YOUR RAINFOREST MIND

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What Are You Called To Do? Who Are You Called To Be?

Just when I thought life on Planet Earth was as unstable and disturbing as it could possibly be, it got more unstable and more disturbing. You know what I am talking about. All. The. Things.

What is a highly sensitive, super smart, empathetic, creative, deep thinking, emotional rainforest-minded human to do?

I have no idea. There are many possibilities, depending on who you are, where you are, and the complicated life you are living. As you might imagine, there is no one remedy for everyone. For some of you, especially these days, it is about staying alive, loving your family, and finding a safe home.

But, for those of you who have your basic safety and health needs met, I will share an idea, based on my own particular worldview and biases. After all, that is what I am here for. That is why I came to Planet Earth, as far as I can tell. It is a little unclear, truth be told. It could be that I am here to make fun videos on Instagram or to learn how to control my hair. But, on my better hair days, I imagine I have a purpose, maybe even a calling. And that you do, too.

Which brings me to my actual reason for being. Drum roll, please. My calling is to, well, help you find your calling. Your raison d’être. (I have been studying French on Duolingo.) I know it sounds a little weird and maybe a wee bit grandiose but I may have landed on Planet Earth to get many of you smarties to heal any injuries that you incurred navigating life in a family and a body, clear up any misconceptions about what it means to be gifted, recognize you are on a mission, and steer you in the right direction.

How does that sound?

I mean it makes sense, right? I am not really doing anything else. I have no kids, no pets, no partner*. I do have a few plants but they basically take care of themselves. You could say I am obsessed with this purpose. It is my favorite thing to do. Maybe it is all that I do. Seeing clients, blogging, book writing, meme-building, video-creating.

OK. Wait. I do other things. I talk with friends. I go to the gym. I eat. Sleep. I get acupuncture. Read. I do things**. But, if you followed me throughout the day, you might think to yourself, this is one weird chick. Or, does she really like working that much? Or, where did she get all that hair?

I am exaggerating. A little.

But don’t worry. I do not expect you to be obsessed with your calling like I am. You can still have kids, pets, and partners while living your purpose. And, sure, kids, pets, and partners may actually be your raison d’être. Or stopping the legacy of abuse and neglect in your family might be your mission.

You do not have to get McDonalds to use grass-fed hormone-free meat and end factory farms once and for all. You do not have to invent the most energy efficient inexpensive solar cell ever. You do not have to stop power-hungry psychopathic megalomaniacs from starting wars. Although I won’t intervene if you want to try.

I am just saying, now is a great time to figure out what you are here to do. Or who are are here to be. Or both.

Some of you will feel this as pressure. I apologize. You will think I am telling you to live up to your potential. Noooooo. I am not saying that. Not exactly. You might misinterpret me and think you have to do one thing forever. No no no. This is about finding out who you are and, then, being that person. Being YOU. Finding fulfillment in life because you are being yourself and doing what feeds you, what nourishes you, what makes you who you are. Which in some way or other impacts your family, your community, and maybe even your world.

You have a purpose. You are on a mission. You have a raison d’être.

Welcome to Team Rainforest Mind.

Merci.

________________________________

To my bloggEEs: This post might be a bit more provocative than most but it feels like these times call for some provoking. I understand if this triggers some of you and you decide to cancel me. But if you stay, I promise to provide more guidance in future posts In the meantime, reading past posts and my first book could be ways to gain more clarity as you seek and live your calling. Tell us about what you suspect your mission might be or how you might go about finding it. Sending you much, much love.

(*Note: I am hoping to find the partner at some point. I suspect I can be both partnered and purposeful.)

(**Another note: I also dance the Argentine tango when there are no pandemics. I do things.)

