The Wisdom of Eric

We are all works in progress…

One day with Eric, I thought of my father and suddenly realised that my father didn’t set out to provide the negative experience which shaped me.  That he in turn was damaged by the loss of his father at a young age and then suffering quietly from his experience in the second world war. Perhaps I was beginning to see him as a whole person who was doing his very best for me. And in that I am lucky and blessed.

This insight made me realise that even with our nearest and dearest we really do not and cannot know everything about them. The late Joni Mitchell captures it for me, when she sings about seeing both sides

…I’ve looked at clouds from both sides now.

From up and down and still somehow

Its cloud illusions I recall.

I really don’t know clouds at all...

Our life experience shapes us and oft times it’s very hard for us to perceive each other as we truly are.  I also believe that love is infinite, and at some fundamental level we are all connected through it.  But I also know that I can still be wary of showing my true feelings or turning on the emotional tap of what I really feel for people in case it overwhelms me.

Deep down I know I am a fine person, but it’s sometimes hard for me to believe it. Perhaps we are all still marvellous works in progress.

find me at www.harveycounseling.com