I've studied the Buddhist theory of containment, and, not surprisingly, it builds on itself everywhere you turn. I've found it very helpful in terms of thinking about environments — what containers help me feel my best, do my best work, live with ease and which do not. These days, I've realized that I have a container for my editing work/writing (my office downstairs) and a container upstairs for my personal writing (our guest bedroom with big picture windows that look at a tall oak tree). In years past, I would treat my writing as a straight jacket, something that must be produced in singular fashion. But now, I just relax and say "thank you" when I find the container that works for me.
"Wait a minute ... nobody ever said that! Now this whole thing makes sense!” Or “I do not understand at all, but I know it's true.” That's what we look for: this quality of, "I knew that, but I didn't know I knew it." And when you hear the teachings for you, that’s the sense you get. “I already knew it. I didn’t know I knew it. I just didn’t know I knew it.”
Yes, yes! How many (how mannnnyyyyyy) times have I said aloud, "Why didn't someone JUST SAY THAT TO ME?" ;) Although, I do think there's a specific layer of frustration being autistic and trying to relate to a world that inherently makes zero sense. It's probably a big driver of my writing today — reframing things after digging in the trenches myself to find some sort of light bulb.
It's how I found Buddhism. I picked up a book on world philosophies, and when I got to the chapter on Buddhism that's exactly the set of thoughts that went through my head.
Just requested her Buddhist enneagram book from the library & can’t wait to listen to the conversation tomorrow!
Susan's work is life changing! Let me know what you think of that book!
Fascinating. I'm really intrigued by Susan's mention of the container. Lots to think about there. Thank you, both!
I've studied the Buddhist theory of containment, and, not surprisingly, it builds on itself everywhere you turn. I've found it very helpful in terms of thinking about environments — what containers help me feel my best, do my best work, live with ease and which do not. These days, I've realized that I have a container for my editing work/writing (my office downstairs) and a container upstairs for my personal writing (our guest bedroom with big picture windows that look at a tall oak tree). In years past, I would treat my writing as a straight jacket, something that must be produced in singular fashion. But now, I just relax and say "thank you" when I find the container that works for me.
That's really interesting. I'd never come aross this idea of containers before.
"Wait a minute ... nobody ever said that! Now this whole thing makes sense!” Or “I do not understand at all, but I know it's true.” That's what we look for: this quality of, "I knew that, but I didn't know I knew it." And when you hear the teachings for you, that’s the sense you get. “I already knew it. I didn’t know I knew it. I just didn’t know I knew it.”
This was such a great interview. Thank you both!
And “nothing to do with me” and “couldn't happen without me”. That's true of so much of what I write.
Yes, yes! How many (how mannnnyyyyyy) times have I said aloud, "Why didn't someone JUST SAY THAT TO ME?" ;) Although, I do think there's a specific layer of frustration being autistic and trying to relate to a world that inherently makes zero sense. It's probably a big driver of my writing today — reframing things after digging in the trenches myself to find some sort of light bulb.
It's how I found Buddhism. I picked up a book on world philosophies, and when I got to the chapter on Buddhism that's exactly the set of thoughts that went through my head.