( Yet another note: If you think you are too old to find your purpose, just remember, I started my counseling practice at 41, dancing tango at 47, and this blog at, wait for it, 62. )

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Author: Paula Prober

I’m a psychotherapist and consultant in private practice based in Eugene, Oregon. I specialize in international consulting with gifted adults and parents of gifted children. I’ve been a teacher and an adjunct instructor at the University of Oregon and a frequent guest presenter at Oregon State University and Pacific University. I’ve written articles on giftedness for the Eugene Register-Guard, the Psychotherapy Networker, Advanced Development Journal and online for psychotherapy dot net, Rebelle Society, Thrive, Introvert Dear, and Highly Sensitive Refuge. My first book, Your Rainforest Mind: A Guide to the Well-Being of Gifted Adults and Youth, is a collection of case studies of gifted clients along with many strategies and resources for gifted adults and teens. My second book, Journey Into Your Rainforest Mind: A Field Guide for Gifted Adults and Teens, Book Lovers, Overthinkers, Geeks, Sensitives, Brainiacs, Intuitives, Procrastinators, and Perfectionists is a collection of my most popular blog posts along with writing exercises for self-exploration and insight.

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  1. No Better Time To Share Your Complicated Colorful Self With The World | Your Rainforest Mind

    […] purpose? There are ideas in this post and this one. Some great resources for this are here. It is a project for sure. But what could be more important? Honey, you have a rainforest mind. You were born for […]

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  2. I’m Writing A Book On Love — For Sensitive, Deep Thinking, Creative, Curious, Smart, Persnickety Humans | Your Rainforest Mind

    […] Ukraine. (Here is an excellent article on this by Rebecca Solnit.) Finding your authentic voice and your purpose(s) is one way to send love and healing to the planet and to all of […]

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  3. Artie Avatar
    Artie

    My curiosity has always been my guide. I thought this world was so big and wanted to experience it all. Well, things didn’t go as I planned… The thing is, my original mindset prevented me from thinking of a raison d’etre too seriously.

    For me, the concept of purpose is very similar to the concept of love that I hold. They don’t need to be big things, perhaps we were born to do all the things we have been doing. Perhaps the good and bad things are part of the dynamic, and we are part of it too. Our raison d’etre perhaps is the result of this dynamic. Perhaps it is a guiding light through the roller coaster of life, but right now I feel like maybe it’s better to relax and enjoy the world as it is, with the good and the bad? After all, we can’t foresee the future with certainty and we know so little about this world. I feel useless and unnecessary most of the time, but I know that my insignificant daily actions have an impact, on myself and others. It’s not like I’m indispensable, more like I’m part of this world. Maybe, just maybe, realizing this should be a good reason to try being more attentive of myself? I don’t know, universe just keeps being a mystery. It is kind of exciting to discover and marvel at its vastness with others while sharing the same space with them.

    Reply
    1. Paula Prober Avatar
      Paula Prober

      Thank you for sharing, Artie. You are young, so I’m guessing there will be time to discover and marvel and maybe even feel useful and necessary.

      Reply
  4. Katerina Avatar
    Katerina

    Paula thank you so much for this! It resonates so much with me and I feel less guilty for working too many hours helping other people find their calling!

    Reply
    1. Paula Prober Avatar
      Paula Prober

      Good, Katerina. Guilt is often such a waste of energy. I’m glad to hear you are doing similar work.

      Reply
  5. cmd1122 Avatar
    cmd1122

    Thanks for another helpful post, Paula.
    I began a master’s only 6 weeks ago now, and I am so glad I did. It is an online degree and this semester only one of my two classes meets on a live weekly video call. But yesterday the professor of the other class organized an optional class meeting for those who wanted to connect with each other and discuss Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. It was a much needed space. Some cried. We all ranted to some degree. We questioned why more wasn’t done to prevent the invasion. We questioned the university’s lack of response. It was even productive as threaded throughout the call we all brainstormed ways we can all address the war with our students, colleagues, families, communities, etc. wherever we all in the world.
    Ultimately we are all in this together. We are more interconnected as a species than ever before and inaction is saying this injustice is OK and invites more. This reminds me of Martin Luther King Jr.: “Those who love peace must learn to organize as effectively as those who love war.” RFMs unite to embrace who we really are and spread joy and peace!
    Sending love to all of you.

