My Zen Buddhist teacher often said that everyone needs a witness to the struggle with a path. Usually, that witness in Buddhism is the person's teacher, but most of us need others to serve in that capacity as well. We check in with "swim buddies" and discuss what our intentions are and have them help us be on the lookout for unintentional harming. I also have a therapist whom I see occasionally, and over time I have come to trust that she honors my Buddhist practice and guides me in appropriate ways to interact intelligently and kindly with family and friends. You would think at my age I would somehow KNOW what to do in every situation, but such is not the case. And, as my practice encourages me to come fresh to every moment, what I've done in the past is not enough at times to show me the way with whatever is up right now.
Today I see my therapist, and I need her guidance to see my best actions to be taken, and also where no action is the right path. I'm grateful I have such a person, whom I trust, and whom I know is aiding me in my vows and path. She's real and honest and not afraid to throw her opinion in the hat. And I pick up that hat, put it on my head, and hope through osmosis the wise road rises up.
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