📖 Table of Contents:

1. ⚛ Introduction: 🔮 ⫸ BREAKTHROUGH OR ILLUSION? ⫷ 🔮
2. 🔮 ⫸ TEMPTING? YES. ⫷ 🔮
3. 🔮 ⫸ DISAPPOINTMENT ⫷ 🔮
4. 🔮 ⫸ ALL OR NOTHING ⫷ 🔮
5. 🔮 ⫸ REFLEXIVE FEAR ⫷ 🔮
6. 🔮 ⫸ COURTING EXPERIENCE ⫷ 🔮
7. 🔮 ⫸ LITTLE BRUSHSTROKES ⫷ 🔮
8. 🔮 ⫸ TORTOISE PROGRESS ⫷ 🔮
9. 🔮 ⫸ CELEBRATING THE ACHIEVABLE ⫷ 🔮
10. 🔮 ⫸ SMALL VICTORIES ⫷ 🔮
11. 🔮 ⫸ STEP BY STEP ⫷ 🔮
12. 🔮 ⫸ EASY DOES IT ⫷ 🔮
13. 🔮 ⫸ GLORY, HALLELUJAH? ⫷ 🔮
14. 🔮 ⫸ AUTHENTICITY ⫷ 🔮
15. ⚛ Conclusion: 🔮 ⫸ FINDING MY STRIDE ⫷ 🔮

( …with clickable footnotes)

1. ⚛ Introduction: 🔮 ⫸ BREAKTHROUGH OR ILLUSION? ⫷ 🔮

Breakthroughs stand largely on illusions.

Quite a few, actually.

Illusions feel pleasurable.

At least in the now.

Delusions might be considered ‘illusions held despite clear evidence to the contrary.’

Breakthrough thinking seems to me to engender a combination of the two.

🔱 ➢ The illusion one magical moment might catapult me either to heights I’ve heretofore only imagined, or into territory I’ve long yearned to embrace.

🔱 ➢ The illusion I might instantly transcend ensconced limitations.

🔱 ➢ The illusion sheer hope might replace devoted, dedicated effort.

🔱 ➢ The illusion I can consistently support glimpses of mastery and/or genius.

🔱 ➢ The illusion a breakthrough stands imminent or lies just around the corner.

⛔ ➛ The delusion my ‘issues’ might instantaneously evaporate.

⛔ ➛ The delusion scintillating, transcendent accomplishment guarantees I’ll be singled out for praise; that I’ll be cheered for stellar performance and beloved for wondrous integration.

⛔ ➛ The delusion accolades and approval contribute significant meaning, lasting satisfaction, and a foundation for fulfillment.

⛔ ➛ The delusion I am not subject to forces/dynamics/principles of human progress and development.

⛔ ➛ The delusion that Love for me rests on my performance and accomplishment.

The Illusion of Breakthroughs serves as the foundational piece in my series devoted to ‘demythologizing’ Breakthroughs and supporting intention and effort which leads to legitimate, reliable, consistent forward movement.

2. ⚛ 🔮 ⫸ TEMPTING? YES. ⫷ 🔮

I expect ‘breakthroughs.’

Why?

Because the idea of ‘breakthroughs’ permeates our collective thinking.

The Messiah will come.

The End of Days will bring cataclysmic ecstasy.

Once I find my soulmate, I’ll have it made.

I have come to realize people don’t change through breakthroughs.

At least not in lasting, permanent ways.

Yes, it’s great to hope.

Breakthroughs can prove useful. They bring a taste of something new. Of something hoped for. A glimpse into possibilities I can work into being able to sustain.

Yet, trusting in miracles may not serve me.

I desire slow and steady progress.

Why?

Because, I grow gradually.

Consistent movement welcomes development at a pace I can integrate and build on.

Most probably, you also grow gradually.

Moreover, incremental steps encourage further incremental steps.

None of which…

🐢 ➢ Prove daunting or potentially demoralizing.

🐢 ➢ Invite dangers of dissuading me from moving forward, or at all.

🐢 ➢ Stop me in my tracks by seeming impossible or out of reach.

Multiple incremental steps create progress and momentum.

Progress and momentum build satisfaction and trust, pride and self confidence.

3. 🔮 ⫸ DISAPPOINTMENT ⫷ 🔮

Relying on breakthroughs may create a blueprint for dashed expectations.

How so?

I expect instant, phenomenal accomplishment.

All well and good.

Except, when I don’t achieve my breakthrough, I may feel disappointed. Or when I do achieve my breakthrough, and can’t repeat or sustain it — blindsided, or even, demoralized.

Being demoralized might point me toward more breakthroughs. Pointing toward more breakthroughs may lead to more disappointment.

The definition of a self-reinforcing cycle.

4. 🔮 ⫸ ALL OR NOTHING ⫷ 🔮

All or nothing thinking represents one of the most basic of all cognitive errors.

Anticipating ideal or disastrous results — seeing myself as either good or bad, a success or a failure — keeps me living on a precarious edge.

Far more discerning to understand that my worth, possibilities for achieving my dreams, sense of fulfillment all depend on approach, adaptation, mindset, emotional discernment, practices and habits. The way I respond to actions and outcomes matters so much more than how each specific situation unfolds.

I like to see myself as an incremental tidal wave — powerful in my determination and resolve, fluid in my creative response to developing events, flexible in my adaptation to an ever-evolving environment; my forward progress assured and unstoppable. [Upcoming articles will offer more on conceiving myself an incremental tidal wave.]

Believing I advance through breakthroughs may lead to putting things off, perhaps even interminably.

If I’m to meet the downside of my projected extreme, why take the risk? If I’m to achieve glorious success/mastery at some indiscriminate point in the future, why apply myself now, or indeed, ever? Why offer my best?

At the same time, I likely enjoy anticipating lightning/enlightenment will strike.

Yet, rapturous fantasies ignore realities of applied diligence and practical application, not to mention the kind meaningful satisfaction these qualities generate. Building castles in the air also obviates learning through process and experience.

I warrant recognition and reward for phased, step-by-step accomplishment — even if developmental factors —like a critical family environment or sibling rivalry — originally encouraged me to align with the obligation instantly to shine and never to look bad.

5. 🔮 ⫸ REFLEXIVE FEAR ⫷ 🔮

Believing myself valid only if and when I quickly accomplish what’s asked of me — or what now I ask of myself — creates insecurity and danger.

So much so, I may fear taking action.

I might secretly believe it best to keep my dreams alive; hence, motivating myself to eliminate the risk of crushing them through experiences which could introduce and reinforce failure; thereby carrying the specter of latent hopelessness.

Illusions and delusions lay other deceptive traps, as well. Should I apply myself without immediately achieving expected/required mastery, I might not only profoundly disappoint myself, but also people whose approval and care I depend on.

And I could end up reinforcing or corroborating my trepidation that when push comes to shove, I’ll find I don’t have ‘what it takes.’

6. 🔮 ⫸ COURTING EXPERIENCE ⫷ 🔮

Nevertheless, exploring and experimenting deliver experience. Experience serves as a most effective teacher and excellent guide.

