Have You Claimed Yourself?
Posted by Robin Easton
Today I share an unforgettable highlight from a sunset hike with my sweetheart. It was a short 4 mile hike up a small mountain, but it was steep, rocky, and in many places straight up, with no switchbacks. I jogged half the hike barefoot, gloriously running along the mountain trail, my strong feet connecting with the Earth. At the top of the mountain we sat in silence as blue-black thunderheads moved toward us.
Extraordinary Experience
As dusk approached we headed back down the mountain. My sweetheart stopped at one point to do some filming for the documentary we’re working on. So I took off jogging again. Later while I waited for him, a woman about 35 years old came around the bend. We casually waved and she kept going. Suddenly she stopped, walked back to me, and said, “Can I ask you a question?” I’d never seen her before, but openly said, “Sure.” She then said, “I’ve been seeing a guy for quite awhile now and I don’t think he’s ‘claiming’ me. I want the person I’m with to ‘claim’ me. Am I wrong to want that? I just feel that if he ‘s unable to claim me, I don’t think I want to be with him. It may be a waste of my life. Does that make any sense?”
I instantly knew what she meant. I also knew what she was seeking, a reflection of her own beautiful heart. Her face was so open and trusting that I couldn’t help but love her when I said, “I know exactly what you mean. You deserve to be claimed. And if you stay with someone who is unable to claim you in the way you need, you may miss the person who does want to claim you. Trust your heart. You’re worthy of being claimed.” Her face lit with the joy of being seen. I reached out and hugged her, and she eagerly hugged me back. As she walked away I realized that in our 3 minute exchange we had “claimed” each other. An instant bond was formed that neither of us would forget.
What Might “Claim” Mean?
I knew she didn’t mean the dictionary’s definition of the verb “to claim”. Consciously or unconsciously, she was talking from another level, one where we might ask: “Is this person able to fully open to themselves and me (others)? 
Are they able to live in a state of awareness with themselves and others? Or do they live in a state of ambivalence, afraid of commitment, afraid of Life and Love. Afraid of discovering themselves.”
I think it takes commitment to ourselves and Life to be able to “claim” those we love: our partner, our children, our friends, our family or an unknown young woman on a mountain trail. “Claiming” (in the way the young woman meant it) doesn’t mean that we own someone, or even that we demand (which is one dictionary meaning). “Claiming” (the way she meant it) is different from owning, controlling, and manipulating. For me it is living in a state of openness and awareness around those who come into my circle. There are few I don’t claim. Whether they accept this or not is up to them, and none are judged, no matter what they do.
Are You Able to Claim Yourself and Life?
I later realized that being open to this extraordinary “meeting” with the young woman, I not only claimed her existence as real, but I claimed my own existence as real. In claiming her, I claimed myself, as well as my place in the world.
When we claim Life, miracles fall at our feet, people blossom before us, and Love happens. May you fully claim yourself and those who come to YOU to be seen and loved (whether they be human or otherwise).
Love,
Robin
How might you claim more of yourself and those you love?
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This Site: © Robin Easton
Website: http://www.nakedineden.com
Blog:http://nakedineden.com/nakedinedenblog/
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61 Comments so far...
Theresa111 Says:
18 July 2010 at 4:21 pm.
Robin,
I’ll claim you hundreds of times because you always have just the right words to convey your meaning. Beautiful!
Theresa
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Tweets that mention Naked In Eden Blog – Robin Easton » Have You Claimed Yourself? -- Topsy.com Says:
18 July 2010 at 4:25 pm.
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Tania Says:
18 July 2010 at 4:34 pm.
Oh Robin, I was thinking exactly this about an hour ago 
Love,
Tania
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Robin Easton Reply:
July 18th, 2010 at 4:43 pm
Heeeey dear Tania!! So wonderful to see you here. I’m smiling ear to ear, and am touched by your words. That is SO cool. And yet, we’re often on the same wave length. Love back to you dear friend. Robin
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Jonathan - Advanced Life Skills Says:
18 July 2010 at 5:08 pm.
Hi Robin, I find it telling that you mentioned “afraid of commitment” as the opposite of claim. The concept of commitment seems to be growing less and less popular and that sentimentality is robing people of true depth and meaning in their lives. Giving is a two way street. If we are reserved in our giving we will never feel like others are fully giving to us. To claim and be claimed we need to commit to life unreservedly. We need to be willing to be vulnerable or we will always maintain some degree of defensive posture.