    Reply
    1. Paula Prober Avatar
      Paula Prober

      I’m so glad you are part of a supportive community in your master’s program, cmd1122. It can make such a difference during these times. Love back to you.

      Reply
  6. Paula Prober Avatar
    Paula Prober

    Thank you all for your sensitive comments. I will be responding to them soon. This is a tough time and topic. Just a reminder to speak from your own experience versus making suggestions to others. Share how you feel and what you experience. It’s always best here to add “in my opinion” when stating something more general in nature. But best to avoid generalities.

    Reply
  7. Pecheoiseau Avatar
    Pecheoiseau

    Merci beaucoup pour ce post très opportun!

    Reply
    1. Paula Prober Avatar
      Paula Prober

      Oui!

      Reply
  8. navanconsultation Avatar
    navanconsultation

    Thank you for this, Paula! At 77, my purpose continues the process of metamorphosing. Beginning as educator, then consultant, then therapist, I am now embarking on the path of becoming an end-of-life-doula. Who knows where our true purpose, that bright, inner daimon that is our center, will lead!

    Reply
    1. Paula Prober Avatar
      Paula Prober

      What a wonderful next career path for you, navanconsulting. I would love to have you dance me out of this world! 🙂

      Reply
  9. veroniqz Avatar
    veroniqz

    It sounds quite simple, but I find myself drowning in a paralyzing and overwhelming news, wave after wave. The climate, our footprint, the pandemic, this war… Trying to convince myself there is hope, there is enough positive and intelligent energy to have mankind turn into the right direction, but… how is this possible, how can a few people in power, owning so much, ruin our future so willingly? What choice is this? It’s driving me mad. How can they think that destruction is a proof of power? How can this be anyone’s purpose?
    For me, this complexity of worldly issues – like carolineb69 states above – is an energy drain, more and more confusing, driving me further and further away from finding my purpose, feeling so hopeless and useless.
    I wonder if it’s an rfm thing, all this carrying-the-burdens-of-the-world-on-your-shoulders, but anyway, I am struggling…

    Reply
    1. Artie Avatar
      Artie

      Hello, veroniqz. I understand how you feel, perhaps the main difference is the level of intensity of these feelings, but yeah, I too have been struggling a lot these past few days. Being more descriptive, this whole situation makes me sick.

      I’m still quite young, though. Just 25 years old. I don’t know if my pessimism will be cured with the passage of time. I still don’t have the wisdom level of most of the people in Paula’s blog. Yet I think I know how hell feels like. There’s nothing there, not even pain, just oneself with all the loneliness and sadness of the world. Want to know more? Watch the movie Altered States or the anime Monster (japanese people have an accurate insight of the theme, I’ve been studying japanese culture).

      In short, I wouldn’t recommend anyone to go down that path, almost two decades and I have yet to fully recover from my decision of carrying the burdens of the world on my little and fragile shoulders.

      You’re right. There seems to be a lack of positive and intelligent energy, but it’s there and it’s growing, slowly but definitely growing. Don’t give up, your intuition is right. What’s happening right now is just a storm, take the necessary precautions and wait for it to end. If you can do something, do it, but if it is too much for you, that’s okay. Believe it or not, I think you’re fighting the storm too. I think I’m doing it by chatting with people who are struggling even though I’m struggling too. It’s certainly not much, but it is all I can do and something I want to do because I’m selfish, only I have the right to be sad, others don’t. As for you, knowing that people like you exist is more than enough to make me feel hope. Believe me or not, but I’ve been searching for this place and people like you for a few years now. That’s why I’m deeply grateful of Paula’s work.

      I would recommend the movie Soul. It goes well with the topic of this entry which, by the way, it’s not provocative.

