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Lori Fetzer's avatar

I've been taking time to reflect on unknowing and not knowing. I use this with my mom, making friends with whoever she is on each new day. It seems appropriate for someone living with Alzheimer's. Upon deeper reflection, and after listening to the interview with Ross Gay where he encouraged me to "unknown" my people so I can I delight in the newness of the relationship, I feel that it suits me to approach my people like this. It is expansive and freeing to let go of who I expect people to be and meet them new and fresh (to a certain extent, of course. In a healthy, happy way.)

There is a Buddhist teaching by Shunryu Suzuki that says In the beginner's mind there are many possibilities, in the expert's mind there are few. I am embracing not knowing and beginner's mind. It is expansive and freeing to be open to the possibilities.

I've also been reflecting on accommodating myself to the environment. It's like the old adage about not having what I want, but instead wanting what I have. I've been reading about this in nothing holy about it by Tim Burkett and in The Serviceberry by Robin Wall Kimmerer. It is expansive and freeing to not cling to my preferences but to accept things as they are.

Thanks for being! Thanks for continually encouraging deep thought. Thanks for encouraging me to show up as my best self.

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Sandy Couch's avatar

HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY! So grateful for you. For childhood memories and catching up. For sharing your thoughts and musings and beautiful photographs. Hope the year ahead is another trip of loving and learning. BIG HUGS - Love, Sandy

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