Real freedom, the freedom to experience life to the full, is only possible when we are willing to commit. Only then can we “live in a state of openness and awareness around those who come into our circle.” When we commit to living, we claim the life we were meant for.
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Robin Easton Reply:
July 18th, 2010 at 8:47 pm
Dear Jonathan, I just love how you picked up on one the most key points in this post. You do great wrap ups, and pick up where I leave off. This post was originally twice as long and I had to take out so much. So I was sooooooo happy to see you put back much of what I took out and more. I was hoping someone would raise the issue of commitment.
What you wrote here is just lovely and moved me deeply. It is just a whole post in itself, one you ought to consider writing because you express it just stunningly, lovely, and so clearly. There are SO many lines here that just BLOW me away, like this one: “If we are reserved in our giving we will never feel like others are fully giving to us.”
Wow!! That is one for your book(s). That is just so loaded, thought provoking and true. YES! You need to save your comment here and use it in a book, or at the very least a post.
This also is just so life-affirming, especially in a world where we are almost always taught to NOT be vulnerable: “We need to be willing to be vulnerable or we will always maintain some degree of defensive posture.” I so relate to the power or strength in being vulnerable. I’ve started a post for your newsletter on that topic.
I thank you very much for taking the time to shed such wise heartfelt light here. I am touched and honored that you “got it” on this level. Very very exciting. And, again, so beautifully expressed. Hugs to you my friend. Robin
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Wilma Ham Says:
18 July 2010 at 5:27 pm.
Claiming for me is noticing and then receiving totally and unrestricted all the Love that there is for me to receive.
Oh Robin, there is so much Love we can claim and yet so little claiming we do.
I too love claiming you like Theresa, xox Wilma
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Robin Easton Reply:
July 18th, 2010 at 8:57 pm
Dearest Wilma, this is just who you are. You would be just like me if that young woman stopped you on the trail. You receive all with open arms and so much love. I noticed that the first time I was at your blog. It is why soooooooo many love you and come back again and again.
And you are absolutely right; there is infinite love we can claim. It is all around us. People living in extreme hardship or suffering will often still claim as much love as they can, and if they can’t find it, they create it for themselves and those around them. They create great dignity in situations where is appears all dignity is lost. They create hope when all seems hopeless. Well, you understand what I mean.
So I encourage us all to claim and create as much as we possibly can. And dear, Wilma, yes, you and I claimed each other long ago, right from the start. And what a gift it is. Hugs, Robin xoxo
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David Says:
18 July 2010 at 5:45 pm.
I love this post. And I would love to meet you and your mate the next time I am climbing a mountain. Because I have many questions. And you have great answers.
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Robin Easton Reply:
July 18th, 2010 at 9:03 pm
Oh my dear David, this is just sooooooo endearing. I love this comment. It speaks of that beautiful little boy that you often have written about. It is sincere, honest and touching. Maybe one day we will get to do more than meet on a mountain. Maybe we will get to climb the mountain and both ask questions and share thoughts. In the meantime I am sending you armfuls of hugs and peace from my mountain to yours. Robin
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Nick Grimshawe Says:
18 July 2010 at 6:04 pm.
Hi Robin, What a wonderful experience to be so open that a stranger could understand that and connect with you to ask a very personal question. I agree that first we have to claim ourselves before we can be open to have others claim us or to claim others. I think when you claim someone one or vice versa is a form of taking responsibility, not in an ownership way, but just an acknowledgement of responsibility to each other as a very human and compassionate thing to do.
Magic does happen and when you are open to it, miracles occur every day.
Loving sharing this footpath with you.
Nick
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Robin Easton Reply:
July 18th, 2010 at 9:22 pm
Dear Nick, Oooh I am so glad to see you here. This comment brought tears to my eyes. You have raised some very meaningful and powerful insights. One, is the issue of responsibility. I know exactly what you mean. Since I live in a city, albeit a small city, people tend to be a bit more disjointed than when I lived in a tiny village of a few hundred, where everyone knew everyone and helped each other out, in EVERY way. So I decided that in the city, beyond my few close friends, that I would create community everywhere I went, but acknowledging people in the bank, the store or a hiking trail, or as you say, by taking responsibility for their existence in my presence.
