in my way of being.
Kylee, You have been thoughtfully allowing what you read into your being. That is our part; the rest comes by grace. For most of us, this is experienced as a slow process of transformation.
I am very grateful for your counsel Prof Brownstein.
Thank you, Kylee. As I am grateful for the opportunity to work with you.