      If you want to have a chat so you can share some of that burden, I think Paula can share my email with you.

      ¡Oh! There’s a song too. King by Lauren Aquilina. “You’ve got it all, you lost your mind in the sound”, always get me. There’s a lot of noise right now, maybe the right thing to do is recharge the battery, you will know it’s full when you find yourself smiling again.

      Hugs.

      Reply
      1. veroniqz Avatar
        veroniqz

        Thank you so much for sharing how you feel. Good to know there are more people having these same feelings… I’ll check out those movies, thanks. Definitely time to recharge the battery…

        Reply
        1. Artie Avatar
          Artie

          I would go with Soul though. Altered States makes a good reflection on what’s important, but it’s not different from what people in the comments have already said. As Elle commented above: “Being happy and loving others is our purpose with a capital P.” Monster tells what happens when an empathetic and intelligent person dwells too much on the nasty side of people: they become monsters. Wouldn’t recommend it, it is better to focus on the good side of people. Spreading love and happiness is the right thing to do when there are people out there trying to destroy other people’s lives. Teaching that life should be respected and honored is what will save us from the troublemakers and the bullies. It has already been said, but it is true that people all over the world are standing against this tragedy, you’re one of them, of course. That’s a good sign. Let’s just do what we can.

          Reply
        2. Artie Avatar
          Artie

          It seems like I can’t edit my comment… Anyway, after “they become monsters”, my intention was to said that I wouldn’t recommend watching Monster, in my opinion, watching Soul is better because it’s related with finding your purpose, be yourself and being free. Of course, feel free to do the things you like and enjoy. The only purpose with those advices was trying to make you feel better in these tough times. God knows I need to remind myself of not dwelling on the bad side of humanity.

          Reply
          1. Paula Prober Avatar
            Paula Prober

            Thank you for these recommendations, Artie. We are here with you, supporting you and appreciating your kindnesses.

            Reply
          2. veroniqz Avatar
            veroniqz

            Thank you so much, again. It is very kind of you, and one of the reasons I regularly visit blogs like Paula’s, to feel better for a moment… I checked, but unfortunately the film Soul is not available for me. Hopefully it will be, in the near future!

            Reply
    2. Paula Prober Avatar
      Paula Prober

      Yes, veroniqz, it is a RFM thing to have so much empathy for the world. And to feel overwhelmed. So it is important to take care of yourself and limit your exposure to the news. Then tune into your intuition and your heart to see where your path leads you. Your sensitivity is your strength, too.

      Reply
      1. veroniqz Avatar
        veroniqz

        Thanks, Paula. My path, my path, where is it…. It feels so weak and hypocritrical to say I want to help and save the world, and then look the other way when it really gets bad, making all kinds of excuses. I feel I SHOULD be able to help and contribute to a better world, but… I just don’t know what to do, it all feels pointless. Environment, climate, war,… So I just fill my time reading supportive blogs and stuff, watch some yogi teachings,… and feed the birds in the garden, again…

        Reply
        1. Paula Prober Avatar
          Paula Prober

          These are definitely particularly hard times, veroniqz. You are not alone in those feelings of overwhelm and hopelessness. Perhaps you can find a supportive friend, animal, or counselor? It can be hard to find the path and the purpose without some help. Sending you lots of love.

          Reply
          1. veroniqz Avatar
            veroniqz

            Yes, I have been struggling for quite a while now, hoping my path will reveal itself magically, but the past few years times are getting more and more dark and cloudy… And somehow, neither can I find a counselor who sees me. I will probably have to find my own answers. But your posts and love are keeping me afloat once in a while😊 Thank you… sending love back, and continuing my quest..💞

            Reply
  10. Stormy Avatar
    Stormy

    Paula! Thank you so much for making this your purpose! You have already changed how I see myself and approach my life and plans, just in the few months since I found your work.

