Curiosity as Shadow Work

I'm doing what I can to lean into curiosity and beginner's mind when talking to people. I'm still stumbling here and there - it's hard not to rage a bit with all the horrific things happening that are capturing my attention, but I'm slowly getting better at being present and holding space for people that I don't agree with in order to arrive at a connection where a healthy conversation and deeper understanding might start.

It's not easy - and it's very uncomfortable, but when I'm able to pull away from The Judge in my brain that wants to create fantastical stories of disaster and betrayal, it's easier for me to open up to more options being possible.

It's emotional heavy lifting, definitely. But SO worth it.

And I still definitely block folks who I can't reach. My time is better spent with other human beings actively looking for connection and healing through open and clear communication.

But we Need to have a MEANINGFUL conversation around how to maintain healthy communities with the knowledge that there are social predators threaded throughout our ranks whose sole purpose is to sow discord and grief.

And the tendency they have to want to hold power over other people.

To 'control their emotional food source' as it were. They are emboldened by fear. Fear helps them indoctrinate - because it pushes folks into a primal brain reaction that is incapable of logical thinking. In this way, it takes away any choice other than obey and submit.

Find your balance, your ground. That place inside you that is unshakeable in its knowing that you don't have to make excuses for your authentic existence because someone decided to shame you over the way they reacted internally to you.

You have Value. You are Worthy of love, trust and connection. You are worthy of being known and loved by the world.

May you find that love, and may you THRIVE in it.