From William James, author of The Varieties of Religious Experience:
To change one's life:
Start immediately
Do it flamboyantly.
No exceptions.
(A thought about flamboyance: it constitutes a public announcement, which tends to strengthen a commitment.)
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5 comments:
That is absolutely true, Peggy. When you do something flamboyantly, you do so with flair and confidence! It strengthens your own belief in yourself, and exudes an outer appearance of poise(even if it is kind of like "poise" on speed!), and declaration.
I like that you are publicly announcing your commitment to making some changes. I think that it will help you to stay focused on your goals. I am also very excited about reading the end results of your commitment to change. In both of your novels, I saw glimmers of how your spirit has a need to take things down a different path. There were some very brave moments in both Revelation and Sister India. Moments that really spoke about honesty, commitment to searching for our true selves while remaining connected to others, and what our connection with the Divine is meant to be.
It sounds like you are about to reach a very exciting place in your writing, so don't stop now! I promise to ask you about your "flamboyancy" every now and then, just to hold you to it. I have faith in your commitment to driving down a road that seems a bit dark and mysterious in a car covered with colorful morning glories! You have already begun the journey...
Wow, you're a therapist + pastoral counselor. Very encouraging. Thanks, Debra.
Peggy, I am glad that I could be encouraging. You provided me with a lot of encouragement during your workshops at Rancho La Puerta, so I am happy to know that I am able to do the same for you. I am not really a "professional" anything(other than mother) but I am always glad to share what I can.
Hope you are having a great day!
Probably a lot of psychotherapy and pastoral counseling is mothering.
That is very true, Peggy. When I was volunteering in Spiritual Care at the hospital, I did end up "mothering" many of my patients. Psychotherapists provide individuals with what they need at any given time in their lives, and often, that can include parenting. I also think that religion can be another form of parenting, so there you have it. Unofficially, I guess I am a therapist and a pastoral counselor. Thanks for your confidence in me!
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