    I did not perceive this topic as pressure, because these questions were exactly the ones I was asking myself when I embarked on the quest that led me here in the first place.

    At the moment I’m struggling a bit with the notion that the calling I’m feeling now is more of a “being” one than a “doing” one. (A friend told me long ago that this sort of quiet perceptiveness is a more prominent part of my nature than I realize myself, so perhaps it’s time I recognize and embrace it.) It’s harder to measure success at being something rather than doing things.

    And also, I have done some really cool things. They just weren’t necessarily the things I initially envisioned and planned. In some cases, that is because new technology made projects possible that had not been before, which is cool. In others, it’s perhaps that I didn’t quite understand my true nature. For instance, I am definitely an introvert, but I am realizing that when it comes to creative endeavors, I am actually drawn to collaboration. So now I’m reconsidering what would actually suit me.

    Reply
    1. Paula Prober Avatar
      Paula Prober

      Welcome, Stormy. So happy to have you here!

      Reply
  11. Someone Avatar
    Someone

    My wife once asked her grandfather who lived through all but the first 5 years of the 20th century what he did during the various wars and crises of the previous century. I was fortunate enough to know this man for the last few years of his 105 year life. He told her “we sat and thought our thoughts”. I have been relying on that piece of wisdom more and more as I grow older. As a young man, full of youthful optimism and exuberance, I went into the environmental field sure that I was going to be part of saving the planet. What I found is that the deck is heavily stacked against any kind of productive change. Most of the people I encountered working in the field were cynical, had given up long ago, and were going through the motions to collect a paycheck. I found myself on the wrong side of some very political cases, but pushed on anyway until the stress became too great and I burned out. More like crashed and burned. It’s been a few years now, and with the passage of time my perspective has changed a bit. I’m less bitter and realize that I gave everything I had, which was all I could do. I tell this story because I suspect many people find themselves in this situation: struggling to make a difference and feeling utterly powerless. I spend a lot more time now thinking my thoughts. It seems to me that the world is full of darkness but it is full of light too. It may be true that our inaction on reducing our emission of greenhouse gasses will set off feedback loops, sending us into a buzzsaw of violent and irreversible climate change. It may be true that certain world leaders, enamored of the sizes of their various buttons, will push them sending us into a nuclear holocaust. It is also true that every morning a flock of birds comes to my feeders asking for seeds to help sustain their lives through the cruelest part of winter. And it is also true that the days are getting longer and the early signs of spring are unmistakable. I have realized that these are the things that I love and that make me want to remain. There is not much that I can do to influence the actions of a narcissistic dictator half a world away and vanishingly little I can do to stop climate change. But what I can do is love this world and its creatures the best I know how. Right now that takes the form of keeping my feeders full and starting seedlings. That is what my heart leads me to feel called to do.

    Reply
    1. Paula Prober Avatar
      Paula Prober

      Following your heart is a great road to take, Someone. For sure. I’m sad to hear what you went through in your work. Humans can be so difficult. I still imagine that there are enough pockets of people around the world who are able to sustain the energy and insight to change the trajectory of the climate crisis. And to move humanity to a more evolved state of beingness! There may be more to this life than what some people call “ordinary reality.” And then there is hope and beauty in a flock of birds.

      Reply
    2. veroniqz Avatar
      veroniqz

      I can definitely relate to your story, Someone, the burnout – even being forcefully pushed away from the job, in my case – and the resort to helping nature in the backyard… Good to hear that feels okay!

      Reply
      1. Someone Avatar
        Someone

        veroniqz – Pete Seeger once said “If there’s a world here in a hundred years, it’s going to be saved by tens of millions of little things.” Never diminish the potential for small unseen actions done with great love to bring about radical change. Keep leaning in my friend. It is important. Much love and light to you!

        Reply
        1. veroniqz Avatar
          veroniqz

          That is a beautiful thought! Thank you so much and ditto!

