CRAFT & SPIRIT

CURIOSITIES
Found & Fascinating

CRAFT AND SPIRIT
To Breathe Again

-I don’t get to breathe like this anymore.

-Really? How come?

-Hmmm, you know… the boundaries I’ve set for myself—the barriers—they’re these fictitious things, right?

-I guess you could say that, but they’re important too—especially, when we’re communicating to other people.

-Absolutely. But do you ever wonder if a barrier you set up has become heavier and more menacing than the supposed proverbial threat?

-I hadn’t—I am now.

-Or what if the barrier you set up is getting tighter, moving closer to cutting off your own breath.

-Well I hardly thought of boundaries like that, but are you saying boundaries are bad?

-No. I can’t imagine all boundaries are bad. I mean… they’ve come to be so important to my life, and have served me so well that I believe they’re an important tool for good. But, think of the walls and the tariffs of America—that’s suffocating, and it was a set boundary.

-True, and it was this posturing of power. You remember that bit where Michael from The Office declares bankruptcy? It felt like that.

-(Laughing) I love that scene. And you’re right about the posturing, but now, it’s only choking us out. But that was a boundary, people cannot enter, people are getting sent away, people can’t sell, or buy, and I’m starting to worry if you’re ever going to be able to exit.

-Hey—hey, come back to breathing. What about the good boundaries?

-Alright… A home.

-What about this home? A home can be whatever you make it. A home could also be not so good.

-Sure, but for this example a home is safe, nurturing, and restful. A space that provides rest. One does not stay in the home forever, shackling themselves inside. When the morning comes the window is open, air is let in, and when ready, those who dwell within will step outside and enjoy the fresh air.

-It’s lovely.

-So this is what I’m saying… I feel that sometimes I surround myself with walls that exist solely to keep me in, to keep me too safe without any responsibility for what’s outside. But, right now, I have to make a shift. Because what am I protecting myself from exactly?

-What is it you think?

-Most of the time it’s exactly that, it’s the fear of going outside and letting the world see me, see my mistakes, my flaws, my ego.

-You’re afraid that you’ll be hurt if you step outside?

-Right. But instead of creating any positive boundary, I’ve accidentally created an iron maiden with these jagged walls.

-Like you said before though, these boundaries that you create are fictitious, so your saying you can transform the boundary instantly?

-Yes… I really believe that’s possible. My protection doesn’t come from large intimidating heavy walls, but a threshold that can become fluid—in both strength and ease.

-Someplace you can enter, exit, invite, and let go.

-Exactly.

-I’ve noticed you breathing easier. I want more of that from you.

-I do too… and I can do that. I feel the same about you.

-It’s difficult for anyone. Hard to expect it’s going to be easy… or maybe it is. It just feels so hard right now. Maybe just for now we can simplify it a little.

-It’s a courageous act.

-What?

-The courage to be happy.

(Long Pause)

-Even I just got defensive about it. How’s it become such a difficult concept?

-I don’t know. I’m still finding that out for myself…