Thanks for this, Walter. I knew when I read the title that this is one I would need to read. I feel the need to “confess” what it is I need to radically accept simply as a way of marking this moment of realization. I am hoping to love and radically accept myself as a person who strives to be perfect and to be seen as perfect, someone who believes I am good and wants to be seen as good, someone who believes I KNOW what is right and wants to always be right and be seen as right. And in all that, I am self-righteous and probably very annoying. I want to embrace that part of myself (and hopefully learn and grow—maybe be ok with not always being perfect and good and right or at least not being seen as such for the desire to be SEEN as those things sometimes circumvents actually being good). Trying to learn how to love that part of myself. Thanks for your words.
You’re NEVER annoying Beloved Friend. Or at least not any more thatn the rest of us humans, haha. I think you’d really love Marion Woodman’s “Addiction to Perfection” whenever you’re ready. It was groundbreaking for me. You know all the ways. ;)
No pressure!! That would not be helpful. You have a lot on your plate. Just putting it out there if it makes sense at some point. Love journeying with you sister!!
Oh, and for a little inspiration (wink wink)… perfectionism is just another form of patriarchy playing itself out in us. (This is not a judgement, you know how I’ve struggled with this too!). But, I know how much you loathe the patriarchy. Delivering ourselves from perfectionism is one way to liberate ourselves from its nefarious grip! I don’t know if that feels motivating or more of a burden. I hope the former.
No shame. It’s a survival strategy that was made out of necessity. Nothing to be ashamed of. It serves us?? Eh, sort of.. until it doesn’t.
But now we know.
Oof. Hard to feel that one.
You certainly help me when I get into that icky mode! The struggle is real! Eek!
I love this. This has been my work this year. Whew, has it been a wild ride! I suppose it never ends, but damn, is it on warp speed. Holding it all…or trying. There’s always more being uncovered. Where that light and dark touch lies the fertile margin where truth, beauty, and creativity occur. Terrifying &painful at times…and so beautifully alive. It really IS hard to accept oneself.. and sometimes comes at great cost (to our survival strategies anyway). But to be free. A Wounded Healer. That is the hope. As Marie von Franz says, “The Wounded Healer is the Archetype of Humanity.” My prayer at the grave of St. Brigid (who is both a Christian Saint & a Pagan Goddess) was, “Lord, make me whole so I can give wholeness away” as I traced the half circle open invitation at the end of the cross to make a complete circle. That pilgrimage is still unfolding.. but it IS.
I’ve become really into Jung this year. I never studied him, but The Holy Spirit put Marion Woodman’s (a famous Jungian analyst) “Holding the Tension of the Opposites” in my lap on Christmas Eve. The resonance!! And the the dreams & synchronicities have flowed ever since. Omg, and James Hollis. So good. It’s been all Jung for me all the time since.. and welcome.. It’s how I always processed the world, and now I’ve found a place I feel I belong. I’m not crazy after all! Started analysis this year and am applying to the Jungian Institute in NYC next year to train as an analyst myself! This container has been the most practical way (for me) to practice my theology and desire to pursue peace and justice.
Love all your posts! And I love the shadow.. the good & the bad. Funny how all those dark parts can be Both..depending on how they are held. To Be Held. I loved how you related that to contemplation in your first post. I’m learning “the monsters” are really not at all. They just needed to be held.
Speaking of Jung and The Shadow. I’ve been working a bit with this Jungian Psychiatrist (and his incredible wife) this year named Florian Birkmayer. He has a great Substack on the subject. I think you’ll like it. I posted one of his articles in the SSU What’s App some time ago (The Shadow of the Ego). It’s here if you’re interested. https://substack.com/@florianbirkmayermd
And I want in on those Celtic Liturgies!! Yes!!!! The jam!
Blessings on your enthusiastic encouragement. You did share a piece of Florian's with me long ago (but it was a video post to which I am somewhat allergic) - I may have missed the article you shared on WhatsApp. Following his Substack now!
I really enjoyed this writing Walter. I am just thinking about the words that we have to take the log out of our own eye before we can take the speck out of another's and it makes me think how much I see my shadow in others knowing that I have the same darkness in me and I know this but all I can do is to try and accept it but for some foolish reason (like maybe we're doing this again) I know what I am doing and the log just stays right there in my eye. Sometimes "The Sinners Prayer" is like some kind of cleansing eye-drop and I catch myself so I pray again "The Sinners Prayer). It does take radical acceptance doesn't it and we have been commanded to love so love, or accept, or be kind. It's a compassionate consent to reality. Thanks.