          Reply
  12. Me Avatar
    Me

    „What is a highly sensitive, super smart, empathetic, creative, deep thinking, emotional rainforest-minded human to do?“
    Very thought provoking, Paula!
    The first answer that popped up was TO SHARE THE 💕 LOVE! At least for me this is true. I think, especially in times like these the world needs so much more love, as it can be so disarming.

    Reply
    1. Paula Prober Avatar
      Paula Prober

      It seems we all agree, share the love! <3

      Reply
  13. carolineb69 Avatar
    carolineb69

    Bringing peace in the world is easier when we find peace in ourselves. There will always be s***storm in our lives, that’s a part of being alive, the tension… We can still dance with all of it, the good and the bad. I found with time that any occupation can be a raison d’être if it is made with love. We can have one or many, so let’s shine yeah, let’s do all we chose to do with extra love. I see that some people think they are doing something useful or their duty by watching the news all the time, trying to understand things with analysis. The truth is, analyzing or seeing is not doing. And suffering with, is not helping. We have to go beyond that, the gigantic flow of terrible words and pictures (and the storytelling…), to find meaning. We have to go back to life at some point… Sometimes it is the greatest challenge. Doing the little things instead of drowning in the complexity of worldly issues. Living our daily lives with tons of love. That’s making a difference I think :).

    Reply
    1. Paula Prober Avatar
      Paula Prober

      I do believe that doing our inner work to find personal peace is definitely a healing for the outer world. Yes, let us spread the love, carolineb69!

      Reply
  14. clignett Avatar
    clignett

    I hear you, Paula! Loud and clear! And I do not think this blog is provocative, at least not to me. I can imagine that it might trigger some things for some, l but for me it gives me just one message. Which came to me while walking Indie for his last round before going to bed, sniffing all the way (him = normal, me = hayfever 🤣🙈). As always he is in his world, and I’m im mine, watching now and then if he doesn’t eat all the things he encounters 🐶🙈

    I’ll be honest, I haven’t read everything about the dire situation in the world right now. Only headlines. The stories are too much for me, and besides that, we can’t rely on the media to tell the truth, the whole truth and noting but the truth.. So headlines is all I know, which are abhorrent at their own.

    Getting back to the message I got was to “SHINE YOUR LIGHT BRIGHTER!”. Let it be seen, don’t let them take your light away, and just turn the volume up. I’d we all do that, the universe/rainforest will respond to all our lights and messages. Together we cán make a difference, whether it be on internet, actually doing something or just use our connection to Mother Nature. Which is a very very strong bond we have. So, let’s all just turn our lights up, chant/ask/plead/ for anything you can think of that will help these people in the middle of their worst nightmare, and see what we can accomplish that way. We are all connected, we are all one. And many “ones” can overturn darkness and bring light to it.

    If you feel you can do more, please do, but keep it legal! I’m not in a position to actually DO more, but what I can do, I will.
    My lights are on, full on! And with the abilities I have, because of that, I can reach people and comfort them. Can’t solve it, but give them a lifeline that they’re absolutely not alone and that they have a presence with them, one they can talk to in their minds without ever saying a word out loud. So no worries, no repercussions, just comfort and hope. Hope is a strong thing to have. And to give.

    Reply
    1. Paula Prober Avatar
      Paula Prober

      And what a bright light it is, clignett!

      Reply
  15. itssue42 Avatar
    itssue42

    BEING YOU! Yes, I think that is the most important achievement us RFMs can make because then we are free to blossom in whatever direction flows out of us; including perhaps just contentedly living a calm, peaceful life and spreading that positive aura into the universe.
    At 66 (EEEK right!) I am learning in the last few years that being ourselves allows us to see who we really are and what we want to do, or don’t want to do. And being OK with it. And as we relax into ourselves, at least for me, I have so much more energy and drive and creative urges and I’m braver! So nice to stop worrying endlessly what other people will think of me. So I figure my next 66 are going to be really productive. For anyone not over 50 yet, other than very annoying face wrinkles, it’s not much different than being 30 except you have a lot deeper understanding of life. 🙂

