It is a shame that Rosa hasn’t posted anymore. I was looking forward to what she had to say.

I don’t know, I think there are some conversations that are related to Buddhism. Just not the majority of them. It’s not assumed that everyone here is Buddhist and people are free to talk about things as they please.

I have enjoyed some conversations about meditation, enlightenment and Buddhism with people here. Even developing compassion is a pursuit encouraged in Buddhism.

If anyone would like to talk about anything related to Buddhism my door is always open.
Personally, I cannot give advice that the Buddha would give. I am not a Buddha.

At the moment, I’m learning about defilements and fetters, states of mind and karma. There’s a great teacher I’m fond of Venerable Bhikkhu Bodhi, he has a lot of stuff on YouTube and hosts weekly sutta study sessions via zoom which can be signed up to on the BAUS website.

One of my good friends taught me that it is important not to cause others pain, that can involve not sharing things that people are not interested in learning about. I respect him a lot and because of him I have learned to be more mindful of upsetting others. Though I do still make mistakes.

Hi Everyone

For sure, different ways of expressing the same thing. ❤️

I was wondering if either of you wanted to share any thoughts on the later half of life?

What a beautiful poem, as usual! ❤️

It must have been difficult Anita with your feelings being suppressed for so long. It is not always easy doing the work to express yourself either. I’m glad that you are in a place where you feel comfortable with expressing yourself! I remember when I was working on letting my feelings out and it felt overwhelming and like it would never end. But eventually, things became less of a torrent and more of a wave, coming and going. I don’t know if this resonates with you at all?

Hi Everyone

I feel like this answer could be different for everyone. What gives life meaning? Very personal. It could be looked at from surviving to thriving. What is thriving? Overcoming obstacles, living with a sense of happiness. I guess, how I cope with difficulties nowadays is to see them as challenges to overcome. Even giving up is just part of a cycle for me now. No judgement. Must be exhausted and need to rest before I try again.

Personally, I’m happy with the way things are in my life even though it’s not easy. I’ve been in stages where I felt depressed, hated my life and hated who I was, so I changed it and myself. Made a life for myself. I do feel like life has chapters like a story. If my life was at any point not worth living I wouldn’t be here today. Sometimes suffering is necessary. If I didn’t go through a lot of hardship my son wouldn’t exist. Looking at the patterns in my story helps me to appreciate how it weaves together. I don’t know what exactly is coming next but I can be thankful for the lessons that my life has taught me and when difficulties occur I have the mindset of I wonder what the lesson will be?

I do believe that we are all inherently worthy. I find it easier to think of people as animals. No one has crazy expectations of animals. You just expect the animal to be an animal. I feel like expectations are half the battle.

Peter is right. I think life is just a journey and we are along for the ride whether we like it or not. Of course, it is important to take care of ourselves.

I don’t feel like there is a right answer. There is only your answer.

What do you think Anita?

Hi Lady F

Bless your soul worrying about your sister. All you can really do is be your fabulous self and take care of your own needs and mental health. One day she may be inspired by you. Keep being kind and supportive, but of course take time to yourself when you need to decompress. I know it is hard seeing loved ones in pain. That you care about your sister is a huge help for her in itself. ❤️

Hi Anita

I love your thoughts on love! I agree, it does take intentional practice to choose love over fear. Sometimes easier said than done. Keep up the good work. ❤️

My boy says the word LOVE when he enjoys something. His pram LOVE! Playing with other children LOVE! Cuddling the puppy LOVE! Being pushed on a swing at the park LOVE! It’s very cute.

Hi Anita

Are you having trouble sleeping with the light nights? My son is too. He wakes up at the crack of dawn like a bird.

It is not easy living with the fallout of severe trauma. I think you deserve some credit for all of the work you’ve done on your healing.

I’m glad that you have a space to express yourself. You deserve to be heard after a lifetime of being ignored. Heck, after all you do for other people. You deserve some of that care and attention too! ❤️

Thank you for sharing the exercise! I tried it and it was interesting and rather helpful opening up a dialogue exploring different internal perspectives.

Thinking of you! ❤️

Hi Anita

I understand your concerns. I guess my perspective is slightly different. Everyone’s needs and perspectives are different. It’s entirely valid that these are your needs and experiences. ❤️

I guess, I just don’t view these things as delaying healing for me personally. I understand that it does delay healing for you. For me, it can make things painful and harder in the moment. I feel like healing is a spectrum and dealing with challenges is a part of healing for me.

I feel like life hands everyone things that they don’t need. I can’t control how others treat me. I can only choose how I respond to it.