If you are involved in an argument or dispute, remember that nothing fuels conflict like loss of face. As a rule of thumb, therefore, work to protect the dignity of the other person, as well as looking after your own interests.
Saying you respect the other person is not enough, you have to demonstrate it. To demonstrate it you have to believe it, then perhaps they’ll be convinced of your sincerity.
I don’t know why I’m bothering. Misinformation and misunderstanding have such an effective grip on attitudes towards depression that there’s little point.
Anyone who says the sort of things I do meets with quizzical stares and the sort of tolerant dismissal reserved for the stupidest kid in class who says they are going to make something of themselves. Or doubt, or even scorn. It’s enough to make me depressed!
Every case of depression is a personal tragedy. We all need to care enough to start thinking for ourselves.
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Our language is littered with gardening metaphors. I suppose that’s because we have been in contact with the earth throughout human history and that connection has shaped many of our expressions.
It has also given us an innate understanding of how to help things grow and flourish in all areas of our lives, and the things that need weeding out if our relationships are to continue to provide nourishment and beauty year after year.
Continue readingIn an earlier post I wrote about finding a ‘sacred place’. There have been some questions about what I meant by ‘sacred place’.
Maybe this will clarify things a bit. Dictionary definitions seem to equate sacred with religious, and so does St. Google. I mean something different.
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