The problem with Collaboration is that we have to work with others.
The problem with working with others is that we are too attached to what others think of us.
When others think good of us, we feel connected and life is exhilarating. When they think bad of us, we feel disconnected and life is crap.
The problem with attachment is that it is based on our perceptions, which are usually distorted by our ingrained subjective beliefs. In other words, our perceptions are incredibly limited, if not wrong.
When we realize how attached we are and the pain it causes us, we have to detach from our attachment in order to free ourselves.
The problem with freeing ourselves from our beliefs is that we have to rely on others as our teachers.
The good news is that others have to rely on us as their teachers too.
If others are our teachers and we are their teachers, there is no need to waste our energy impressing, proving, avoiding, fearing or punishing. We can just be focused on working together – a full time job – while acknowledging our emotions, letting them pass, expanding reality and creativity, and why not, having some fun.
And eventually, the problem with Collaboration is no problem at all.
Thanks for another deep post.
Love this, Carole! A long time ago, I found a book by Terry Cole-Whittaker titled: “What you think of me is none of my business!” Phew! let’s all give it up!
Great title!
Thank you, Carole! Adding this to my toolbox….One of my favorite quotes on collaboration is from Jocelyn Elders…
“Collaboration is an unnatural act between non-consenting adults… We all say we want to collaborate, but what we really mean is that we want to continue doing things as we have always done them while others change to fit what we are doing.”
Hi Luka, I love the quote!
Carole, this is so clear, concise and true–and I love the illustration!
Funny, inspiring and oh-so-true (as usual)!
Dear Carole,
Wise and witty. If you insist on continuing to send these sorts of things, you are going to make me grow up. I’m quite attached to my dysfunctions, and you are in danger of depriving me of them.
Seriously, this is wonderful. Thanks so much,
Charles
Dear Charles Behling, as we say in modern language, LOL! Thanks for your comment and humour.
i wanted to leave a comment earlier but I was paralyzed because I wanted to make sure you and the other readers would think it was insightful …
So simply deep and true. Thank you dear Carotte!
It’s exhausting. Really.
Thank you for the visual.
xoxox
Amen.
Riia