Real Intimacy versus Other-Dependent (or Other-Validated) Intimacy The only reason we don’t open our hearts and minds to other people is that they trigger confusion in us that we don’t feel brave enough or sane enough to deal with. – Pema Chödrön (The following is adapted and modified and riffed on from David Schnarch’s book, [...]
The following story is adapted from Pema Chödrön, “The Wisdom of No Escape,” pg. 29. Once upon a time there was a woman who was arrogant and proud. She decided she wanted to attain enlightenment, so she asked all the experts how to do that. Finally one told her, “Well, if you climb to the [...]
A Native American grandfather was speaking to his grandson about violence and cruelty in the world and how it comes about. He said it was as if two wolves were fighting in his heart. One wolf was vengeful, resentful, and angry, and the other wolf was understanding and kind. The young man asked his father [...]
