About me
Warm, caring, open to emotions. Still growing and powered by cuddles! I believe in polycuddles (cuddling with multiple people). I want to form friendships with secure connections so we can reconnect easily just where we left off.
I believe in the big "L" Love. I was raised Protestant, but my journey has wandered through the Unitarian Universalists, Taoism, Zen, and Buddhism. I describe myself now as Buddhist, but not like the "I wear orange robes, these are my holidays", more like the "my religion is kindness" that the Dali Lama speaks about. My favorite Buddhist authors are Chogyam Trungpa, his student Pema Chodron, and the Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh. Chogyam was more "back in the 60s" and founded the Shambala path, a more Western version of the tradition. There's also a wonderful Zen book I'm reading called "How to Raise an Ox". I'm always browsing in that section of the bookstore. You might easily see me there.
Another good book I've read recently is called "Wabi Sabi", about the Japanese culture of appreciating, mending, and treasuring what is everyday real. (See also kintsugi.) It makes me think of my heart.
About doing personal work, I've done many years of therapy, workshops, and study off and on, and I have to say that cuddles has been the most amazing work of all. Recent books I've read about inner work that have been helpful are "The Five Love Languages for Singles", "Polysecure", and "Mindsense". Polysecure in particular talks about becoming your own safe haven and secure base. Wonderful stuff in there.
I spent several years in the 1980s learning meditation from the teachings of Prem Rawat, an Indian who moved to the west. I'm currently reading his book "Hearing Yourself". Highly recommended for anyone interested in inner peace.
John Bradshaw's book on inner child work Homecoming is great. I'm watching videos of his PBS series on this, amazing. Pete Walker's work on Complex PTSD is also very good for dealing with inner pain and healing trauma.
I recently created a ring for myself to signify my commitment to myself, my growth, and to love over fear.
Being inspired by cuddles, I've now installed an 8' cozy sack in my living room. Great spot to finish waking up, to have a little quiet, safe, and warm quality time before the day starts. Perhaps one day I'll host a cuddle here. :)
Blessings, love, and hugs on your journey, where ever it takes you.