Besides, in my view, the Universe graciously offers continuing opportunity. By repetitively introducing similar kinds of challenges, the cosmos promotes integration, even as it encourages progress. When I no longer need grapple with current issues, developing circumstances invite higher levels, which invoke more advanced perspective and cultivate participating with more skill and awareness.

Further exploration and experimentation support expanded integration. And the process repeats.

While breakthroughs may feel thrilling, I need neither expect, nor depend on them.

I don’t only have one chance.

Believing I do discourages engagement and involvement, encourages tension and anxiety — while opening the door to regret.

7. 🔮 ⫸ LITTLE BRUSHSTROKES ⫷ 🔮

Projecting imminent breakthroughs dissuades me from small steps.

Aligning myself with breakthroughs resembles putting all my eggs in one most precarious basket.

Or, betting it all on one spin of the wheel — without realizing I’ve selected a strategy which significantly increases the chance I could lose everything.

Or, perhaps, not dissimilar to feeling I have no prospects for setting up a scintillating date. And as a result, fantasizing about one evening of rapture. Which exacerbates self-imposed pressure, not to mention heightens disappointment.

Sure, dreaming stands as vital.

Yet, dreaming in such a way as to prevent incremental progress can prove counterproductive — even debilitating.

Leonardo da Vinci painted the Mona Lisa brushstroke by brushstroke, accomplishing the major portion over four years. Yet, Leonardo continued to add elements over the next decade, up to the time of his death. Indeed, he was known for gazing at his canvases for hours, then concluding his day after making only a single infinitesimal alteration. (1)

As assistants scampered up and down his self-designed scaffold mixing plaster and applying his ‘cartoon’ outline, Michelangelo meticulously concentrated on crafting his fresco/painting on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel — a process he devoted himself to for almost half a decade.(2)

Not only did he devise the manner in which the project could be accomplished, he painstakingly planned the design, teaching himself perspective and shadowing so that his masterpiece would look realistic from over sixty feet below.(3)

Michelangelo’s own words best describe his tedious, excruciating, progressive process.

I’ve already grown a goiter from this torture,
hunched up here like a cat in Lombardy
(or anywhere else where the stagnant water’s poison).

My stomach’s squashed under my chin, my beard’s
pointing at heaven, my brain’s crushed in a casket,
my breast twists like a harpy’s. My brush,
above me all the time, dribbles paint
so my face makes a fine floor for droppings!

My haunches are grinding into my guts,
my poor ass strains to work as a counterweight,
every gesture I make is blind and aimless.
My skin hangs loose below me, my spine’s
all knotted from folding over itself. I’m bent taut as a Syrian bow.

Because I’m stuck like this, my thoughts
are crazy, perfidious tripe: anyone shoots badly through a crooked blowpipe.

My painting is dead.

Defend it for me, Giovanni, protect my honor.
I am not in the right place — I am not a painter.

— Michelangelo Buonarroti (4)

“When the Author Was Painting the Vault of the Sistine Chapel” / 1509 letter to Giovanni da Pistoia

Though the legendary artist depicted the mystical instant of the Spark of Life — and his masterpiece stands to this day as a wonder to marvel at — Il Soffitto della Cappella Sistina stands as a testimony to years of study, assiduous planning, and grinding determination; anything but a ‘breakthrough!’

8. 🔮 ⫸ TORTOISE PROGRESS ⫷ 🔮

The Tortoise and the Hare.

We’ve all heard the classic story of plodding versus agile.

I conceive myself as a hero. I invest in incredible, immediate achievement. I dream of worldwide recognition as in a blaze of glory to thunderous applause, I sail across the finish line.

Still, loathe as I may be to admit it, I’m a tortoise.

A deliberate tortoise with my feet on the ground.

The more experience I have under my belt, the more pride I take in being a tortoise!

I’m learning to respect myself for my burgeoning allegiance to seemingly mundane actions; to celebrate ordinary steps which prove so eminently doable they give the illusion of being worthless and inconsequential.

9. 🔮 ⫸ CELEBRATING THE ACHIEVABLE ⫷ 🔮

Yes, I can!

A while back, I engaged in a workshop exercise. Using plastic stakes and rings, the support team set up a game of indoor horseshoes.

First, we tossed from thirty feet.

I envisioned myself the special star. I’d be Mr. Magnificent; the one who made that super-impressive, ultra-difficult shot.

To my embarrassment and chagrin, I missed.

We then tried from five.

I thought,

“This is so simple, it’s beneath my abilities.”

I made it.

Easily.

10. 🔮 ⫸ SMALL VICTORIES ⫷ 🔮

Sure, repeatable success may feel, well, piddling.

🐌 ➢ “Where’s the drama?”

🐌 ➢ “What a waste of time!”

🐌 ➢ “Anyone can do it.”

🐌 ➢ “I am better than this.”

These thoughts, and others like them, flit through my mind to invalidate reproducible progress.

But, guess what?

Six successful shots at five feet stand every bit as valid as one at thirty.

My accomplishment tastes just as sweet.

And, the adoring fans in my imagination don’t mind at all. I have come to understand the long game. Applying myself through manageable, bite-sized chunks empowers worthwhile progress. I keep steadily moving forward.

My inner fans and I cheer for each little step.

We emphasize a greater perspective.

I take to heart a powerful philosophical framework:

TRUST THE LONGER JOURNEY.

— Melissa Billington

And, I don’t become demoralized from impossible attempts.

Even if somehow, I miraculously made one thirty-foot shot, there’s no guarantee I’d make the next.

Or, the next after that.

Yet, the dream I might make it — or, the expectation I should make it — could keep me shooting for the moon, thus preventing me from taking all important pedestrian strides.

Besides — as mentioned above — going for it all cultivates pressure, encourages ‘make it or break it’ thinking, and increases fear of failure, not to mention its impact.

And designing scenarios in which I might conclude, “I can’t do it” or, “I’m not good enough,” may promote demoralization.

Which could cause me to give up.

11. 🔮 ⫸ STEP BY STEP ⫷ 🔮

That is, until I remember…

A thousand mile journey begins with a single step.

— Lao Tzu

Indeed, according to Sean Kernan, son of a Navy Seal, candidates vying to complete the ordeal of ‘Hell Week’ succeed by concentrating on the current exercise, not on the imminent torturous remaining days. ‘Wannabe’s’ who contemplate the duress of the entire struggle usually end up giving up.(5)

The amazing thing is that while I may feel I can’t fathom an unmanageable and unpredictable expedition, I know at some point today I can probably put one foot in front of the other — and naturally, marvelously — propel myself three feet forward.

I’m not likely to “blow” the opportunity — nor destroy the hope — inherent in that single stride.

Nor, become paralyzed contemplating it.

Which means, tomorrow I just might be able to take another step forward. While cultivating faith that the day after tomorrow, and the day after the day after tomorrow — as well as throughout the abundance of days which follow — I may well take many more!

12. 🔮 ⫸ EASY DOES IT ⫷ 🔮

My foundation rests on consistent application. Counterintuitively however, applying myself consistently requires taking breaks, allowing for demoralization, moving in seemingly unproductive directions — in short, recognizing my humanity.

