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Nicholas Charles Urich's avatar

I think a lot about--as we've discussed before--the dialectic of striving and letting go, and when one or the other is appropriate, in practical living and in theoretical, theological spheres. To take anxiety as a practical example, sometimes a lingering anxiety is best resolved by letting go, but sometimes it is best solved by doing something (catch me at the function like, "Oh, how am I doing? Well, there's five things I can see...four I can touch..."). To take a theological example, do we succeed in being like Christ when we strive to imitate him? When we let go and let grace fill in the gaps? Or is it a bit of both? And I'm glad you quoted the koan, "If you see the Buddha, kill the Buddha." It's one of my favorites. Also! As for the symposium speech, you did really fantastic, so good on you, man. Public speaking is frightening, and it is not a fear I'm planning on overcoming, spiritual epiphany or not...so cheers for that! And having a good deal of experience meditating, you are right about the mistakes coming from considering them mistakes...trying to control them. Some great analysis, Sam, pleasure to read.

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Chris Friesen's avatar

I think I can help with your stage fright (though it sounds like you might have figured it out).

Here's a game called "scoring:"

Before you go on stage if you become aware of a feeling (like panic) score it by making a mark on some paper (or by rapping your hand on a table or your knee or something). If the feeling continues or intensifies, score it again!

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