There is a lot problematic going on in self, life and family of late. It is around mental health, physical health, relationship issues, house problems, slow down of beloved work, end of life care and all within this dark SAD time of year. 

I could list them all out specifically, yet I’m conscious that wouldn’t be a helpful practice. 

Very clear signs of overwhelm, stress, depression and anxiety in self are prevalent. 

In your latest wonderful book you share “moments of suffering are the greatest of gifts in our life’s.”

“Enough of the fucking gifts!!!”

They say things comes in threes and this is closer to 33. 

You can these situations in life The Field. 

I am getting very muddy. 

I SEE that this is a glorious opportunity to get curious and explore within. 

# What happens when it just feels endless and totally overwhelming? 

How do we account for personality or nature? 

I'm curious about your invitation to sit with the discomfort and bring it in closer, inquire about what is actually real, rather than avoid or numb with distraction. Sometimes I have the where with all to do this yet a lot of the time I can be in brain fog / overwhelm / busy mindedness / emotional reactivity and the distraction of going for a walk, doing Wordle, having sex (I wish more often), jumping in cold water helps my mind settle and I can then more clearly see what is actually real and what needs doing. I see these activities to complement being able to inquire and take a look rather than escapism although I can see it's that too.

My question is whether it is alway sensible, realistic, even desirable to expect oneself to have the wherewithal to stay with the discomfort and bring it closer. 

I am trying to break down my fears and understand what is behind then. Maybe due to my upbringing and environmental factors an learned behaviour, it seems I've always compared myself, been too self conscious, low self worth, self critical, etc. But behind it all I think i protect myself from being judged, found out; humiliated. It's all about the presence of others. It is such a strong force that it keeps me from doing stuff for fear of all those very things. I know we are all equal but it doesn't feel like that, or should I say, that is my perception.

how do you know whether you’re genuinely orientated towards the truth or secretly using this exploration to solve your problems / resolve your stresses and strife?

Completely understand the importance of where we direct our energy. When experiencing immense bouts of anxiety energy is so misused that the body becomes weak, breathless, shaky, jumpy, nauseous, and fragile. My question is does, or, will this suffering cause any actual harm to our mind or body in the long run? Surely it has an effect on our defenses over time after repeated bouts? This concerns me.

Its about the war in the middle east. I have for the mostpart been cutting myself off and trying not to think about it as the stories coming out are just so so horrific.. The stuff of horror films and nightmares. So much hate, loss, grief, and unimaginable suffering. When I do allow myself to think about it, I just feel utter despair and sadness. 

So heres my question. Is all this just a reflection of human consiousness right now? And if it is, it seems the only solution must be to simply go within and ask myself honestly, where do i feel hate, rage, seek revenge, make others suffer, etc etc. Would you agree?

So all the futile attempts by goverments for deals/ peace agreements or whatever, is none of that needed or necessary? Is it all down to us as humans one by one to find peace and dissolve conflict within and then the outside world would automtically follow suit?

Also, since the war is in the middle east, i was wondering if this particularly reflects the level of consiousness/inner conflicts of those living there and those most affected? Or would you say it could have happened anywhere and is a reflection of humanity in general?

Would love your views..this topic to me seems so heated and hard to bring up for fear of attack..but I guess thats just more reflection...hall of mirrors, cant escape it, sending so much love,

How do you define Flow, Clare and how do we make The SHIFT from grind to Flow?