Being inwardly gentle, understanding, accepting.

So that I may evaluate, integrate, and above all — course correct.

My feelings matter. I’m not a machine.

Sometimes my progress will zoom. Sometimes my progress will plod. Sometimes pushing myself lies at the heart of moving forward. Sometimes, taking it easy serves me best.

Crucial:

🙌🏼 ➛ Listening to myself.

🙌🏼 ➛ Attuning to my experience.

🙌🏼 ➛ Responding with compassion, fluidity and flexibility.

🙌🏼 ➛ Giving myself space.

🙌🏼 ➛ Approaching myself and my activities with patience and perspective.

13. 🔮 ⫸ GLORY, HALLELUJAH? ⫷ 🔮

The itch for breakthroughs often correlates with yearning for recognition or relief. Or, succumbing to the pressures of ‘making it.’ Perhaps, even, attaining The Holy Grail.

Yet, Glory for Glory’s sake proves ultimately unsatisfying. Though seeded at early ages — who doesn’t at some point dream of becoming famous? — working for exterior approval or exalted status renders pyrrhic victories. If I haven’t trod the path of self-discovery, prioritized self-realization, don’t know who I am — perhaps, possibly don’t like who I’ve become — my prestige and wealth won’t render deep or lasting satisfaction.

Of course, in a wide-eyed way, dreams of glory can motivate working hard.

Yet, often unanticipated in the quest for glory: once I’ve astoundingly triumphed, I may want more.

Or perhaps, the unending quest may consume me.

I may need more.

Or in order to compensate for bigger disappointments, I may need to create more extreme and elaborate fantasies.

14. 🔮 ⫸ AUTHENTICITY ⫷ 🔮

Yes, it can be lovely to receive recognition, praise, status. To reap the rewards of high achievement. Yet, if I don’t know how to recognize myself, value my process, and honor my worth, I might unwittingly set up incessant cycles of need.

Empty motivation bypasses inner satisfaction. Through working at goals consistent with my personal vision, focusing on contributing with determined excellence as only I can, and cultivating my calling, I gain riches.

Accolades mean only as much as the authentic pleasure I derive from my activities, as well as from inherent integrity in my manner of being.

Self fulfillment through genuine service proves rewarding.

Service might mean excelling at a game or sport or occupation or profession because I Love that game or sport or occupation or profession. Or, supporting others through making unique contributions based on what I notice and feel drawn to impact. Or, fulfilling responsibilities with honor.

Meaningful dividends generate from the satisfaction of engagement, rather than the ‘hallelujah’ of breakthroughs.

15. ⚛ Conclusion: 🔮 ⫸ FINDING MY STRIDE ⫷ 🔮

‘Breakthrough thinking’ can promote wild swings which ultimately discourage determination, and may even encourage inconsistency and demoralization.

Staying within myself means managing my emotions so I might both channel my resources into accomplishable tasks and reward myself not only for little victories, but also for choosing a wise and effective path.

Key to keeping my dreams alive: reminding myself every day to downplay my yearnings for that one-in-a-millionbreakthrough, which even if it came, I don’t yet have the skills and experience to support.

Neither looking for, nor expecting, unassailable recognition or instant glory, I am just fine being an ordinary tortoise.

Happy to be me.

Happy to win in the end.

Thanks for stopping by.

If you enjoy meaningful writing and the opportunity to think and create and imagine, please subscribe.

Let’s create a dialogue. You’re most welcome to share input to which I’ll directly respond by emailing me here.

More of my creations: here.

If you’d like, join Medium through my member link (most valuable to me) here. You may peruse additional articles and stories on Substack.com.

The Illusion of Breakthroughs was originally published in ILLUMINATION on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Table of Contents:

1. ⫸ ✵ Infinitesimal particulates ✵ ⫷
2. ⫸ ✵ AQI Apps & Website ✵ ⫷
3. ⫸ ✵ Air Purifier Recommendations ✵ ⫷
4. ⫸ ✵ ‘Particulate-ly’ Effective Mask ✵ ⫷
5. ⫸ ✵ Perspective & Research ✵ ⫷
6. ⫸ ✵ The Numbers ✵ ⫷
7. ⫸ ✵ Take Care ✵ ⫷

1. ⫸ ✵ Infinitesimal particulates ✵ ⫷

Wildfires tearing through millions of Canadian forest acres have driven the Air Quality Index across East Coast regions of the United States to levels between 100 and 300.

This is concerning.

Polluted air which pushes AQI measurements above 150 deleteriously impacts human health — affecting elderly folks, pregnant women, and people saddled with respiratory, cardiovascular, and pulmonary conditions starting at levels above 100.

You may have noticed unusually misty conditions, or a plastic-y, burnt smell in the air.

Because they burn everything — including construction materials, PVC piping and batteries — and because they create particularly (particulate-ly) infinitesimal particulates, Wildfires prove exceptionally hazardous, not only locally but across regions.

Weather patterns widely circulate smoke; which means harmful particles may travel vast distances.

Not all masks which protect against Covid insulate against Wildfire contaminants. Forest fires create ultra fine, possibly carcinogenic particulate matter which can pass deeply into the lungs and even directly enter the bloodstream. While Covid respiratory particles which house SARS-CoV-2 typically measure 9.3 μm (micrometers) or perhaps, a tiny bit smaller [1], smoke particles often measure less than 2.5 μm[2].

Air purifiers featuring HEPA filters catch particles as tiny as 0.01 μm, about ten times smaller than the 0.1 μm size of the naked coronavirus.[3]

Best to take quick action.

Here is a range of helpful resources to support understanding what to do and how to ameliorate conditions for Loved ones and friends — as well as for yourself!

2. ⫸ ✵ AQI Apps & Website ✵ ⫷

😮‍💨 ➢ https://geekflare.com/air-quality-apps/

😮‍💨 ➢ https://www.airnow.gov

3. ⫸ ✵ Air Purifier Recommendations ✵ ⫷

🫁 ➛ https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-air-purifier/

🫁 ➛ https://www.consumerreports.org/appliances/air-purifiers/best-air-purifiers-for-wildfire-smoke-a1153295134/

4. ⫸ ✵ ‘Particulate-ly’ Effective Mask ✵ ⫷

-

3M 8511 N95 Cool Flow Valve Particulate Respirator

-

😷 ➢ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002YKBV2/?tag=thewire06-20&linkCode=xm2&ascsubtag=AwEAAAAAAAAAAg9r

😷 ➢ https://www.staples.com/3m-n95-disposable-respirator-with-cool-flow-valve-10-pack-8511p10-dc-ps/product_2447840

😷 ➢ https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-respirator-mask/

Vital to understand: surgical masks which block water molecules carrying the coronavirus, do not filter out much smaller, pervasively dangerous wildfire particulates.

A CDC listing of NIOSH (National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health) approved particulate filtering facepiece respirators (FFR’s) may be accessed here. Each clearly exhibits labeling which specifies “NIOSH” and either “N95” or “P100.”