Thanks for this, Walter. I knew when I read the title that this is one I would need to read. I feel the need to “confess” what it is I need to radically accept simply as a way of marking this moment of realization. I am hoping to love and radically accept myself as a person who strives to be perfect and to be seen as perfect, someone who believes I am good and wants to be seen as good, someone who believes I KNOW what is right and wants to always be right and be seen as right. And in all that, I am self-righteous and probably very annoying. I want to embrace that part of myself (and hopefully learn and grow—maybe be ok with not always being perfect and good and right or at least not being seen as such for the desire to be SEEN as those things sometimes circumvents actually being good). Trying to learn how to love that part of myself. Thanks for your words.
I relate to too much of what you’re saying, kindred spirit! Thanks for sharing.
You’re NEVER annoying Beloved Friend. Or at least not any more thatn the rest of us humans, haha. I think you’d really love Marion Woodman’s “Addiction to Perfection” whenever you’re ready. It was groundbreaking for me. You know all the ways. ;)
I DO plan to read that book. Just haven’t gotten to it yet.
No pressure!! That would not be helpful. You have a lot on your plate. Just putting it out there if it makes sense at some point. Love journeying with you sister!!
Oh, and for a little inspiration (wink wink)… perfectionism is just another form of patriarchy playing itself out in us. (This is not a judgement, you know how I’ve struggled with this too!). But, I know how much you loathe the patriarchy. Delivering ourselves from perfectionism is one way to liberate ourselves from its nefarious grip! I don’t know if that feels motivating or more of a burden. I hope the former.
No shame. It’s a survival strategy that was made out of necessity. Nothing to be ashamed of. It serves us?? Eh, sort of.. until it doesn’t.
But now we know.
Oof. Hard to feel that one.
You certainly help me when I get into that icky mode! The struggle is real! Eek!
Goodness… where have you been all of my life? To find you now and here is a great blessing!
Kind words. Be blessed indeed!
I love this. This has been my work this year. Whew, has it been a wild ride! I suppose it never ends, but damn, is it on warp speed. Holding it all…or trying. There’s always more being uncovered. Where that light and dark touch lies the fertile margin where truth, beauty, and creativity occur. Terrifying &painful at times…and so beautifully alive. It really IS hard to accept oneself.. and sometimes comes at great cost (to our survival strategies anyway). But to be free. A Wounded Healer. That is the hope. As Marie von Franz says, “The Wounded Healer is the Archetype of Humanity.” My prayer at the grave of St. Brigid (who is both a Christian Saint & a Pagan Goddess) was, “Lord, make me whole so I can give wholeness away” as I traced the half circle open invitation at the end of the cross to make a complete circle. That pilgrimage is still unfolding.. but it IS.
I’ve become really into Jung this year. I never studied him, but The Holy Spirit put Marion Woodman’s (a famous Jungian analyst) “Holding the Tension of the Opposites” in my lap on Christmas Eve. The resonance!! And the the dreams & synchronicities have flowed ever since. Omg, and James Hollis. So good. It’s been all Jung for me all the time since.. and welcome.. It’s how I always processed the world, and now I’ve found a place I feel I belong. I’m not crazy after all! Started analysis this year and am applying to the Jungian Institute in NYC next year to train as an analyst myself! This container has been the most practical way (for me) to practice my theology and desire to pursue peace and justice.
Love all your posts! And I love the shadow.. the good & the bad. Funny how all those dark parts can be Both..depending on how they are held. To Be Held. I loved how you related that to contemplation in your first post. I’m learning “the monsters” are really not at all. They just needed to be held.
Speaking of Jung and The Shadow. I’ve been working a bit with this Jungian Psychiatrist (and his incredible wife) this year named Florian Birkmayer. He has a great Substack on the subject. I think you’ll like it. I posted one of his articles in the SSU What’s App some time ago (The Shadow of the Ego). It’s here if you’re interested. https://substack.com/@florianbirkmayermd
And I want in on those Celtic Liturgies!! Yes!!!! The jam!
Much Love and Gratitude.
Blessings on your enthusiastic encouragement. You did share a piece of Florian's with me long ago (but it was a video post to which I am somewhat allergic) - I may have missed the article you shared on WhatsApp. Following his Substack now!
At 79 I find myself walking much the same path with much the same map. Thanks for articulating it.
I really enjoyed this writing Walter. I am just thinking about the words that we have to take the log out of our own eye before we can take the speck out of another's and it makes me think how much I see my shadow in others knowing that I have the same darkness in me and I know this but all I can do is to try and accept it but for some foolish reason (like maybe we're doing this again) I know what I am doing and the log just stays right there in my eye. Sometimes "The Sinners Prayer" is like some kind of cleansing eye-drop and I catch myself so I pray again "The Sinners Prayer). It does take radical acceptance doesn't it and we have been commanded to love so love, or accept, or be kind. It's a compassionate consent to reality. Thanks.
Id love to see that Celtic Liturgy you refer to here:)
You can get a pdf of our two "Celtic Liturgies" (Our "main" and our "alternate" on this Resources page: https://stcroixchurch.ca/resources/ )
Thank you, Walter!