I frequently have people tell me that I have a talent for communication and emotional connection. I appreciate hearing this, however I don’t think people realize that these aren’t talents, they’re skills, and I’ve developed them. Talent or a natural inclination to connect with others can certainly give you a good head start. Having a stable upbringing or parents that Read More …
Thank you for being at my back and whispering encouragement in my ear. Thank you for cheering me on and celebrating my wins. Thank you for helping me up and dusting me off. Thank you for being true, not placating me with half truths to bolster me but instead believing that I am truly enough. Sometimes I need you by Read More …
When I ask myself to let go of worry I feel scared. Without worry will I be complacent? Without worry will I fail to know what’s important? What does it mean to live without worry? To sleep peacefully through the night; To feel one’s heart at ease; To be truly present to receive? If I choose to live without worry, Read More …
1st Level Honesty: You answer the question when asked and are truthful only about what is asked: How are you feeling? Fine. Where are you going? To a friend’s place. What will you be doing there? Hanging out. This is the level of honesty you use with a border guard. 2nd Level Honesty: You answer based on the intention of Read More …
Knowing someone you love needs you, I mean really needs you, can’t-live-without-you type “need”, can make that love feel very secure. They’re not going anywhere. They’ll always be right where you want them because you’re their rock, their shield, their crutch. What a vulnerable type of love they have offered you. They have given you their all. When you move Read More …
I don’t know about you but I never stop loving someone. There’s still a place in my heart for my first girlfriend, who is still a good friend, and for the girlfriend where our relationship went down in a dramatic inferno. The fact that love doesn’t let go too easy is the reason that so many flame out in their Read More …
Sometimes when I’m with someone I feel very proud of my connection to them, I want to celebrate publicly the love I have with them and the partnership I have formed with them. Sometimes however I feel that I want to possess them. Keep everyone’s mitts off of them. Keep them in my realm where I can feel more secure Read More …
I’m feeling very vulnerable today. This feeling dovetails well with a conversation I had with one of my swordplay students last night. In the conversation my student and I talked about dealing with nerves in tournament and performance environments. I told him that I still get nervous when I compete, even though I have competed hundreds of times. I still Read More …
Impulsive reaction is faster than thoughtful responsiveness. There are times when this speed of return can be beneficial. This thought-free reaction to a situation is what allows you to come back with a fast quip, avoid danger by intuiting a dangerous situation before it results, or gives you the emotional energy you need to stand up for yourself when you’re Read More …
This is part of an exploration of Power, Partnership, and Symmetry. In romance so many seek a relationship of balance and symmetry where the needs, interests, and pursuits of both parties match in every way. When courting, a delicate balance is often maintained where each party ventures forth enough to intrigue but fears to offer too much lest they be taken Read More …