Posted by dj on February 25, 2000, at 17:32:00
In reply to Re: magic pill -- NOT...books adieu..(very long), posted by Noa on February 25, 2000, at 15:56:30
> I guess I'll end by considering the possibility that you didn't mean to come across this way and when rereading your post you will be able to recognize how it did.
> >
Thanks to both of you for your comments. If I came across as a bit grandiose and condescending I'll own that and I'll also stand behind ABSOLUTELY every one of my comments because I believe them from the core of my being and my own experience. I'm not standing on Mount Olympus looking down I'm sitting here reflecting upon what I've experienced and what has worked for and inpired me and it sure hasn't been pharmoceuticals, though some of the wrting on this board has been inspirationa.If I came across as condescending I didn't intend it to be that way and apologize if any of you, besides Noa, perceive it that way.
And sure I don't know each and everyone of you individually or your circumstances but I do know that I've been there and worked my way through a lot of personal crap with lots of blood, sweat, tears, humour, pathos and bathos and at the centre of it I always found me, when I let go of my crutches and excuses. I assume that anyone else can do the same, regardless of their circumstances because I have seen myself and others do it, time and again.
And I will have my moments and pitfalls again but I will use ever weapon in my well stocked arsenal to not go back into depression and to avoid ever using ADs again, if I can. And if I need them they will be there, temporarily, in hopefully a new and truly improved form.
If I sound like Neil Postman's publicist that's because I've cut and pasted the quote from publicity for the lecture, which perhaps wasn't obvious.
As for the list of books I've read them all, at least once and in some cases many times. I also used to sell books, to university profs, so I have a pretty broad exposure to and love of the written word. One that I forgot to include which details someone elses's path through the maze we call life, and its many pitfalls is Zen and the Art of Motorcyle Maintainence by Robert Pirsig.
Here's a copy of my reply to Carol Ann's personal note to me:
"Thanks very much CarolAnn! I appreciate your thoughtfulness and compassion. However, I did not do it alone by any stretch of the imagination I have a large and generally supportive and loving family and some very loving and supportive friends all of who challenge me in appropriate ways at times, to be the best me I can be and that's all that it takes really. Simple, but not easy.The books I mentioned today and others I've mentioned pereviously were all of great solace and assistance to me, especially those which talk about folks like RFK, William Styron and other more low key folks. All that and the kindness of strangers, friends and family helped. And the work I did at the Haven (PD Seminars) which I mentioned in other recent posts, and will do more of, has been a great assist.
As the Irish toast goes, "May the most you wish for be the least that you receive."
I will be checking out PsychoBabble on occasion, and posting on occasion but less and less often as I want to life away from my computer more and more. Plus there's a wonderful blonde Chinese medecine intern whom I met through acupuncture whom I hope to be spending more time with when she returns from vacation. And I want to enjoy the outdoor beauties of Vancouver even more, as it is a magnificant place to be, always. And then work beckons too...but first I need to finish cleaning up my place, my psyche and get my own house even more in order.
Namaste!
DJ"
I don't claim to be a saint or hero, though I have been infuenced by both as well as their opposites, just a guy trying to find his way through a lot of confusion, at times. And for the record I am not one for pity parties, which sometimes seems to me to be the focus here, though more often it is leavened with great humour, insight and compassion.
One person, of many, whom I don't always agree with but admire greatly who has been a very, positive influence on me is a fellow named Brock Tully who until a month ago ran a bookstore called Greenhouse Books: Where People Grow.
He and his lovely wife Wilma have sold the store, but retained an interest, as they are about to do an 8-month Cycling for Kindness tour which may be coming to your city. Check out their web site and if they are in your city or nearby go check out thier public forums cuz they radiate love and good will and actively practice what they preach: (http://www.kindacts.net/cycle/
If they are not coming to a city near you, check out the web-site anyway as I believe there is info. there on Brock's small books called Reflections by Brock Tully. Here's a sample quote from Brock's reflections, which come with humourous drawings: "...i'll never find out what I can do...unless i do all i can to find out."
My apologies if anyone else takes offense at my comments. That was and is not my intent, though my tone might have been a bit grandiose. That's part of who I am and I recognize it and compensate for it, when and where necessary. At the Haven they are very good at helping me get in touch with my humility, compassion and humanity and that's all I wish for anyone else via whatever route you might chose.My intent is to provide a different take on things and I have. Take it as you will!
poster:dj
thread:23125
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000220/msgs/23829.html