For purposes of creating a secure seal, be sure the particulate respirator you choose possesses two independent straps; one which wraps above your ears and one below. A loose fit anywhere around the edges allows unfiltered air to invade, thereby defeating the mask’s protective value. Even with a loop which fits around your ears, masks with only one strap cannot seal properly.

5. ⫸ ✵ Perspective & Research ✵ ⫷

🔥 ➛ https://www.cdc.gov/air/wildfire-smoke/default.htm

🔥 ➛ https://www.washingtonpost.com/weather/2023/wildfire-smoke-air-quality-health-exposure/

🔥 ➛ https://www.thedailybeast.com/wildfire-smoke-is-choking-the-northeast-here-are-6-ways-to-protect-yourself

🔥 ➛ https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2023/06/07/canada-wildfires-weather-air-quality/

🔥 ➛ https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/protecting-yourself-wildfire-smoke

🔥 ➛ https://dec.alaska.gov/air/smoke-faq/

🔥 ➛ https://www.iqair.com/us/newsroom/smoke-affects-everyone

6. ⫸ ✵ The Numbers ✵ ⫷

7. ⫸ ✵ Take Care ✵ ⫷

Best to take prudent precautions.

Preventive Steps beat Retroactive Repair.

With Love,

Jonathan : )

Thanks for stopping by.

If you enjoy meaningful writing and the opportunity to think and create and imagine, please subscribe.

Let’s create a dialogue. You’re most welcome to share input to which I’ll directly respond by emailing me here.

More of my creations: here.

You may peruse additional articles and stories either on Substack where you may subscribe, or here on Medium.com — and if you’d like, join Medium through my member link (most valuable to me.)

Wildfire Contaminates: ‘Particulate-ly’ Unhealthful was originally published in ILLUMINATION on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

📖 Table of Contents:

1. ⚛ Introduction: ⫸ 🔮 SAYING “YES!” ⫷ 🔮
2. 🔮 ⫸ I ACCEPT MYSELF ⫷ 🔮
3. 🔮 ⫸ EXPANDING ACCEPTANCE ⫷ 🔮
4. 🔮 ⫸ BEING WITH BEING ⫷🔮
5. 🔮 ⫸ I AM WHERE I AM ⫷🔮
6. 🔮 ⫸ BEYOND WHAT I’VE KNOWN ⫷ 🔮
7. 🔮 ⫸ I AM THE WITNESS ⫷ 🔮
8. 🔮 ⫸ THE GRACE OF RECEPTIVITY ⫷ 🔮
9. 🔮 ⫸ NON-DUALITY / LIGHT IS EVERYWHERE ⫷🔮
10. 🔮 ⫸ TURNING MYSELF ON ⫷ 🔮
11. 🔮 ⫸ THE BLISS OF PRESENCE ⫷ 🔮
12. ⚛ Conclusion: 🔮 ⫸ ACCEPTING ‘I AM’ PRESENCE ⫷ 🔮

1. ⚛ Introduction: 🔮 ⫸ SAYING, “YES!” ⫷ 🔮

Sure.

I take it for granted.

‘Acceptance.’

I want it.

I need it.

I yearn for it.

But for what, exactly?

Do I even know???

YES!

I’d like to “Accept” more.

How ironic.

Accepting means saying, “Yes!!!”

To what is.

Yes!

‘Acceptance.’

A noble goal.

A goal baked into my existence.

So much so, I feel it vital to clarify.

‘Acceptance!’

2. 🔮 ⫸ I ACCEPT MYSELF ⫷ 🔮

A few years back, I wrote a song called, “I Accept Myself.”

“I Accept Myself©” stands as the penultimate song of my one-man show, “My Damage is My Gift! = The Dysfunctional Family Musical™”

㊗ ⫸ 🔮Listen to an ‘a cappella’ rendition of “I Accept Myself©” by clicking here, then scrolling to this spot in “The Presence of Acceptance” on Substack. ⫷ 🔮 ㊗

As the words imply, with an eye towards increasing awareness, process and intention make possible exploring inner territory.

In my role as a spiritual teacher I’ve developed a variety of approaches which cultivate witnessing previously hidden, disallowed, or undiscovered parts. And embracing every discovery. After all, ‘self-acceptance’ lies at the heart of commonly agreed upon understandings of ‘acceptance.’

Even so, what if ‘accepting’ means tapping into and coming to peace with greater forces?

What if comprehensive consciousness invites me to consider and welcome elements beyond myself?

What if stepping into this kind of overarching perspective serves to support my journey toward self-acceptance?

3. 🔮 ⫸ Expanding Acceptance ⫷ 🔮

Even self-proclaimed atheists recognize perspectives which acknowledge all-encompassing presence. Different labels may categorize distinct frameworks. Yet, whether referred to as ‘chaos’ and ‘randomness’ or ‘spirit’ and ‘Love,’ organizing principles shape our universe.

Perhaps — just perhaps — a key becomes increasing my understanding of “acceptance.”

Accepting the gift of the present.

Accepting the present as a gift.

Let’s try on new meanings.

🔔 ➛ Accepting ALL.

🔔 ➛ Accepting ALL THAT IS.

🔔 ➛ Accepting EVERYTHING.

Taken these ways, ‘accepting’ might answer almost every question.

4. 🔮 ⫸ BEING WITH BEING ⫷ 🔮

Perhaps, ‘accepting’ invokes peace.

Peace invoked through ‘accepting.’

As I accept that which is presently being invited into being, I accept my own being; my own ‘way of being’; my own ‘being-ness.’

‘BEING WITH BEING.’

‘Being with’ whatever unfolds.

No matter what.

Responding as myself; “YES!”

Aware of context and perspective; “YES!”

Influencing and initiating; “YES!”

Yet…

⛔ ➢ Not fighting against.

⛔ ➢ Not trying ‘not to be where I am.’

⛔ ➢ Not trying ‘not to be who I am.’

⛔ ➢ Not trying in any way ‘not to be.’

Neither resisting, nor resenting what’s coming up or going down.

💖 ➢ Being through what I’m involving myself in.

💖 ➢ Being in what I’m participating with.

💖 ➢ Being with myself.

💖💖💖 ➢ BEING WITH BEING.

5. 🔮 ⫸ I AM WHERE I AM ⫷ 🔮

The expression,

“No matter where I go, there I am,”

…contains tremendous power. According to some, Confucius orginally said these words.

Since, ‘No Matter Where I Go, There I am,’ I may as well learn to accept myself.

— Jonathan Prager

It stands to reason, as well, that in accepting, I might find joy.

I need not run.

I need not hide.

I find myself, and my joy, by welcoming truth.

My own truth.

The truth around me.

The truth inside me.

6. 🔮 ⫸ BEYOND WHAT I’VE KNOWN ⫷ 🔮

Now, the impediment comes when I ‘don’t like’ what’s developing. When events seem to be turning ‘against’ what I wish will happen. When what I ‘hope for’ seems not to be coming to fruition.

The Challenge?

To embrace understanding that forces beyond my control collaborate with my intentions to support realizing bountiful outcomes beyond ‘my hopes.’ To receive what’s taking place realizing that for all involved, as well as for me, what’s unfolding almost invariably turns out to be more advantageous and desirable than what I designed, designated, and dreamed.

