This has been a very helpful and inspiring exploration for me. I appreciate all of you who are willing to put out your unique expression and thoughts.

Like you Erica, I did not know much about David Bowie. I of course had heard some of his hits throughout the years but he was always too weird and out there for me. Through Open's sharing of his songs in workshops, I began to embrace Bowie's willingness to be himself and not care what others think. Contemplating this further I see I do not like to stand out, be too weird or not accepted and liked. It really controls and constricts my authentic expression.

Catherine you are such a mirror for me. Sharing that you are working with self judgments and "failures", this is coming up for me a lot right now as well, often times feeling like giving up. I think for me is a letting go of trying that is needed but I am trying to find the balance with commitment. This is feeling really awful lately.

Having the "over zealous Ray 1" YES if only the key to walking the path were control instead of surrender!
Gladiator is one of my favorite movies and the scene you describe and song..just the thought of it reduces me to tears.
Thank you my friend for always being so brave and vulnerable with your expression. It inspires me to express more of myself.