Brian’s Reflection: Wednesday, September 10, 2008


One looks back with appreciation to the brilliant teachers,
but with gratitude to those who touched our human feelings.
The curriculum is so much necessary raw material, but warmth
is the vital element for the growing plant and for the soul of the child.

- Carl Jung, physician of the mind and spirit


It is “hard” for me to embrace this, but as I look back in my life, there are/were few instances in which I experienced “warmth”, where my “human feelings” were touched in a positive way. Especially in my childhood. At least, that’s how I feel. I have been appreciated in various ways and for various things. Appreciated in my vocation.

What is “hard” for me is that I think this has much more to do with me than with others. Oh, I am not “blaming” or demeaning myself. As I look back, I have always been a person who was/is easily hurt. In my life and work, I have tried to help others to move beyond feeling hurt or rejected or belittled or a sense of valuelessness. The “God” I have accepted has been a big help – the Unconditional Lover, both for others and for myself.

Dr. Jung is right. I am deeply grateful for those few who have reached through my barriers and touched my human feelings. They have been a disparate group! But they have helped me to try and be vulnerable, to trust, to believe in myself. Not to be afraid.

So many of us - and we are all children somewhere within - live without Warmth. It’s great to have been a teacher. Better to have been a Warmer of Souls.

Brian+