Ah yes, the toddler as Taoist sage: wild, naked, and unburdened by shame or civic code—peeing freely on the temple carpet of our adult illusions. Jane, this is stunning. Trauma really does rewrite our inner commandments, doesn’t it? Little gods forging survival scripture before they can spell their names. But your story of Bill cracked something open—especially that red-haired sailor doll. Healing begins when the exiled self is finally seen without judgment. As within, so without.
Peace be upon the primal and the sacred, and may we all remember our owls.
A statement I’ve used a lot over the years, especially in the early days of healing, was, “That may be true for you, but it’s not true for me.” I didn’t often say it out loud, though. If I was in a conversation, I’d usually say something like, “It sounds like we see things differently.” But internally, I’d use that phrase anytime old indoctrination or childhood messages crept in.
Whenever my “thought people” speak in a voice that doesn't align with love, joy, or peace, I’d try to remember to say, “That may be true for you, but it’s not true for me.” I've said it to the internal ministers, theologians, parents, siblings, teachers. Those whose voices I once mistook for authority over what I should believe or feel.
I still practice this regularly as a way to create my world, one day at a time. Those old trauma triggers still show up, and I do my best to gently welcome the frightened little child into paradise. Or the enraged teenager. In the past five years, it’s been about inviting both the survivor and the victor into paradise.
It reminds me of that passage in Romans where Paul says we are “more than conquerors.” Surviving was a big part of my journey. Victory was a big part of that process, but even greater is realizing that nothing in all creation can separate us from Love. And in Love, there is peace. Finding a way to just let myself be.
Jane, I truly appreciate this message. Thank you for sharing your wisdom with the world. And with me.
Thank you for this thoughtful comment, James. I love the idea of a ready inner retort for your “thought people “ who claim to know better what’s right for you.
And I love the idea that love surpasses victory. All those years of Bible study are now available to come through you as a blessing instead of a tool for self loathing. So beautiful to witness.
Ah yes, the toddler as Taoist sage: wild, naked, and unburdened by shame or civic code—peeing freely on the temple carpet of our adult illusions. Jane, this is stunning. Trauma really does rewrite our inner commandments, doesn’t it? Little gods forging survival scripture before they can spell their names. But your story of Bill cracked something open—especially that red-haired sailor doll. Healing begins when the exiled self is finally seen without judgment. As within, so without.
Peace be upon the primal and the sacred, and may we all remember our owls.
—Virgin Monk Boy
Alek, thank you so much for subscribing and for this amazing comment. I love the way you have phrased it. You really have a way with words.
Profound, and so encouraging!
Thank you Elaine. You know the depths and I receive your comment with honor.
A statement I’ve used a lot over the years, especially in the early days of healing, was, “That may be true for you, but it’s not true for me.” I didn’t often say it out loud, though. If I was in a conversation, I’d usually say something like, “It sounds like we see things differently.” But internally, I’d use that phrase anytime old indoctrination or childhood messages crept in.
Whenever my “thought people” speak in a voice that doesn't align with love, joy, or peace, I’d try to remember to say, “That may be true for you, but it’s not true for me.” I've said it to the internal ministers, theologians, parents, siblings, teachers. Those whose voices I once mistook for authority over what I should believe or feel.
I still practice this regularly as a way to create my world, one day at a time. Those old trauma triggers still show up, and I do my best to gently welcome the frightened little child into paradise. Or the enraged teenager. In the past five years, it’s been about inviting both the survivor and the victor into paradise.
It reminds me of that passage in Romans where Paul says we are “more than conquerors.” Surviving was a big part of my journey. Victory was a big part of that process, but even greater is realizing that nothing in all creation can separate us from Love. And in Love, there is peace. Finding a way to just let myself be.
Jane, I truly appreciate this message. Thank you for sharing your wisdom with the world. And with me.
Thank you for this thoughtful comment, James. I love the idea of a ready inner retort for your “thought people “ who claim to know better what’s right for you.
And I love the idea that love surpasses victory. All those years of Bible study are now available to come through you as a blessing instead of a tool for self loathing. So beautiful to witness.
Yeah. I still have to use it a lot. It helps.
Who knew all that Bible study would come in handy someday. 🙃