Robertson, thank you for this inspiring essay. I think for many of us, like myself, we tend to get in our own way of using our skills and talents to contribute to others and the world as much as we could. Self-doubt, thoughts of “I’m a flawed, ordinary person.How can I possibly add anything of value? “ create obstacles to purposeful action, if we allow it. The great Japanese psychiatrist and Zen teacher, Shoma Morita, who developed Morita Therapy in 1919 in Japan, a psychologically based medical treatment heavily influenced by Zen-Buddhism, famously, said, "Give up on yourself. Begin taking action now, while being neurotic or imperfect, or a procrastinator, or unhealthy, or lazy, or any other label by which you inaccurately describe yourself. Go ahead and be the best imperfect person you can be and get started on those things you want to accomplish before you die." Wise words to live by.
From Tracy Rosenthal-Newsom, Democratic party leader, Swannanoa-Riceville, NC:
"Your Substack essays are fantastic and very motivational."
Thank you, Tracy, and for your leadership. Best wishes.
From Diana Brugos:
Love this.
So glad, blessings!
You inspire me to do more with my one precious life. Thank you for your ongoing work and especially keeping the spirit of our dear Jean Houston alive.
So grateful. You inspire me to keep writing and doing what I can as an elderly human. Yes, Jean is with us and in us.
Robertson, and I meant to add to my previous comment, thank you for all you do for others and the world.
Thank you, and you!
Robertson, thank you for this inspiring essay. I think for many of us, like myself, we tend to get in our own way of using our skills and talents to contribute to others and the world as much as we could. Self-doubt, thoughts of “I’m a flawed, ordinary person.How can I possibly add anything of value? “ create obstacles to purposeful action, if we allow it. The great Japanese psychiatrist and Zen teacher, Shoma Morita, who developed Morita Therapy in 1919 in Japan, a psychologically based medical treatment heavily influenced by Zen-Buddhism, famously, said, "Give up on yourself. Begin taking action now, while being neurotic or imperfect, or a procrastinator, or unhealthy, or lazy, or any other label by which you inaccurately describe yourself. Go ahead and be the best imperfect person you can be and get started on those things you want to accomplish before you die." Wise words to live by.
I love these words: "Go ahead and be the best imperfect person you can be and get started on those things you want to accomplish before you die."
Yes, just act, trust, move forward, just be, again and again. Thank you, Loraine.
Beautifully written Robertson. Thank you.
Thank you for your kind comment, Annie. Blessings to you and yours.