A careful reader helpfully nudged us on last week's mention of a mother's "selflessness." Like caretaking vs. caregiving, self-less-ness (vs.self-full-ness) may subtly privilege another's needs over one's own, discouraging self-care. This may set up a victim triangle (see below). We should strive for wholeness and love with every interaction we have, both with ourselves and with others. - Ameeta
"Wholeness is not achieved by cutting off a portion of one's being, but by integration of the contraries." - Carl Jung
Editor's Note: A careful reader helpfully nudged us on last week's mention of a mother's "selflessness." Like caretaking vs. caregiving, self-less-ness (vs.self-full-ness) may subtly privilege another's needs over one's own, discouraging self-care. This may set up a victim triangle (see below). We should strive for wholeness and love with every interaction we have, both with ourselves and with others. - Ameeta
Kindness In the News
A NYC subway dad struggled to re-learn math to help his son who had failed a test. The man sitting next to him turned out to be a former math teacher and their interaction inspired fellow witnesses.
A couple at a vegan restaurant encouraged a woman and her mom looking for a place with meat to sample their meals. The mutual kindness that followed was one for the books.
Whether we know it or not, many of us react to our divided lives by assuming very different roles which all reflect a victim mindset in various manifestations. We cannot transform ourselves or our relationships unless we are aware of and seek to escape this victim triangle.
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