Growth Opportunities

Dear Reader

I like to be right. I like to do the right thing. When I find myself angry, resentful or hurt, I like to have a nice heaping dose of righteous indignation. But, really, it’s not such a great idea. It’s much better if I can temper that dose with some empathy, tolerance and maybe even grace.

For what it’s worth, struggling with balancing the dosage is what my friend David calls an AFGO: Another Flipping Growth Opportunity. It’s one of those opportunities to dig a little deeper and find a more compassionate side of myself. Oddly enough, it’s also important for me to find compassion for myself, not just the other person or people involved.

Lucky for me, I’ve heard, and often quoted, Thomas Leonard. He said that any one of us, at any given time, is doing the best that we can—especially when it’s obvious that we’re not. This radical idea makes it easier to be compassionate toward myself and others.

Please note that I’m not talking about tolerating abuse or bad behavior. I’m talking about letting go of righteous indignation. About finding ways to be content, perhaps even curious and open-minded rather than defending my “rightness”. About letting go of the need to be right or to correct anyone.

One of my favorite Moshe Feldenkrais quotes is, “To correct is incorrect.” Instead of correcting, Feldenkrais liked to provide experiences, ask questions and leave space for curiosity and discovery.

My hope for all of us is that we can find space—physically, emotionally, spiritually—to explore and more fully enjoy this amazing experience we call life.

There’s still space in my Magical Felt Vessels workshop at the Jung Center of Houston on April 30. Since it’s “magical,” you don’t have to be talented or get it right—just come and have fun.

Tuesdays’ Feldenkrais Awareness Through Movement lessons are still free pay as you wish.

Please note that we won’t have any classes or private lessons during the first half of May. I’m taking another little break—I’ll tell you more about what I’m up to after the fact.