12 Comments
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B.A. Lampman's avatar

This is great... I hope a lot of people will see it.

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Sandra Pawula's avatar

B.A. Thank you! I hope it can support people in this chaotic time!

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Dr Vicki Connop's avatar

Beautiful Sandra. This is the work the world needs more of!

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Sandra Pawula's avatar

Vicki, Thank you! I couldn't agree more. I know how much it helps me. Thanks for your support!

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Lisa Tea's avatar

Fascinating & profound as always, Sandra. I'm grateful to have found you & your Substack.

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Sandra Pawula's avatar

Lisa, Thank you! I'm so touched by your kind words. I'm glad you found this piece fascinating and profound. That's how I feel about the Buddhist teachings and simple methods like this can help anyone. Thank you for your support!

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Cathy Joseph's avatar

I loved this, Sandra - and I so needed it recently! It takes a lot to make me angry, but I was verbally attacked (an old trigger) and my anger erupted. It was truly volcanic! I involuntarily took a step closer and stopped myself from lunging at the person, who had quickly moved on.

This is not my normal behavior, by a long shot. I know I will address what happened with this person, and I know not to have that conversation while angry. I became a log externally, but not in my head - practicing the conversation that would address this so that it does not happen again. Now, calmly and carefully (i.e., with care), with anger dissipated, I will address it when the time is right.

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Sandra Pawula's avatar

Cathy, I'm glad this practice sounds like it will be helpful to you. Anger can be so challenging. Thanks for sharing so vulnerably. You acted wisely by not lunging at the person, but I know that can be challenging in a heated moment. I have had those volcanic moments, too. They are rarer now, but I remain careful because I can still be triggered. I like that I can remember the image of a log as a reminder. I wish you the best as you attempt to address this calmly and carefully when the time is right.

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KatSC's avatar

Interesting. Not a “rolling down a hill log” though, haha Which is how I often feel!

I’ve been practicing the mindful gap for years; most times I do really well, but on occasion I fail. Thanks for this thought process, Sandra.

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Sandra Pawula's avatar

Kat, Fantastic! It's inspiring to hear how well it works for you. I have gotten better over the years, too.

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Sandra Pawula's avatar

Nick, Thank you so much for re-stacking! Have a great day!

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Sandra Pawula's avatar

Amy, Thank you so much for re-stacking! Have a great day!

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