There is a meta-level conversation — in its nascent stages — about masculinity. This video by Nowness so well describes the challenges many men (myself included) in sharing feelings.
Thanks to R. Mulhall for sharing this video with me.
To Endure
There are paths when each step is not getting easier. There are times when we will not seem like progress.
Two steps forward. 1 step back. This is and will always be the only path. How do any of us endure?
For me, it’s a kind act or the words of those that came before…
“It is in times of security that the spirit should be preparing itself for difficult times; while fortune is bestowing favors on it is then is the time for it to be strengthened against her rebuffs.” ~ Seneca
“To hell with circumstances; I create opportunities.” ~ Bruce Lee
First they ignore you, then they ridicule you, then they fight you, and then you win. ~ Gandhi
I challenge you to make your life a masterpiece. I challenge you to join the ranks of those people who live what they teach, who walk their walk. ~ Tony Robbins
The quality of your life is in direct proportion to the amount of uncertainty you can comfortably deal with ~ Tony Robbins
Take care of the minutes, the hours will take care of themselves ~ Anonymous
Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom. ~ Viktor Frankl
How to suffer?
Sometimes moments are tough. Sometimes you don't know how to do, what you have to do. There is no way around it…only through it.
Arduous struggle. Whether it is the woman I used to see on the side of Whole Foods in Chelsea wrapped in garbage bags, during the middle of winter, and smelling like urine. Or, whether it is your loved one that is in extreme pain, and you have no control. Or, when you have to do something you don't want to do, but you must for whatever reason.
I am not going to say: prioritize. I am not going to say: be mindful. I am going to say: suffer.
Choose to let the thoughts run wild; choose to suffer; and, then choose to feel the pain.
And, then choose something else.
And, then watch this: