Oh I so relate to this! Over the years my compassion has extended to almost all living creatures, including spiders which I used to intensely fear, ants which can be a pain in the ass, and I've even caught myself calling rats and mice 'darling' as I escort them off the premises. But I still haven't managed to cross that line with mosquitos, flies or cockroaches.... Perhaps that is the mark of true enlightenment?! 😂
I've killed a cockroach and I think I'd do it again. I also killed a mosquito this morning. But I did save a cricket-looking-thing yesterday. Maybe I'll be stomped on one day and it'll be deserved
I appreciate your solidarity in sharing the challenge of finding compassion for some of life’s creature. I avoided killing the mosquitoes last night, but I cannot claim compassion as I certainly have a historical kill count of them too…
That stomping foot… a great prompt for a creative writing group on shame / self criticism vs self compassion?!
Oh I so relate to this! Over the years my compassion has extended to almost all living creatures, including spiders which I used to intensely fear, ants which can be a pain in the ass, and I've even caught myself calling rats and mice 'darling' as I escort them off the premises. But I still haven't managed to cross that line with mosquitos, flies or cockroaches.... Perhaps that is the mark of true enlightenment?! 😂
I asked Google and it came up with some interesting responses, including one that refers to the Dalai Lama’s comments on the subject of the mosquito.
I haven’t tried to verify the response, but it was reassuringly non attached to an idea of perfection, but finding a middle way.
You try to be compassionate by waving it away, then if it keeps coming back you slap it!
https://www.quora.com/What-does-a-Buddhist-monk-do-with-a-mosquito-in-the-room-possibly-with-malaria
And perhaps when we kill it, we are helping it on its way to its next, more evolved, lifetime?! Or is that clutching at straws?
I've killed a cockroach and I think I'd do it again. I also killed a mosquito this morning. But I did save a cricket-looking-thing yesterday. Maybe I'll be stomped on one day and it'll be deserved
Roz, that made me laugh!!
Not the killing, obvs, but your final line.
I appreciate your solidarity in sharing the challenge of finding compassion for some of life’s creature. I avoided killing the mosquitoes last night, but I cannot claim compassion as I certainly have a historical kill count of them too…
That stomping foot… a great prompt for a creative writing group on shame / self criticism vs self compassion?!
More gorgeous writing, Jo. Please write a book - it would be such a delight to devour!
Thank you kate - I needed this one to be short and cheerful for my own sake,
and I’m glad it was enjoyable to read too!
My own book would be the dream. Please send an agent and publishing house! 🤣