Even if my expectations seem to be being ‘dashed,’

Relinquishing clinging to ‘my most coveted outcome’, so that with space to embrace expanded possibility, I can ‘be with’ what is.

So doing marks honest acceptance and unwavering embrace.

7. 🔮 ⫸ I AM THE WITNESS ⫷ 🔮

Counterintuitive Paradox: Authentic acceptance constitutes the first step in authentic development. Acceptance accelerates expansion.

The more present I can be, the more I welcome/empower my evolution.

It’s not so much a matter of ‘forcing’ myself to do things which hitherto have seemed anathema or struck me as depressing. But rather, a matter of acceptance.

‘Surrendering into intention™’ rather than pushing through resistance.

‘Being with.’

What’s going on around me.

What’s going on inside me.

Preposterous as it may intially seem, accepting one means accepting the other. Accepting either means accepting both.

Stepping into full presence means welcoming everything.

That’s it.

There is nothing else.

Yes!

I might refer to my innate Divine Potential.

Yes!

I might call attention to the Collective Infinite Unconscious we all share.

Yes!

I might hearken to what I call, “The Sacred Unknown™” — the Holy space of ‘not knowing’, whence all creativity originates.

Yet, all of it — every miraculous component — comes through me.

💖 ➛ Through my senses.

💖 ➛ Through my imagination.

💖 ➛ Through my emotions.

💖 ➛ Through my experience.

💖 ➛ Through my ‘being with being.’

Being the witness not only stands as my distinct privilege, but blesses my life.

8. 🔮 ⫸ THE GRACE OF RECEPTIVITY ⫷ 🔮

Acceptance means ‘being present in the grace of now.’

Being present in the grace of now means dropping into presence with presence; inviting, welcoming, and ‘being with’ everything arising within me, everything arriving through me, everything connecting inside me.

It means unconditional receptivity; radical receptivity; receptivity to what remains as of yet unmanifested — to the above mentioned Sacred Unknown™.

9. 🔮 ⫸ NON-DUALITY / LIGHT IS EVERYWHERE ⫷ 🔮

Now, while saying, “Yes!” sounds wonderfully uplifting and spiritually aligning, saying, “Yes!” to “all that is” includes more than meets the eye; or at least more than I may be willing to embrace. In addition to what most of us refer to as ‘light’ or ‘bliss,’ ‘all that is’ includes the mundane, the profane, and the dark.

In embracing “all that is,” I cannot afford to ‘edit.’ Of course, I may not act out everything I embrace, yet I no longer have need to eliminate or eradicate.

Amazingly, through the lens of acceptance, I see everything as light. Because I used to categorize some territory as ‘undesirable,’ that which previously may have been inaccessible or un-allow-able not only comes into view, but turns into material which generates joy.

💎 ➛ The joy of ‘being.’

💎 ➛ The joy of ‘being with.’

💎 ➛ The joy of ‘BEING WITH BEING.’

I no longer judge.

For ‘judging’ means determining what I like and dislike, what I want and don’t want, what I move toward and recoil from, what I wish for and hope against, what I embrace and avoid.

By accepting whatever presence invites, I let go of subjectively limiting my witnessing.

Witnessing everything around me means witnessing everything within me — no more and no less.

When I meet the comprehensive whole of me, I no longer fight. I let go of my need to shape my experience. I open into meeting all I witness with acceptance — whatever I recover, whatever I uncover, whatever I discover.

I open into meeting what I experience without need to alter, pigeon hole or interpret.

I become…

🐚 ➛ A receptive antenna.

🐚 ➛ An unflinching witness.

🐚 ➛ A vessel of light.

🐚 ➛ Pure presence.

Opening into meeting in grace what I behold.

Opening into beholding in grace what I meet.

Opening into gracing what I behold with presence.

Presence and Resistance: diametrical opposites.

Through presence I can witness plenty more than I can through resistance.

Grace and Reverence: as opposed to denial and dismissal.

Through reverence I can honor plenty more than I can through dismissal.

10. 🔮 ⫸ TURNING MYSELF ON ⫷ 🔮

It may at first feel as if I welcome grace by accepting the world as it is. Yet, the underlying and overarching truth eventually becomes clear; I welcome grace through accepting myself.

Accepting myself becomes synonymous with ‘being with’ the world. When I’m with myself, I’m with ‘what is’.

When I resist, I not only miss a great deal, but I also shut myself down. I use energy to ‘deny’ — to ‘turn away from.’ Refusing to welcome ‘what is’ requires ‘turning myself off.’

In Heaven’s name, why would I want to ‘turn myself off?”

Extinguish my light?

How does snuffing my flame out fulfill anyone or anything?

The whole point of living is “turning myself on!”

And by doing so, lighting up the world.

11. 🔮 ⫸ THE BLISS OF PRESENCE ⫷ 🔮

To borrow a page from Joseph Campbell, by following my bliss I do both.

When I’m busy making sure not to notice what is stirring within me, what is calling to me, what is activating my soul, how can I possibly follow my bliss?

The most wonderful gift I can give myself is the gift of ‘being present.’

Being as present as I can be through accepting as much as I can accept.

More acceptance leads to more presence (presents.)

More presence leads to more acceptance.

I best re-present myself by present-ing myself.

12. ⚛ Conclusion: 🔮 ⫸ ACCEPTING ‘I AM’ PRESENCE ⫷ 🔮

As Eckhardt Tolle describes, ‘NOW’ continually re-presents a portal.

🔔 ➛ A portal to the Universe.

🔔 ➛ A portal to the Infinite.

🔔 ➛ A portal to myself.

By accepting ‘what is,’ I invite myself to travel through my very own portal all the way to finding MYSELF.

To enriching the world.

Through my own joy.

To re-present myself to myself.

“Accepting the present as a gift means accepting myself as a present.”

— Jonathan Prager

For, I am Divine.

Or if you prefer, I deserve to realize the potential of my entelechy.

I am ‘what is.”

I am that I am

I am who and what I’ve been searching for.

Thanks for stopping by.

If you enjoy meaningful writing and the opportunity to think, create and imagine, please subscribe.

Let’s create a dialogue. You’re most welcome to share input to which I’ll directly respond by emailing me here.

More of my creations: here.

You may peruse additional articles and stories of mine on Medium.com — and if you’d like, join Medium through my member link (most valuable to me) here.

The Presence in Acceptance was originally published in ILLUMINATION on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Hey Lovely Medium Community!

Yes.

It’s true.

I’ve reached the Hell of rock bottom.

Or, non-follower purgatory.

I seem to be ‘stuck’ at a scant few followers.

Now, don’t get me wrong.

The kind and generous folks who currently follow me represent a good number of worthy people who have decided to support my writing.

I stand grateful.

However, I won’t qualify for the Medium Partner Program ’til I reach 100.

🔮 ➢ The Magical Centennial Mark.

🔮 ➢ Luxuriant Centurial Legitimacy.

🔮 ➢ Vibrant Centenary Validity.

The beginning of truly being paid to write.

And, I won’t reach veritably legitimate standing ’til I gain 1,000.