It’s doesn’t mean, as you say, ownership, but as you so beautiful put it, “just a very human and compassionate thing to do”. That is just so moving, Nick. I LOVE THAT!!!. YES! Which brings me to my second thought. We can heal and soothe the world everywhere we go simply by doing what you suggest here. Bless you for seeing this and expressing it so tenderly. And yes, Nick, I too am loving sharing this footpath with you. Very rewarding and healing. Hugs to you, Robin
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Alexander M Zoltai Says:
18 July 2010 at 6:27 pm.
I claim that the dictionary also claims that the woman and you claiming each other is totally cool
My dictionary says this as it’s first definition: “Assert or affirm strongly; state to be true or existing”
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Robin Easton Reply:
July 18th, 2010 at 9:26 pm
My dear dear Alex friend. You made me laugh out loud. I am still sitting here grinning my face off. This is very witty and it took me a minute to get it, but then the light bulbs went off and I just howled. I LOVE IT!!! You are a gem Alex. So so so good to see you here. Always loved your writing. Hugging you, Robin
PS: Maaaan, I need to get whatever dictionary you have!! It’s sound like the “Concise Oxford Compassionate Dictionary”. LOL! Mine sounded like some militant non-flexible rule book!!
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Ophelia Rising Says:
18 July 2010 at 6:30 pm.
Robin, I struggle with this a lot in my life, particularly lately. I don’t feel as if I have enough of this organic exchange with people around me. In fact, I am, most times, quite starving for it. I’ve been feeling outside myself, in a sense – withdrawn and wanting – and I guess part of this is b/c I’m not standing up and claiming myself, or being claimed, by anyone. 
I need to re-evaluate things, that’s for sure. I need to breathe in something else, something that’s more…me, I guess, for lack of a better word. Something that is more resonant, that feels like it belongs. Something genuine.
Thank you for this wisdom. I’m forever grateful to you – for so many things. I love you so much, my sister. You are forever in my heart.
xoxoxoxo
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Robin Easton Reply:
July 18th, 2010 at 10:07 pm
Dear dear Wild Sister, And I call you “Wild Sister” not just because you are close to and love the Earth, but because you have such a STRONG heart cry. I hear your cry all the time. It is just who you are. And it makes my heart soar, and set me free, not only because I am the same, but because it means to me that you are soooooooo ALIVE!!! You yearn for life like all wild things yearn for life.
I cried reading your words here, and deeply resonate with them. There is SO much I could say here and it would fill pages. I know so well the organic exchange you speak of. I too hunger for it, so I try to create it everywhere I go. Many only marginally respond to it as they have forgotten their roots, forgotten how to hunger, or that they even do hunger, or what they hunger for. I think many of us hunger for connection with each other, with Life, with Earth, with trees, with other species, with the stars, with the wind, with clean water, with fresh air, with food grown with our own hands, with our bare feet on the Living Earth, with other like minded souls who DO see and claim us. Yes, at the heart of all humanity is the hunger to be seen.
I also think you are right about the more we claim others, the more they claim us. And the more we claim ourselves, the more others claim us. I noticed that when I started to really claim myself, even if no one else ever did, that people began to notice me, take me seriously and treat me with respect.
I really relate right now in my life to your words: “Something that is more resonant, that feels like it belongs. Something genuine.” With all my work lately and the life change I am going through moving more into the world of man and further away from the world of Nature, I too feel a deep howling hunger to seek out what is most authentically me. To make a stand and let my gray grow out unhindered, to take time off and run up a mountain barefoot, to speak to and love a young seeking woman, to be more and more and more who I really am. I constantly seek ways to make my life more authentic, even here on my blog. It and it alone is what give my life purpose, truth, fullness, and meaning.
I hear your cry and it is beautiful, and you are alive. You…are…alive. I hope I run into on a mountain trail. In my heart I already have a thousand times. I love you always my dear sister. And I see you and claim you. Yes. I…claim…YOU. Robin xoxoxo
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Zeenat{Positive Provocations} Says:
18 July 2010 at 7:05 pm.
Dearest and Sweetest Soul Sister RObin,
I am hugging you to claim you right now ! Hope you feel it….
