2011 Twenty Questions Interview with Kaspalita : Page 2 of 2
20 Questions Interview
with Kaspalita
continued from page 1
11. What challenges have you faced?
I have crises of faith. Moving into the Buddhist community came out of one kind of crisis of faith (in how I was living in the world previously), leaving it came out of another kind.
Small crises of faith occur with regularity. I lose confidence in my work, 'I have nothing to say', or that the work we do will actually be able to support us financially.
Although when I look back at those times which felt the most challenging, I can also see that there was also something drawing me forward. Some of the challenge comes from knowing that I have to face my fears, but the energy released in doing so is amazing.
12. What worked for you?
Really being honest with myself. If I look back at those times when I was most profoundly depressed or disillusioned, it was often because there was something in my heart that was going unspoken. When I was able to say, 'this is what I'm afraid of', or, 'this is what I want', I was then able to start making choices about my life...
13. What didn't work for you?
Repressing. There is a great deal spoken about letting go, and of being kind to others, in Buddhist teachings. There is a great deal spoken about the ideal way to be in the world. I am sure that I used some of those teachings in order to ignore my own darker side... I would push discomfort away instead of embracing it. In my experience pushing away is not a real 'letting go' but a 'storing up trouble for later on'. It is when I am able to own my messiness, that I can actually let it go. How can you let go of something you don't know you are holding?
14. What three tips can you share with those starting on a similar path?
- Find someone to talk to about the journey you are making. Maybe someone else just starting out, or a mentor you can share your thoughts with.
- Keep going.
- Be wise. Learn what works for you. Let go of what doesn't (but give whatever you are trying enough time to be sure).
15. What are you working on now?
I've just sent the journal of my Buddhist group off to the printers and now I'm warming up to the January 2012 River of Stones challenge. We challenge people to notice one thing each day, and write it down.
16. What's coming up for you in the next year?
As well as the River of Stones, we'll have a new e-course on Journaling to run. I'm also looking forward to running the existing courses with new groups of people.
Sometime next year we've pencilled in producing a book about creativity. I should start seeing more therapy clients too.
17. What else do you desire/dream to do?
I'm very happy with the shape my life has at the moment. I'd like to travel again, in the future, and Fiona and I have talked about creating something entirely charitable at some point.
I'd like to send more writing out into the world. And I'd like Writing Our Way Home to reach more people.
18. How will you make that happen?
Fiona and I had lunch out today, and planned some of next year's work. Much of it is just about taking the next step, and the next step. I'll be writing articles for other people, I guess, and hoping they take them, and I'd like to do some creative writing too. I think having a creative practice must be the backbone of what we offer. How can I engage other's creativity, if I am not engaged myself?
19. What question do you want to answer that's not on this list?
Why can't the Buddha vacuum underneath the sofa?
Because he has no attachments!
20. What's your Web site address?
11/21/11