Mind you, while I am on “Medium,” I’m not a medium writer.

💖 ➛ I’m a good writer.

💖 ➛ A creative writer.

💖 ➛ An imaginative writer.

As my bio describes; an imagin-artist.

Don’t take it from me.

Take it from the good folks who follow me.

Take it from the discerning editors at Illumination who publish me.

Take it from the hundreds and hundreds of thoughtful fellow creators who have clapped for my supportive and insightful responses to other good Medium writers.

One of the conundrums of Medium seems to be that people who enjoy my stories and articles — and who like the myriad thoughtful and responsive replies to Medium articles I’ve posted — seem to believe that clapping alone serves a purpose.

Sure.

It’s fantastic almost a thousand people have lauded me by clapping.

Yet, if that thunderous applause doesn’t turn into ‘followers,’ well, in the end, support from valiant writers and fascinated readers doesn’t come home to roost.

An end here, after all, is to become a Medium partner.

Achieving partner status generates legitimacy with which I might support, uplift, and contribute to more people.

My dream.

The dream my heart is making.

As earnest and pure a dream as Cinderella’s magical Disney song which encapsulates optimism at its finest.

By the way, though I’m not yet a Medium partner, I’m a great partner.

🏹 ➢ Sweet

🏹 ➢ Informed

🏹 ➢ Knowledgable

🏹 ➢ Imaginative

🏹 ➢ Constructive

🏹 ➢ Supportive

An all around good guy and dedicated writer just trying to make it on Medium.

A prince waiting to bestow the ideal glass slipper on readers who long to be uplifted and caressed.

More than willing — eager, even — to give more support than I receive.

So how about it?

While the iron is hot and the pancakes are perfectly ready, could you find it in your heart right now to follow me?

Pretty please, with maple syrup and an Amarena cherry on top???

You have my genuine, generous, gargantuan gratitude.

And, you could even benefit yourself.

As you can see from my comedic article on Medium’s following process — “Follow Me. I’ll Follow you. Guaranteed.” — I follow everyone who follows me; seriously.

With Love,

Jonathan : )

PS = Why stop at 100? Dreaming engenders infinite hope. Verifiable standing comes only with more than 1,000.

PPS = I can dream it. With your help, we can do it.

PPS = Remember, ‘A dream is a wish your heart makes.’

Thanks for stopping by.

If you enjoy meaningful writing and the opportunity to think and create and imagine, please subscribe.

Let’s create a dialogue. You’re most welcome to share input to which I’ll directly respond by emailing me here.

More of my creations: here.

You may peruse additional articles and stories of mine here on Medium.com — and if you’d like, join Medium through my member link (most valuable to me) here

Warmly Brazen Appeal for Followers was originally published in ILLUMINATION on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Table of Contents:

1. ⫸ .…….. ✯⭐︎✯ 🐣 Daring to be Vulnerable 🐣 ✯⭐︎✯ ……… ⫷
2. ⫸ .…….. ✯⭐︎✯ 🧘‍♀️ Becoming a Leader 🧘🏼‍♂️ ✯⭐︎✯ ……… ⫷
3. ⫸ .…….. ✯⭐︎✯ 🕊 Meeting Resistance 🕊 ✯⭐︎✯ ……… ⫷
4. ⫸ .…….. ✯⭐︎✯ 🦢 Receptivity through Turmoil 🦢 ✯⭐︎✯ ……… ⫷
5. ⫸ .…….. ✯⭐︎✯ 👼 Softness Becomes Me 👼 ✯⭐︎✯ ……… ⫷
6. ⫸ .…. ✯⭐︎✯ ⛲ Ending Insistence Encourages Support ⛲ ✯ ⭐︎✯ ….. ⫷
7. ⫸ .…….. ✯⭐︎✯ 🏆 Leading with my Heart 🏆 ✯⭐︎✯ ……… ⫷
8. ⫸ .…….. ✯⭐︎✯ 💘 Welcoming Feelings 💘 ✯⭐︎✯ ……… ⫷
9. ⫸ .…….. ✯⭐︎✯ 🦚 Cues for Vulnerability 🦚 ✯⭐︎✯ ……… ⫷
10. ⫸ .…….. ✯⭐︎✯ 💎 15 Words 💎 ✯⭐︎✯ ……… ⫷
11. ⫸ .…….. ✯⭐︎✯ 💝 Responding Inside 💝 ✯⭐︎✯ ……… ⫷
12. ⫸ .…….. ✯⭐︎✯ 💞 Loving Kindness 💞 ✯⭐︎✯ ……… ⫷

🟣 Conclusion 🟣 ⫸ .…….. ✯⭐︎✯ ⚓️ Take Away ⚓️ ✯⭐︎✯ ……… ⫷

1. ⫸ .…….. ✯⭐︎✯ 🐣 Daring to be Vulnerable 🐣 ✯⭐︎✯ ……… ⫷

From spineless, unsafe, and ‘easy to prey on,’ to uniquely genuine and distinctively courageous, vulnerability carries a range of contradictory meanings.

I view being vulnerable through the lens of the latter two — as admirable and desirable.

Not to mention, surprisingly pleasurable.

At least, for me. And when you think about it — and try it on — you might feel the same.

I dare to be vulnerable.

Coming from an unguarded place demands strength. Inhabiting all of who I am — as opposed to censoring parts I dislike, or which I anticipate will curry disapproval — empowers me to access my best.

Inner expansion promotes growth.

As energy I used to put into guarding goes into celebrating, newly welcomed self-exploration supports me to flourish.

Growth significantly contributes to personal satisfaction. Enriching myself through inner exploration — continually ‘pushing the envelope,’ so to speak — ushers in exciting, new possibilities.

Moreover, people with whom I relate benefit from my increased presence. The more of me I welcome into shared space, the more of me becomes present to Love and be Loved.

How so?

Having ever-increasing portions of myself available promotes connection — not only because I resonant with human experience, but also because my fluid presence feels easy and welcoming.

You see, through granting myself permission, I bless myself. My personal vote of confidence rings loud and clear, consecrating me with trust and reassurance which resonate with those around me. Being willing to go into unknown territory subconsciously encourages me to open into and express my truth, my talent, and my vision.

2. ⫸ .…….. ✯⭐︎✯ 🧘‍♀️ Becoming a Leader 🧘🏼‍♂️ ✯⭐︎✯ ……… ⫷

Counterintuitively, by being vulnerable I also effectively stand for myself. Having the courage to be authentic contributes a vibration of credibility and legitimacy which becomes increasingly challenging to quibble with or assail. By the same token, not needing to sport a facade spurs me to respond directly and effectively to objections.

I become a leader.

🦅 ✵ A leader no longer scared of my own shadow.

🦅 ✵ A leader who creates and initiates.

🦅 ✵ A leader free of the co-dependent obligation to succumb to others’ prescriptions and preferences.

🦅 ✵ A leader able to seize opportunities.

🦅 ✵ A leader comfortable in my own skin.

🦅 ✵ A leader who trusts both my playful spontaneity and my capabilities under pressure.

🦅 ✵ A leader who seeks out contact and connection.