Plus..i know exactly what this woman meant when she said claimed…cause believe me..before i met my husband..I was traveling through the world…loving, living, saving….just never been claimed. Amazing how my claiming moment came at a mountain top….it was a mountain me and my then boyfreind(now hubby) climbed.It was a holy mountain …a mountain where one of the Imams i.e. Imam Ali had come 1000′s of years back..left his footprints in the claysand…and blessed that place. We have to climb up the equivalent of 50 floors to reach the top. I remember it was at that place that i “accepted and opened myself to being claimed”.
He always knew…somehow the holiness of the place and the experience..opened me to that extent…that when we came down..we had both claimed each other…and then the world(if that makes sense).
So thank you my darling Soul sister for sharing this story…this experience. I can safely say..I am claimed and already claiming everything everyone every moment.
Lots of love to you.
Z~
p.s. I just got an email from your publicist about your book. I’m so happy. I cant wait to get my hands on it. Cosmic hugs…:)
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Robin Easton Reply:
July 19th, 2010 at 2:40 pm
HEEEEEY YOU!! I have a HUGE HUUUUGE smile on my face to see you here today!! Yes, my dear dear soul sister, THAT you are for sure!! And do you know that I have ALWAYS felt your hugs, EVERY single time I connect with you. Just to be in your presence if to be loved.
I was just at your site the last couple of days reading. You are doing some TRULY powerful writing there. WOW!! Love the recent piece on moving back to our hearts. I resonate strongly with that, and made a choice at 27 years of age to stop thinking with head and start thinking with my heart. I want to put the link to your post here: http://zeenatsyal.wordpress.com/2010/07/16/detaching-your-mind-attaching-your-heart/
NOTE TO READERS: For those of you not familiar with Zeenat’s blog I highly recommend it. She truly lives her love, and claims all who touch her life, with compassion, deep kindness and love. Once under the spell of her magic, you will be hooked. Here is the link to Zeenat’s blog: http://zeenatsyal.wordpress.com/
I was so excited to hear that you also immediately understood what this dear young woman on the mountain was seeking. Although, that doesn’t surprise me at all, just like your recent “heart” post you live from your magnificent heart all the time. Your story here just moved me deeply as well as excited me. And it makes TOTAL sense. It is a story that gave me goosebumps in reading it. It was a great healing, opening and claiming of all that we are and more. And I can feel in you that you have LIVED that ever since.
You are a dynamic role model of love for so many. More importantly when I met you I KNEW I had met a kindred soul, because I saw myself in you. I saw someone who opens so totally to the world, that they no longer know what it means to hold something back. I needed that reflection, and finding it in you was and remains today a powerful experience. Yes, dear sister, we know each other. I love you and thank you from my heart. Robin
PS: Yes, I raved about you to my publicist, told her you were a woman of great love. I am made richer because you are in my life. Love, Robin
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Ginae B. McDonald Says:
18 July 2010 at 7:31 pm.
Please, everyone help me and Digg this story: http://digg.com/people/Have_You_Claimed_Yourself
Thanks!
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Robin Easton Reply:
July 19th, 2010 at 2:44 pm
Dear sweet Ginae!! I am laughing right now! You are SUCH a treasure. I felt SO honored when I read this delightful little comment. How blessed I am to share and connect with you. Every time I see you name or you, I never forget the time you made me laugh my guts out over that winter hat your wore and photographed on facebook. Remember? I knew in that moment that we were connected!! Thank you dear friend, Big hugs, Robin
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Lisa Marie Says:
18 July 2010 at 7:49 pm.
Dear Robin, Wow… what a cool story!
I can’t help thinking, the woman on the mountain was intuitive enough to recognize a rare opportunity- to receive instant love and validation when she came into your presence. (What a blessing for her, to cross your path) So I think she had the insight to know the answer to her own question. But your response to her was beautiful.
Your expression that one deserves to be claimed is a nice one.
It conjures a feeling of being truly cared for. Not like being possessed, but knowing you are held precious in someone’s heart.
Claiming ourselves sure is the starting point.
Much Love from Lisa
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Robin Easton Reply:
July 19th, 2010 at 3:12 pm
Dearest Lisa Marie, It is so good to see you here today. You and my husband think alike. He told me what you said here: “…the woman on the mountain was intuitive enough to recognize a rare opportunity- to receive instant love and validation when she came into your presence…”. I am humbled by that thought and also LOVE the idea/reality that we ARE drawn (and presented) with those who can help or guide us through life. That is very reassuring. So, all we need to do is TRUST our instincts and intuition and act on it.
