“Try to forgive by trying to understand how it would feel to be in the other’s shoes. If someone hurts you – ask them - “What hurts you so much that you would do this?” Listen to the answer and try to understand what is valid for them. They may have been fighting for your attention, but no one thinks of themselves as attackers, only defenders! So don’t judge their ways, only set them free by giving them a chance to speak. You may both learn a lot from your kindness and courage in asking for the truth. But even if nothing changes, release it, remember that you both have a right to be who you choose to be. When we make judgements we're inevitably acting on limited knowledge, so ask if you seek to understand, or simply let them be!”
Jay Woodman“Green and living jewels drip into my eyes" from the poem "All Green and Living Things" in the book "Terra Affirmative”
Jay Woodman, Riding the Escalator and Terra Affirmative“I never think of myself as an attacker, only as a defender - usually of rights - mine and others.”
Jay Woodman“I don't have to be safe to feel safe, I always feel safe at my core.”
Jay Woodman“We are the wilderness withinScreaming out for true expression.Even when we’re sleeping,There’s no escape from this obsession.”
Jay Woodman“be the calm eye of the storm where nothing phases you, focus on your centre to remain balanced, let your life flow like a stream of wind”
Jay Woodman“Don't be afraid to be authentic, show up in the world as you truly are.Be as you mean to be, but be light with it. Love it, give it, share it, laugh at it, walk everywhere with it.Be in the world but not OF it.”
Jay Woodman“Spiritual counselling is helping people find the deep root of stillness in themselves, which is also a connection to everything else.”
Jay Woodman“Fly (poem from the book Blue Bridge)Delicate, / butterfly winged, / we vainly push against the sky, / each trying to find our place.Yes, we are going to die, / let's not beat about the bush. / Maybe today, maybe tomorrow, / maybe even years from now. Meanwhile, / we have someone who loves us, / someone to love. / Surely there is no need to hesitate.”
Jay Woodman“Sometimes it's better to show our vulnerability / pain / regrets so others don't think us impervious / unapproachable - be real / open”
Jay Woodman“I honour the clarity of the present moment, and the stillness at the centre of being (mine & others), even in the midst of so much doing.”
Jay Woodman