🦅 ✵ A leader who takes care of my needs, and who respects and can fulfill my preferences.

🦅 ✵ A leader free of resentment; able to take care of others’ needs, who respects, and can fulfill others’ preferences.

🦅 ✵ A leader who enjoys myself.

🦅 ✵ A leader who enjoys others.

🦅 ✵ A leader who values me.

Oxymoronically, I become a true follower, as well. Perhaps for the very first time, I dare to follow…

MY OWN DREAMS and DESTINY.

Still, because my conditioning counsels against vulnerability, the smorgasbord of benefits I welcome may not be readily apparent.

By moving through my life with softness and receptivity, I welcome a surprising variety of constructive dynamics.

🦩 ⫸ Centering through self-belief.

🦩 ⫸ Blessing myself with my own esteem.

🦩 ⫸ Encouraging self-conviction.

🦩 ⫸ Building faith in connection.

🦩 ⫸ Trusting others to welcome my authenticity.

🦩 ⫸ Letting go of approval seeking.

🦩 ⫸ Not needing to take the bait.

🦩 ⫸ Responding to myself with compassion and Love.

Being Vulnerable also supports the following qualities.

🏹 ➢ Connection

🏹 ➢ Harmony

🏹 ➢ Togetherness

🏹 ➢ Pride (in its best sense)

🏹 ➢ Integrity.

🏹 ➢ Honor

🏹 ➢ Inner well-being.

🏹 ➢ Satisfaction, rather than regret.

Yet, how do I move through years of indoctrination which encourage me to camouflage and close?

Being true to myself calls me to delve into my genuine nature and connect through my authentic responses. While exploring myself stands as the epitome of life-long developmental processes, I can’t begin to become transparent with others until I’m inviting transparency within myself.

Still, no matter how much of myself I’ve welcomed, vast unknown expanses lie at the heart of my experience — indeed, of the human condition.

Which invites a classic chicken and egg conundrum. Investigating myself requires courage. I gain courage by searching within and embracing what I find.

Carrying myself with what I call ‘centered vulnerability’ becomes a tangible reality only as long as I recognize the folly of holding myself rigidly defended and emotionally impenetrable — as well as the absurdity of eradicating or avoiding anything.

3. ⫸ .…….. ✯⭐︎✯ 🕊 Meeting my Resistance 🕊 ✯⭐︎✯ ……… ⫷

In 13 Words to Remind us that Being Soft is a Superpower — which inspired me to conceive this article — Elephant Journal’s @Juliana Otis introduces a beautiful affirmation,

“My love, you are water. You were never meant to be hard.”

Yet, how do I remain soft when it seems the world — and some of the people in it — attack me, belittle me, and try to bring me down? How to remain open and assured even as I feel unheard and unseen — when my Loving nature goes unrecognized or gets distorted and misunderstood?

Well, by devoting space for anything and everything I might discover. Even, the material I have felt obliged previously to bury or banish. Especially, as of yet unknown territory — which I call, “The Sacred Unknown™.”

Surprisingly, the ways I respond to myself present a most challenging barrier to embracing vulnerability.

If I access parts of who I am that I don’t yet know, untold dangers may arise.

🐚 ➛ Will I know myself as the person I’ve ‘always’ been?

🐚 ➛ Might others recoil from me, or worse, shun me?

🐚 ➛ Will I be able to maintain dependable connections?

🐚 ➛ Can I sustain my place in the world?

🐚 ➛ Will I be able to hold onto my identity?

One of my principles may be of service.

“Faith matters most when you don’t have it!™”

— Jonathan Prager

Almost anyone can be soft when engulfed by good feelings and support — as caring family and friends afford assured connection.

4. ⫸ .…….. ✯⭐︎✯ 🦢 Receptivity through Turmoil 🦢 ✯⭐︎✯ ……… ⫷

The important question becomes…

Can I be vulnerable through chaos and controversy?

The skill of being receptive starts with embracing parts of myself I find distressing. Or, with allowing myself to be inwardly welcoming even as I touch feelings which may terrify me.

After all, feelings are feelings. Allowing them can’t hurt me.

However, repressing them can.

My most terrifying feelings revolve around fearing not being Loved or Loveable.

The more I integrate emotions I characteristically have regarded as ‘unsurvivable’, the more I start to understand my categorization of ‘un-survivability’ stems from early childhood — from times I might well not have survived if I hadn’t been held, or cared for, and responded to in Love.

Of course, it’s a process.

Exploring how to respond from compassion within myself — and then, with empathy toward others — empowers me to remain open when dysfunction invokes defense.

Otherwise, striving for vulnerability is like declaring I should “Love myself” without having a clue as to how.

5. ⫸ .…….. ✯⭐︎✯ 👼 Softness Becomes Me 👼 ✯⭐︎✯ ……… ⫷

In my spiritual teachings, I unravel specific dynamics involved in the process of ‘Loving Yourself!’

Sure.

Being soft stands as a noble intention and desirable state. As @Juliana puts into context in her Elephant Journal article, self-compassion empowers me to be myself.

Mark Twain adds a useful perspective.

“If you tell the truth, you don’t have to remember anything.”

Other than to tell the truth, of course.

My take on his aphorism: when I’m myself — when I am authentic, truthful, and transparent — I don’t have to worry about presenting myself as something I’m not. I don’t have to defend myself. I don’t have to remember to uphold a self-deceptive facade.

I prioritize meeting whatever I’m feeling with acceptance, understanding, and empathy.

In this context, I can allow myself to feel terrified. Or, to yearn for support. Or, even to know I’m feeling desperate because I feel ‘unloved’.

By receiving my own distress, I relax my insistence that people around me assuage my futility and desperation. Doing so is up to me. By taking responsibility, I unravel my reflexive need to ‘attack’ and ‘blame.’ [㊨ ➛ See my related article, “The Culture of Blame.”]

In the end, blame constitutes an ineffective reaction; fury over feeling unrecognized as the Loving being I know myself to be. When I know I am Loving — when I have Love for myself no matter what — the impetus to attack dissolves.

I begin to understand nothing inside me merits self-condemnation. Every part of me generates from Loving intention.

Everything inside me is Love.

By offering and receiving my own Love, I begin to learn to turn within. Especially when people around me do not seem able to hold me, holding myself becomes essential.

The more I fill myself with validation and acceptance, the less pressure I put on the outside world to fill my emptiness.

And on the whole, I feel much less empty.

6. ⫸ .…. ✯⭐︎✯ ⛲ Ending Insistence Materializes Support ⛲ ✯⭐︎✯ .…. ⫷

Interestingly, when I stop demanding others address my needs, they begin to offer blessed support all on their own.

Furthermore, no longer suffering from the obligation to win approval, I release the agonizing burden of being ‘found out.’

I become more accustomed to welcoming all aspects of my inner landscape.

And, because I cannot embrace my inner world without simultaneously embracing others’ inner worlds, my connections become deeper and more genuine.

I begin to organize myself around trust and surrender.

7. ⫸ .…….. ✯⭐︎✯ 🔥 Leading with my Heart 🔥 ✯⭐︎✯ ……… ⫷

Of course, there are times when protection and defense not only become necessary but all important.

