"...acting without desire..." - I like your explanation about seeing both sides and how it enables a level of nonviolence in our thoughts, words, and actions, like Gandhi practiced. It's a very hard thing to do but, like you explained, it can improve our lives and help us understand our values. Not sure how people can start thinking this way... Maybe it should starts with kids and schools...
Yes.. it's a tall order, in our world! However, there is something about doing our best, each one of us, to embody the values of taking care of the whole, not just ourselves. It might be helpful to think in terms of love rather than desire, so "acting without desire" becomes "acting with love". In this way it can be effortless and joyous and much more peaceful and relaxing than acting with a specific intent.
I've just started to read a book by Paul Levy called Wetiko, which really explores the ideas in this article in depth, so will have more ideas about it surfacing after I've digested it.
One thing I do know right now, this work starts with each one of us, especially those of us who already have the support of tools such as yoga and meditation.
Thanks you so much for your comments and support of this newsletter Michelle! It's my dream to have more of a discussion around these ideas. I really agree with you that this is a very hard thing to do... and perhaps the way each person starts to think in this way is very personal and not for me to suggest... It not easy that is for sure... But I feel it's somehow necessary. Jxx
"...acting without desire..." - I like your explanation about seeing both sides and how it enables a level of nonviolence in our thoughts, words, and actions, like Gandhi practiced. It's a very hard thing to do but, like you explained, it can improve our lives and help us understand our values. Not sure how people can start thinking this way... Maybe it should starts with kids and schools...
Yes.. it's a tall order, in our world! However, there is something about doing our best, each one of us, to embody the values of taking care of the whole, not just ourselves. It might be helpful to think in terms of love rather than desire, so "acting without desire" becomes "acting with love". In this way it can be effortless and joyous and much more peaceful and relaxing than acting with a specific intent.
I've just started to read a book by Paul Levy called Wetiko, which really explores the ideas in this article in depth, so will have more ideas about it surfacing after I've digested it.
One thing I do know right now, this work starts with each one of us, especially those of us who already have the support of tools such as yoga and meditation.
Thanks you so much for your comments and support of this newsletter Michelle! It's my dream to have more of a discussion around these ideas. I really agree with you that this is a very hard thing to do... and perhaps the way each person starts to think in this way is very personal and not for me to suggest... It not easy that is for sure... But I feel it's somehow necessary. Jxx