Maia, those are great questions! Although, honestly, just the thought of someone questioning me, calling me out, and pulling the rug from underneath me triggers me. I understand why you sometimes wish she hadn't come. But I can also see how valuable it can be to take a step back when we feel triggered and ask the questions you present.
Hi Sandra, I probably should have offered more context -- all of that happens in a context of unconditional love between us. I have no doubt that my friend is not judging me, and that she'll never stop caring about or loving me. Her questions and observations come from that place, and that's what makes it possible for me to be open to them even when I hit places of discomfort inside.
I love this, and I especially love that it comes from you--someone who is trained as a Buddhist chaplain. It seems like the desire for inner peace can so easily become conflated with abiding the status quo. Really dharma practice feels to me more like disrupting our own karmic patterns and habits, personally and socially. Thank you, Maia!
Love this, Maia! I feel like this is arriving at a serendipitous time. I appreciate the positive disruption opening vignette with your friend. Honesty like that is really valuable.
Perfect timing. Yes, I need your patron saints. Yesterday I questioned my choices. Retiring and moving. So very uncomfortable yet seemingly necessary. Today I woke to a beautiful tree outside my new bedroom window, a new great-grandson born 6/1/2026 and your blog. Positive disruption surrounds me. I’ve no idea of next steps but I know I can do it. Fear and hope can walk with me. Thanks for your words.
That's a lovely way to think of positive disruption! The kind that comes with big life transitions and shows up in ways big and small, some disorienting and some delightful. Congrats on your new great-grandson!
Maia, those are great questions! Although, honestly, just the thought of someone questioning me, calling me out, and pulling the rug from underneath me triggers me. I understand why you sometimes wish she hadn't come. But I can also see how valuable it can be to take a step back when we feel triggered and ask the questions you present.
Hi Sandra, I probably should have offered more context -- all of that happens in a context of unconditional love between us. I have no doubt that my friend is not judging me, and that she'll never stop caring about or loving me. Her questions and observations come from that place, and that's what makes it possible for me to be open to them even when I hit places of discomfort inside.
Maia, I did get that sense, but this clarifies it even more. It sounds like a beautiful friendship and I appreciate how courageous you are.
I love this idea and the words to frame it--positive disruption! Thank you, Maia.
I love this, and I especially love that it comes from you--someone who is trained as a Buddhist chaplain. It seems like the desire for inner peace can so easily become conflated with abiding the status quo. Really dharma practice feels to me more like disrupting our own karmic patterns and habits, personally and socially. Thank you, Maia!
Love this, Maia! I feel like this is arriving at a serendipitous time. I appreciate the positive disruption opening vignette with your friend. Honesty like that is really valuable.
You've written about this so eloquently and so authentically, Maia. You make discomfort... well, a little less... uncomfortable!
Un/welcome shakes, pulls…
May “positive disruptions”
open eyes, rock boat.
love this! Thank you, Marisol : )
Perfect timing. Yes, I need your patron saints. Yesterday I questioned my choices. Retiring and moving. So very uncomfortable yet seemingly necessary. Today I woke to a beautiful tree outside my new bedroom window, a new great-grandson born 6/1/2026 and your blog. Positive disruption surrounds me. I’ve no idea of next steps but I know I can do it. Fear and hope can walk with me. Thanks for your words.
That's a lovely way to think of positive disruption! The kind that comes with big life transitions and shows up in ways big and small, some disorienting and some delightful. Congrats on your new great-grandson!