Living Authentically — living from the core of who you are for lasting satisfaction

Update from Evan

by Evan on 2017/06/19

Uni

This year I’ve started a BA. It’s been interesting going as a mature age student. In some cases knowing more than the lecturer about some sub-topic (eg. gestalt as a sub-topic in humanistic psychotherapy); in others knowing more in different areas that get mentioned in passing (no, arts tutor, there was not a major depression in the 1960’s).

The pettifogging of academia has tried my patience. Is it really a crime to use an initial instead of a name (or vice versa) in citations?

I’ve really enjoyed the other students. It’s been very enjoyable to have intellectual exchange.

An unacknowledged part of uni is life experience. I can do better than younger people just due to general life experience (sussing out what the lecturer is after and what the question means). Which is unfair. My ideas about people being more than their intellect have been confirmed.

Life is Full

My wife and I are caring for our niece and nephew. We aren’t sure for how long. But it has meant lots of extra little things to do, and these add up.

It is rewarding, and also ‘has its moments’.

Coming Up

I have a post (a book review) on philosophy of self-development planned. If you would like me to cover a topic, let me know. Evan

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Thoughts on Easter Sunday: Joy is Possible

by Evan on 2017/04/16

in Spirituality

This year I’ve been studying at uni. These thoughts are inspired by an assignment I had for an art subject.

Joy is Possible

Even here, even now. Without lying to ourselves about how awful many situations are. Without minimising how much death and misery there is.

Joy is . . .

Joy is engaging. Engaging with our beloved, a challenge, a situation, an artistic medium.

Joy is vulnerable. We are affected by what we engage with; a change can mean the end of our joy.

Joy is helped by safety. A safe place where we are free to try, experiment, learn, fail. Being stressed by risk doesn’t make for joy.

Joy is about what is true. Whether the depths of our self, an insight from a joke, or the possibilities and limitations of an artistic medium.

Joy is in all parts of the creative process. The inspiration, the making, discovering what we want to say or do, and in the delight in a well resolved work.

Joy is possible . . .

Joy is possible if we set aside our prejudices and engage with what is before us;

a blank piece of paper and some paint,

a friend,

a difficulty.

Not forcing ourselves, but in our own time and rhythm.

Joy means engaging with something. Which means bringing,

our hopes,

our thoughts,

our fears,

our love,

our skill and clumsiness;

our past delights and disappointments,

to the here and now.

Perhaps tentatively, or brashly, or with calm deliberation.

Joy is possible.

If,

we will engage with who and what is around us;

by slowing our breath,

and listening,

feeling what we’re touching,

paying attention to what we are seeing, or,

closing our eyes and paying attention to what is happening for us;

then;

Joy is possible now.

As always your comments are very welcome in the box below.

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