Thanks for this Will, a really thoughtful piece.
I think we could encourage communities to develop ethics counsels, with clear and transparent processes for grievances, and could include using restorative justices to address harm. I would imagine having outsiders on each counsel, as well as some independent ethics counsels, would also be good. Do many movement communities even have ethics principals outlined on their site?
This guide from the Buddhist Peace Fellowship on ethics in Buddhist communities have some applicable ideas… https://www.clearviewproject.org/engaged-buddhist-action/safe-harbor-community-ethics/
Hi Ron, thanks for taking the time to read. You ask good questions.. yes, the interest in deeper meanings, and I think also the complex understanding of how we can be active participants in our own suffering, even at an unconscious level, i.e. that a “symptom” may serve some deeper need. And just generally, I think psychoanalysts aren’t afraid of the deep dark nor powerful relational intimacy. At least – that’s all true in theory!
Because the psychoanalytic dyad is so unique (not like any other human relationship) it was really difficult to get perspective on… But I think in my own therapy, there was a big shift halfway through, where it seemed like Dr. Reynolds’ values and goals began to shape the therapy more than my own. I think that is to be avoided!
In terms of branches, yes, there are differences but I think it’s also like anything else – each branch has some brilliant minds, and some twisted ones, and beyond that, not everything works for everybody. But yes, I think power issues are very important to watch out for, and some analytic schools to address that. Jody Messler-Davies theories come to mind – I think she writes about the ‘post-Oedipal complex’ in that sense, where the analyst and analysand become equals. The 388 clinic in Montreal, which is Lacanian in orientation, also has a lot of good stuff to say about the analyst as ‘the one who knows’ and the goal of analysis being that the analysand becomes that, in charge of their own life in accordance to their own ethics.
Another problematic side is the financial barriers to analysis, and I wonder if some people are seeking such an expensive treatment but really the problem is they just have too much money and power, not even humility or generosity, and is that what’s making them unhappy in the first place?
Thanks for comment, Pauline. At some point I hope to explore more the complexities of Buddhism, as a religion – because as you point out, there are troubles there too. But like you say, the key teachings, the heart of it, are valuable and what matters. Thanks for reading and sharing
I’ve heard a bit about that possible link between Jesus and Buddhism – certainly I think all the great religions point us in the same directions – of truth, love, and freedom – albeit each looks with its own unique perspective.
Thanks for sharing some of your story. I hear in it the complexities of religious authorities who are true to the faith, and those who betray it – and yet your own dedication to continuing to paint. And I agree, artists have such power to depict and communicate the truth – it must be powerful art you are creating. Have you shared any here?
What you write resonates a lot with me, and I must say, sounds like a noble purpose. I’d like to think I’m on a similar journey to what you describe – working to bring qualities of goodness into the world – and I’m happy to know my post was helpful in your own reflections and writing.
Let’s both keep struggling to find the words – they’re important! I hope to hear more of your story in the future.
Hi Fiachra, thanks for the kind words yourself. And yes, we must still sort things out! But that’s the tricky part too, isn’t… figuring out I (or you) need, what the situation asks for, and what will be most transformative in the long-run. No easy task!
Thanks for this Will, a really thoughtful piece.
I think we could encourage communities to develop ethics counsels, with clear and transparent processes for grievances, and could include using restorative justices to address harm. I would imagine having outsiders on each counsel, as well as some independent ethics counsels, would also be good. Do many movement communities even have ethics principals outlined on their site?
This guide from the Buddhist Peace Fellowship on ethics in Buddhist communities have some applicable ideas… https://www.clearviewproject.org/engaged-buddhist-action/safe-harbor-community-ethics/
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Hi Ron, thanks for taking the time to read. You ask good questions.. yes, the interest in deeper meanings, and I think also the complex understanding of how we can be active participants in our own suffering, even at an unconscious level, i.e. that a “symptom” may serve some deeper need. And just generally, I think psychoanalysts aren’t afraid of the deep dark nor powerful relational intimacy. At least – that’s all true in theory!
Because the psychoanalytic dyad is so unique (not like any other human relationship) it was really difficult to get perspective on… But I think in my own therapy, there was a big shift halfway through, where it seemed like Dr. Reynolds’ values and goals began to shape the therapy more than my own. I think that is to be avoided!
In terms of branches, yes, there are differences but I think it’s also like anything else – each branch has some brilliant minds, and some twisted ones, and beyond that, not everything works for everybody. But yes, I think power issues are very important to watch out for, and some analytic schools to address that. Jody Messler-Davies theories come to mind – I think she writes about the ‘post-Oedipal complex’ in that sense, where the analyst and analysand become equals. The 388 clinic in Montreal, which is Lacanian in orientation, also has a lot of good stuff to say about the analyst as ‘the one who knows’ and the goal of analysis being that the analysand becomes that, in charge of their own life in accordance to their own ethics.
Another problematic side is the financial barriers to analysis, and I wonder if some people are seeking such an expensive treatment but really the problem is they just have too much money and power, not even humility or generosity, and is that what’s making them unhappy in the first place?
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Hi PacificDawn, can you say a bit more about what you mean? the different contexts of “peer” roles?
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Thanks for comment, Pauline. At some point I hope to explore more the complexities of Buddhism, as a religion – because as you point out, there are troubles there too. But like you say, the key teachings, the heart of it, are valuable and what matters. Thanks for reading and sharing
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Hi Someone Else,
I’ve heard a bit about that possible link between Jesus and Buddhism – certainly I think all the great religions point us in the same directions – of truth, love, and freedom – albeit each looks with its own unique perspective.
Thanks for sharing some of your story. I hear in it the complexities of religious authorities who are true to the faith, and those who betray it – and yet your own dedication to continuing to paint. And I agree, artists have such power to depict and communicate the truth – it must be powerful art you are creating. Have you shared any here?
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Hi Salimur, the drugs were good! But I don’t think of psychedelics and “psychosis” as the same thing.
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Hi Ms. Monique,
What you write resonates a lot with me, and I must say, sounds like a noble purpose. I’d like to think I’m on a similar journey to what you describe – working to bring qualities of goodness into the world – and I’m happy to know my post was helpful in your own reflections and writing.
Let’s both keep struggling to find the words – they’re important! I hope to hear more of your story in the future.
Report comment
Hi Fiachra, thanks for the kind words yourself. And yes, we must still sort things out! But that’s the tricky part too, isn’t… figuring out I (or you) need, what the situation asks for, and what will be most transformative in the long-run. No easy task!
Report comment