tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13617569.post114726207692937106..comments2024-03-27T02:13:58.088-07:00Comments on Integral Options Cafe: In Defense of Integral Eclecticismwilliam harrymanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06981478282688361274noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13617569.post-1147287775447616082006-05-10T12:02:00.000-07:002006-05-10T12:02:00.000-07:00Kai,I hear what you're saying, but I don't really ...Kai,<BR/><BR/>I hear what you're saying, but I don't really ditch my main practice if it feels hard (though I suspect some people do). I am a Buddhist, specifically a follower of the Shambhala path (and I'd make it official if I could ever attend a local training), and that is my path for better or worse, in sickness and in health . . . .<BR/><BR/>I do the other things to address issues that my main practice doesn't (subs, prayer, etc.). But I never stop being a Buddhist even when it feels like it will take 1,000,000,000 more lifetimes to figure this sh!t out. And it feels that way most days.<BR/><BR/>I do think that ego can lead us astray. For example, I quit doing therapy in February thinking that I needed a break. The reality was (and my therapist tried to get me to hear this) that I was on the verge of a breakthrough on something we had been working on for months. So I quit anyway. <BR/><BR/>The tough stuff that Kira and I went through might have been averted had I stayed in therapy and done that work instead of nearly messing up our relationship as a catalyst to do the work. Ego led me astray big time on that.<BR/><BR/>I used to be more the kind of person who moved from one thing to another. I (my ego) called it curiosity or short attention span, but it was when things got tough, or felt too slow (I want it NOW!), or too raw (hated to feel feelings) that I moved on to another practice. I'm not sure what changed, although I think reading Pema Chodron a few years ago really made a difference. She's all about sticking with it, no matter what comes up -- it's all a part of the process, and the process is crucial.<BR/><BR/>Anyway, thanks for the response.<BR/><BR/>If you would ever want to contribute a post (or posts) to the IOC, please drop me a line. I really value your insights.<BR/><BR/>Peace,<BR/>Billwilliam harrymanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06981478282688361274noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13617569.post-1147266688231708382006-05-10T06:11:00.000-07:002006-05-10T06:11:00.000-07:00I take a similarly eclectic approach to my spiritu...I take a similarly eclectic approach to my spiritual practice; but there is a problem, and a serious one, with that approach. Think for a moment how you approach writing or weight-lifting, Bill. <BR/><BR/>In order to be effective in either practice you submit willingly to an over arching notion of "coherence" and an internalization of the basic rules and structures of the practices with which you must rigorously abide in order to reap benefits.<BR/><BR/>Squats? Deadlifts? They're so hard! Your face gets so red when you do them and you sweat and feel fatigued! Why not do some gardening or walk the dog instead? Many people, believing themselves to be following an excellent workout plan, make their choices in just such a way. Of course, you, having studied deeply into the pros and cons and facts of exercise, and having joyfully (presumably!) surrendered to the harder path, see that it's just ego which makes such a facile choice, not "following my bliss", or "listening to my own needs," or "what's right for MY body" or whatever the wimped-out green meme phraseology might be.<BR/><BR/>Likewise with writing: you can dispense with punctuation, logically flowing discussions, aesthetically relevant poetry choices, and attractively presented literary/philosophical materials: but will that be good writing? Effective writing?<BR/><BR/>Anyway, I'm making the point that I'm realizing that my ego has sort of cherry-picked from different traditions, and then, when a particular discipline frustrates me for some reason (too damn hard! rewards not quick enough! yuck: boring!) I can easily slide to another aspect of my "spiritual practice" all the while congratulating myself on my "eclecticism." Hmmmm....<BR/><BR/>Kai in NYCAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com