You have a unique body and mind, with a particular history and conditioning. No one can offer you a formula for navigating all situations and all states of mind. Only by listening inwardly in a fresh and open way will you discern at any given time what most serves your healing and freedom.
Tara BrachI recently read in the book My Stroke of Insight by brain scientist Jill Bolte Taylor that the natural life span of an emotionโthe average time it takes for it to move through the nervous system and bodyโis only a minute and a half. After that we need thoughts to keep the emotion rolling. So if we wonder why we lock into painful emotional states like anxiety, depression, or rage, we need look no further than our own endless stream of inner dialogue.
Tara BrachAllowing another to be as they are is more what I think of as "space." The space to express yourself and know that you're going to be accepted. That's more where I go than with the actual physical logistics of how much time you have together and how much time you have apart.
Tara BrachIf our hearts are ready for anything, we are touched by the beauty and poetry and mystery that fill our world.
Tara Brach