Yet, these times are almost certainly fewer than I imagine.

As everybody does, I remember having been hurt. So much so, in fact, I anticipate my wounding experiences will repeat and resonate throughout my life — even dominate. Coming from softness and receptivity enables me to respond in presence rather than to react according to patterned beliefs.

Even when fulfillment and reward stand right in front of me, I may project disappointment, even calamity.

Sometimes, I can’t see the opportunity.

Sometimes, I can see it, yet can’t allow myself to receive it.

How come?

Because I’m busy re-experiencing already having been hurt, I call my past into my present. I interpret current circumstances in ways which recall my distress.

Developing the courage to allow myself to experience what’s here now becomes key. Allowing myself to generate new interpretations empowers me to start building a library of rewarding experiences to draw upon distinct from those which previously hurt me.

Though it may feel counterintuitive, consciously remaining vulnerable represents one way through.

From my experience as a former ski instructor, I know beginning skiers almost never look for reassurance ahead. In order to resist the danger of slipping down the hill, instincts dictate leaning back away from the slope. Yet, safety lies in leaning forward so as to use front ski edges to bite into the snow.

By leaning into my experiences, I empower myself to respond to what’s present. I open myself to engage with what’s coming to me and embrace possibilities that support me in new ways.

Having the courage to lead with my heart enables me to ‘be with’ what is, to welcome rewarding connection as it develops — and, as well, to sense when to protect myself should things become unsafe.

If I’m hiding behind a facade — if I’m defended and hard — I’m dooming myself to meeting new circumstances using old mechanisms.

Moreover, I’m shutting off my capacity to tell the difference between current prospects and past disappointments.

8. ⫸ .…….. ✯⭐︎✯ 💘 Welcoming Feelings 💘 ✯⭐︎✯ ……… ⫷

Being vulnerable means being present through welcoming feelings.

As a human being, I am meant to feel. My feelings stand as necessary and valuable; essential elements which generate crucial information.

It’s a matter of learning to respond by establishing a home for my feelings inside myself — no longer shutting down or shutting off, as I’ve been conditioned to do.

⫸ Every feeling I welcome enhances my well-being. 💖

⫸ Every feeling I welcome invites integration and wholeness. 💖

⫸ Every feeling I welcome encourages, accesses, and summons Love. 💖

⫸ Every one. 💖💖💖

There is no such thing as an undesirable feeling.

My previous internal sense which encouraged me to judge feelings as either ‘good’ or ‘bad’ merely reflects conditional ‘family of origin’ and ‘societal’ dynamics which have so limited my experience and expression.

Responding within myself to my own feelings with anything other than understanding and empathy reinforces unfortunately repressive and inhibiting forces.

Inviting myself to be vulnerable requires me to honor and celebrate my feelings — to build myself by providing a safe passage and welcoming space for the journey of my emotions.

9. ⫸ .…….. ✯⭐︎✯ 🦚 Cues for Vulnerability 🦚 ✯⭐︎✯ ……… ⫷

Of course, there is more to embracing ‘centered vulnerability’ than can be shared in one relatively brief treatment.

Still, especially when hardness/harshness/rigidity/inflexibility/control threaten to carry the day, words that remind me of vulnerability’s immeasurable benefits and inspire me to be vulnerable may prove useful.

Despite the wide range of expansive discernments shared above, reflexive triggering can lure me into a defensive reaction — even into parrying and thrusting — and away from the sweet, soft connection.

‘Language-ing’ empowers me to access states which enhance compassion.

When I think, or name, a quality — truly express it with commitment and conviction (receptivity helps here) — I resonate with the essence that quality holds for me, the spirit with which that quality resonates through me.

By focusing on a desired quality, I encourage myself to assume that quality.

Remember, at least in the immediate present, I live the state I experience.

10. ⫸ .…….. ✯⭐︎✯ 💎 15 Words 💎 ✯⭐︎✯ ……… ⫷

And so, especially when I feel triggered or distressed, I find it useful to keep on hand — or in my mind — a list of evocative words which inspire humility and humanity.

15 Words Which Encourage Vulnerability

11. ⫸ .…….. ✯⭐︎✯ 💝 Responding Inside 💝 ✯⭐︎✯ ……… ⫷

15 words.

Reading through them guides me towards empathy for myself and being with my feelings while orienting me in peace.

I find it helps me to access this list almost any time at all, yet especially when I feel…

⛔ ⚛ Rage

⛔ ⚛ Rancor

⛔ ⚛ Resentment

⛔ ⚛ An urge to escalate

⛔ ⚛ An impulse to hide

⛔ ⚛ An intention to inject tone and words which might harm

⛔ ⚛ Scared

⛔ ⚛ Lost

⛔ ⚛ Disconnected

As I read…

💎 ➛ I feel calmer.

💎 ➛ I reinforce faith in myself — and in others.

💎 ➛ I tap into self-respect, and respect for who I’m with.

💎 ➛ I realize I’m not alone.

💎 ➛ I bolster connection.

12. ⫸ .…….. ✯⭐︎✯ 💞 Loving Kindness 💞 ✯⭐︎✯ ……… ⫷

The surest way to receive unconditional Love is to send unconditional Love.

To the world, in general.

Or, to one person in specific; especially someone towards whom I’m harboring resentment.

Buddhists know this.

Hence, Buddhists sit in ‘Loving Kindness’ meditations.

I use these 15 words to call forward ‘Loving Kindness.’

As I send out Loving Kindness, I can’t help but fill myself with Loving Kindness. When I’m filled with Loving Kindness, I can’t help but be vulnerable. When I’m vulnerable, I experience at least some form of every word on my list.

I consider these fifteen words a tribute and a prayer; if you will, an invocation — a mantra — of vulnerability.

🟣 Conclusion 🟣 ⫸ .…….. ✯⭐︎✯ ⚓️ Take Away ⚓️ ✯⭐︎✯ ……… ⫷

I’m in charge of myself.

You’re in charge of yourself.

By taking responsibility for myself and for the relationship path I trod, I diminish attack and blame, while increasing curiosity and connection.

Feelings — even the most ‘fear producing’/‘courage inducing’ feelings — call out to be embraced. Transparent sharing empowers symbiotic witnessing.

When feelings meet acceptance and receptivity, vulnerability becomes a source of expansion and pleasure; a foundation for togetherness and union.

I not only review my list when issues arise but also while pressure is off — even as introspective inquiry and expansive self-awareness focus my intention.

By securing these words in my consciousness, when needed, I trust I’ll have cues for vulnerability readily available.

See you ‘round the ‘vulnerability’ bend!

㊨ ➛ See my related article, “The Culture of Blame.”

Thanks for stopping by.

If you enjoy meaningful writing and the opportunity to think and create and imagine, please subscribe.

Let’s create a dialogue. You’re most welcome to share input to which I’ll directly respond by emailing me here.

More of my creations: here.

You may peruse additional articles and stories of mine here on Medium.com — and if you’d like, join Medium through my member link (most valuable to me) here

The Vitality of Vulnerability was originally published in ILLUMINATION on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.