    Reply
    1. Paula Prober Avatar
      Paula Prober

      Yes, itssue42, what a relief to care less about what people think. I’m braver, too. Turns out aging isn’t so bad after all. 🙂

      Reply
  16. Elle Avatar
    Elle

    HPS and Rainforest people tend to overthink this topic to shreds. I know I have for most of my adult life. And because I am old(er) I can look back and find a common theme. Nurturing (kids, pets, houseplants, relationships, creativity)

    Being happy and loving others is our purpose with a capital P. That’s it. That’s enough. How you show and share happiness and love is up to you and by the way, you can change the ways and means and methodology any time you want. As a rainforest queen, I need (nay require) that freedom.

    Pivoting now, a soapbox may or may not appear.

    The internet is a tool, not the enemy. We have the ultimate power to turn them off, cancel subscriptions, disconnect, and vote with our dollars and vote with our attention. We can use the ‘net to fragment people and spread lies, fear, panic or bring them together and share how to help people in dire need, share humor, be a friend. We decide who and what to fall for. I fall for optimism, hope, rising up, get together rather than listen to the growing drumbeat of authoritarian agi-prop.

    When things are really bad and the news headlines are typed out in blazing read fonts I always think of a certain meme (ha, on the internet!). Fred Roger’s (Of Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood) mother told him when he was a small child to “look for the helpers” in times of tragedy or disaster. So look for the helpers in times of tragedy. You will always find people who are helping. They’re always there. And they’re out and about right now too. Almost the whole world is helping to fight authoritarianism from spreading like another nasty Iron Curtain. It will not win.

    Today I donated to World Central Kitchen because they feed people in disaster areas. Ukrainian war refugees need to eat. I watched a video (internet again) this morning of their work in action. A volunteer said, “Food is love.” Amen to that. Spread the love. This circles back to the beginning of this post, My nurturing heart says it matters.

    Reply
    1. cherylhlmn Avatar
      cherylhlmn

      Thank you. Thank you. My Purpose is to be kind. To help however I can.

      Nothing. Nothing that my gifted mind can do. But be love in action. Support love in action.

      Reply
      1. Paula Prober Avatar
        Paula Prober

        Love in action! <3

        Reply
    2. Paula Prober Avatar
      Paula Prober

      Thanks, Elle, for framing your internet comment with the disclaimer of the soapbox. I hope we mostly avoid the “soapbox” here in the comments so that we don’t get into advice giving or rants. Best to share thoughts with “in my opinion” and “in my experience” that way we keep this blog a safe place. Make sense? I have heard great things about World Central Kitchen. Thank you for your nurturing heart!

      Reply
  17. renovatio06 Avatar
    renovatio06

    Reading this gave me a moment of catching my breath in light of the insanity that’s going down right now. As @Unschooling said and I concur: Hopefully future generations will be born that no longer carry the wounds of war in their DNA (yes, it settles in the DNA up to five generations “deep” and can manifest as PTSD in an offspring even without triggering events, they have shown that beyond doubt). With that, hopefully all of humankind can at some point arrive at an understanding that any form of violence as a response to conflict is completely, utterly unacceptable, be it in the more personal realms of one’s life or in more public ones.

    Reply
  18. Carol Avatar
    Carol

    I think ALLOWING ourselves to be ourselves, and allowing ourselves to be safe, healthy, supported, joyous, and doing what we love spreads amazing vibes and helps a helluva lot.

    Reply
    1. renae7878 Avatar
      renae7878

      Carol, I agree! It seems like such a simple statement, but it’s not. I’m grateful I’m not the only one to feel that way. Do you have any thoughts as to why we try to hold ourselves back on being safe/healthy/supported/joyous/do what we love?

      Reply
    2. Paula Prober Avatar
      Paula Prober

      Let us spread the joyous vibes. And the love!

      Reply
      1. renovatio06 Avatar
        renovatio06

        … and after having held myself back for the largest part of my life, I think I’ve eventually (very late in life) figured out how to best spread the joyous vibes: By hopefully getting the attention of the casting parties with Cirque Du Soleil and joining their family – and I mean _family_ very verbatim and intentionally using that wording – of multigifted artists, dancers, musicians, storytellers, set designers, riggers, lighting technicians, costume makers, visual artists, in short: visionaries and enlightened beings, hopefully joining them as a musician on stage, thus helping to create unforgettable memories in both audience as well as performing artists show after show, night after night, with eyes and mouths open, glinting in awe and inspiration from the sights and sounds on stage! I will never forget the immense impact that seeing “Saltimbanco” back in the days had on me to the point where I needed to question (hard) the path I was on at the time.

        Looks as if I’d strayed from my purpose far too much for far too long. But better late than never, they say, right? 😉 (in trying to set this right, I mean)

        Reply
        1. Paula Prober Avatar
          Paula Prober

          Wow, renovatio06! How exciting!

          Reply
  19. Joy in HK Avatar
    Joy in HK

    Thanks Paula. I like this idea. I also sort of think this way too. The more people who are trying to protect the planet, stop the wars and the injustice, the more likely we will discover solutions that on our own would be inpossible. The internet that started with such promise of connecting us has instead become the master fragmenter. If divide and conquer is their goal, what better tool is there? But we must use what we have and that includes the rulers’s tools.

    Although not where I am, but where you are, Sunday, March 6, will be a day of action to protest the war, and I would imagine ongoing militarization. I it’s big enough that the media can’t ignore it and that I will read/hear about it in the news. Code Pink is one of the sponsors of this. And Portland Peace & Justice Works is always doing its part. I am sure Eugene is the same.

    Living at a few seconds before midnight on the many converging doomsday clocks is truly interesting times. No excuse to not get involved where/whenever possible.

    Reply
    1. renovatio06 Avatar
      renovatio06

      In desperately looking for hope in this most trying of days, seeing the _global_ resolve to condemn and oppose Mr. Putin’s actions is probably the strongest one. Others, more technical ones from trusted immediate sources along with very limited knowledge of secret services practices, factor in (I’m aware that this has a cynical ring to it, but see it in the context of saving thousands of other lives, please). But that above all else what saves me from truly going utterly batsh*t these past few days.

      The world standing together like this… seems to tentatively suggest that we’re in the midst of this global awakening as to what’s really vital, important, meaningful to us as a species.

      Reply
      1. Paula Prober Avatar
        Paula Prober

        A global awakening….please!

        Reply
        1. renovatio06 Avatar
          renovatio06

          I think, I see that playing out right now, Paula: An awakening of the entire world. In times of social media, the way of repressing information as dictators used to employ is virtually impossible, some information always leaks. Therein is the straw of hope for all the world to see this aggression for what it is: A totally deliberate, premeditated and completely illegal mass crime. Sorry to sound partially dark, I mean to focus on the fact that given the information situation it has become impossible to “doctor” information and propganda as ruthlessly as in the past. That is _good_ and it has already evoked a powerful resistance and condemning of these acts across the entire globe!

          (… the only dark aspect that remains is whether mass bloodshed can be prevented in time. I’M literally praying for the latter and for the people there.)

          Reply
    2. Paula Prober Avatar
      Paula Prober

      Thank you, Joy. Yes to getting involved.

      Reply
  20. Unschooling - een leven lang leren Avatar
    Unschooling – een leven lang leren

    The stop the wars calling sounds awesome!
    Hopefully, next generations, born from those who have overcome trauma and could be their gifted selves from day one, will do just that.

    Reply
    1. Paula Prober Avatar
      Paula Prober

      YES!!! <3

      Reply
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