I think I used to follow you on Facebook. It's cool to see you writing on substack.
This post spoke to me - especially with regards to the sharing of suffering as a bridge over the chasm of human isolation and separateness. To let go of one's ego, when it is so fostered in suffering (the view that says "my pain is worse than yours") is one of the hardest things to do because we have already suffered and the notion of letting our proverbial guard down is too frightening for we fear further carnage of the soul. But this fear is not realised, when we see that suffering is general and goes across creeds, culture and colour. Anything that suggests otherwise is an act of political expediency.
Thank you for this beautiful post. It was just what I needed to read today and perfectly reflects where I am along my own inner path to soften into my own suffering so that I may more readily soften into the suffering of others. This includes seeing their point of view first and letting go of my desperate need to be seen and heard for my perspective above all else. This is some of the most difficult inner work I have ever done and a friendship of 30 years ended because of our competing needs to be “the one in the right”. Regret is a suffering we all share.
What you are saying about seeing each other and our shared pain and vulnerabilities, reminds of something I read this morning from Walt Whitman:
I think I will do nothing for a long time but listen,
And accrue what I hear into myself….and let sounds contribute toward me.
As with your witnessing of others, Whitman’s words resonate with me: can I let go of my own ego needs enough to hear the other person’s needs FIRST before my own? What is the softest thing I can offer another person (and myself)? Words of advice or loving silence?
Since November of 2020, this has been my inner work - to let go of my clinging need to be heard and instead hear the other person through my heart. I have had great successes and bitter disappointments; each one has its own kind of deeper understanding and I am grateful for each kind of learning.
There is so much more I could say about your beautiful words, Sam! But I will close with how needed they are right now. A vital reminder and a call to challenge ourselves to hear and to see the other’s needs before own as very often they are the same thing
Elizabeth, it’s so nice to hear from you and I’m really happy the piece resonated. Thank you so much for reading and for sharing. Love to you and yours
Hi Sam
I think I used to follow you on Facebook. It's cool to see you writing on substack.
This post spoke to me - especially with regards to the sharing of suffering as a bridge over the chasm of human isolation and separateness. To let go of one's ego, when it is so fostered in suffering (the view that says "my pain is worse than yours") is one of the hardest things to do because we have already suffered and the notion of letting our proverbial guard down is too frightening for we fear further carnage of the soul. But this fear is not realised, when we see that suffering is general and goes across creeds, culture and colour. Anything that suggests otherwise is an act of political expediency.
Enjoying your pieces - take care
Another really good post Samuel. Thank you.
Thank you, my friend.
Hello Samuel,
Thank you for this beautiful post. It was just what I needed to read today and perfectly reflects where I am along my own inner path to soften into my own suffering so that I may more readily soften into the suffering of others. This includes seeing their point of view first and letting go of my desperate need to be seen and heard for my perspective above all else. This is some of the most difficult inner work I have ever done and a friendship of 30 years ended because of our competing needs to be “the one in the right”. Regret is a suffering we all share.
What you are saying about seeing each other and our shared pain and vulnerabilities, reminds of something I read this morning from Walt Whitman:
I think I will do nothing for a long time but listen,
And accrue what I hear into myself….and let sounds contribute toward me.
As with your witnessing of others, Whitman’s words resonate with me: can I let go of my own ego needs enough to hear the other person’s needs FIRST before my own? What is the softest thing I can offer another person (and myself)? Words of advice or loving silence?
Since November of 2020, this has been my inner work - to let go of my clinging need to be heard and instead hear the other person through my heart. I have had great successes and bitter disappointments; each one has its own kind of deeper understanding and I am grateful for each kind of learning.
There is so much more I could say about your beautiful words, Sam! But I will close with how needed they are right now. A vital reminder and a call to challenge ourselves to hear and to see the other’s needs before own as very often they are the same thing
Much love to you!
Xoxo
Elizabeth, it’s so nice to hear from you and I’m really happy the piece resonated. Thank you so much for reading and for sharing. Love to you and yours