Thanks for this. I came to substack to read interesting pieces. Then I found myself drawn to comment a lot, but then had to navigate how to avoid getting drawn into tiresome trollspats. My engagement has become a practice in self-awareness of the sort you describe : how to engage someone's piece in a way that invites dialog even when they are entrenched in a position. And how to be light, have fun with my responses while staying with the heart of the topic I've engaged. I confess to crossing swords with the trolls occasionally but remain firm in my resolve to banter rather than clash. And sometimes my patient resolve has been rewarded by interesting reflective conversations
Dear Robes, this is a beautiful piece. Peaceful. 'Opinions arrive pre-heated.' And 'How do I remain whole in this?' Awareness and loving grace in action. Thank you. ❤️
Wonderful reflection. This is like rain after dust.
"Coherence is not agreement. It is alignment." That sentence alone is a teaching.
Yes. Wholeness is not flashy. It does not trend. But it leaves us intact. And in an age that rewards fragmentation, intact is radical. The Dhammapada line you carry, hatred does not cease by hatred, is the same truth the sages taught through the Upanishads:
Beautifully said—a reminder of what is possible for one person amidst the noise and chaos. My coping strategy: Je sais ce que je sais—whispered to myself.
I have recently started speaking out about this, since I am more of a filmmaker kind of person, I have a short film in the making on this subject.
Thank you for sharing these thoughts out loud.
Thank you, Helen. I am glad you enjoyed it.
Stay entangled, my friend.
—Robes
Thanks for this. I came to substack to read interesting pieces. Then I found myself drawn to comment a lot, but then had to navigate how to avoid getting drawn into tiresome trollspats. My engagement has become a practice in self-awareness of the sort you describe : how to engage someone's piece in a way that invites dialog even when they are entrenched in a position. And how to be light, have fun with my responses while staying with the heart of the topic I've engaged. I confess to crossing swords with the trolls occasionally but remain firm in my resolve to banter rather than clash. And sometimes my patient resolve has been rewarded by interesting reflective conversations
Dear Robes, this is a beautiful piece. Peaceful. 'Opinions arrive pre-heated.' And 'How do I remain whole in this?' Awareness and loving grace in action. Thank you. ❤️
Thank you so much, Jane. I am so very glad you enjoyed it.
Stay entangled, my friend.
—Robes
Wonderful reflection. This is like rain after dust.
"Coherence is not agreement. It is alignment." That sentence alone is a teaching.
Yes. Wholeness is not flashy. It does not trend. But it leaves us intact. And in an age that rewards fragmentation, intact is radical. The Dhammapada line you carry, hatred does not cease by hatred, is the same truth the sages taught through the Upanishads:
अहिंसा परमो धर्मः
"Non-violence is the highest duty."
This is not passivity, but discipline.
Grateful for this reflection.
🙏🙏
Thank you so much, Vedic. Such a beautiful reflection. You see to the heart of it.
Stay entangled, my friend.
—Robes
🙏🙏
I think coherence is closely related to what I think about integrity—that we stay true to our values in all situations. Love this!
Indeed, Julie. I agree fully. It is a simple idea, but that is often overlooked.
Stay entangled, my friend.
—Robes
Beautifully said—a reminder of what is possible for one person amidst the noise and chaos. My coping strategy: Je sais ce que je sais—whispered to myself.
Thank, Barbara. I am glad you enjoyed it.
Stay entangled, my friend.
—Robes
Very wise!
🙏