Here’s another installment in a series of emails that took place between Michael and one of his senior students beginning the Summer of 2009. May you find the exchange interesting and enriching.
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February 25, 2011
Student: How can the realization of stillness inform, say, a long-standing argument one person has with another?
Michael: It depends. For the most part, two things happen. First, the realization of stillness shows us that all arguments are simply petty expressions of ego. This renders them pointless in nearly all circumstances. Second, letting go of any long-standing, or should we say, long-held beliefs allows for our communication, both internally and externally, to shift from defending a position into cultivating an understanding.
Student: This seems to be exactly what is happening in my relationship with my ex-husband. Its like a whole new perspective is beginning to unfold within me making our discussions over kid-related stuff so much easier. Not that its all easy. Some topics still get tricky for us, but as this practice has worked its way through me, I keep finding that I dont have to be right so often.
Michael: Thats an amazing place. Totally undefended. Totally available.
Student: I feel totally vulnerable, but Im no longer afraid of losing anything.