I think we intuitively DO sense when someone is kindred or that they are safe, or that they may understand. I love that thought. I know I sense it in people and am rarely wrong. As I get older I try to act on it more and more, even if I don’t fully and initially understand it.
I also LOVE the way you worded “claiming”. It is beautiful and is how I experience it by those who claim me (and when I claim myself): “…a feeling of being truly cared for. …knowing you are held precious in someone’s heart.” That moved me to tears dear Lise Marie. That is exquisitely beautiful and very much how I have experienced your soul. Thank you dear sweet friend. I am blessed to “experience” you. I am sending you much love. Robin
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timethief Says:
18 July 2010 at 8:06 pm.
Oh Robin, I claim you Theresa and Jonathan and … thank you for sharing your experience. It contains such insight.
If there is a way for a conscious person to become authentically more committed to living an authentic life without becoming more vulnerable in the process, I do not know of it.
With much love,
TiTi
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Robin Easton Reply:
July 19th, 2010 at 3:30 pm
Dearest TiTi, Yes, you sure have claimed me dear one. Right from the start, and I you. We both just “knew”, and have known ever since. There were so many times that you kept me going and helped learn or understand something….and you still do.
What’s interesting about this experience on the mountain is that I pretty much walk around thought-free. I have few thoughts, and tend to simply just respond as each moment presents itself. There are times I think, of course, but overall I am so in the moment experiencing life that I don’t have time to “think” what I would say or do, etc. Like when this woman stopped, turned around and asked me about “claiming”. What came out of me just passed through me, because I surely didn’t think about it. However, what I DID experience is her purity, innocence, her hunger for Life, to be seen, appreciated and loved, AND that she was so worthy of all that, so trusting and as fresh as the Earth I stood on with my bare feet, and a clean a the pines that stood beside us.
Who she was evoked great love in me, compassion and deep desire to make sure she SAW who she really is. Hopefully she too will be able to more fully claim herself. She obviously wants to or she would not have asked me. So beautiful to be a part of her process and life (as she was of mine). And that she asked ME?, a total stranger, but then maybe none of us are really strangers. Because I later thought how in the bigger picture (maybe in ANY picture) separation is an illusion.
I too do not know of any other “door” than the beautiful door of vulnerability. I have come to learn and embrace that vulnerability as one of my greatest strength. I now “claim” it as well. I no longer feel ashamed, belittled, less than for being vulnerable. Embracing my vulnerability makes me much stronger. I love you, TiTi. Thank you SO much my dear dear friend, Robin
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mike Says:
18 July 2010 at 11:05 pm.
I like what you said, Robin: “When we claim Life, miracles fall at our feet, people blossom before us, and Love happens.” This sums up your entire post: it is not about the literal sense of “claiming” as it is the spiritual sense, in that we all need to claim LIFE, more than claim any other individual aspect of it…
peace,
mike
livelife365
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Robin Easton Reply:
July 19th, 2010 at 3:48 pm
Oh my good friend you are wise! YES!!! You have expressed this so well. Bottom line: it really does come down to whether or not we are going to claim LIFE. When I was 27 and in the Aussie rainforest I realize that for ME there was one bottom line decision. Was I going to claim Life or not. And even if I didn’t actively consciously claim Death, I was still choosing Death IF I did NOT claim Life. So I made a rock solid commitment to Life, and not just when things were easy and everything was going the way I though it should or wanted it to, but I committed to Life no mater WHAT was going on in my life. It was a wonderful choice for me to make. Yes, I claimed Life, full-on!!
I really hear you on this. Wow!! And I know from your AMAZING life story that you made a deep commitment to Life. That is self evident in all your writings and videos. Thank you SO much Mike, I really appreciate this sharing, my friend. Hugging you, Robin.
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Steven Aitchison Says:
19 July 2010 at 3:23 am.
What an amazing experience. The fact that a stranger felt your soul energy strongly enough for her to walk back and ask you such a personal question amazes me, but doesn’t surprise me, if that makes sense.
I think by claiming each other you claimed a part of each others energy, which was obviously resonating on similar levels.
What a beautiful gift you were given and a beautiful gift you gave back in return.
You never cease to amaze me Robin.
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Robin Easton Reply:
July 19th, 2010 at 4:08 pm
Dear sweet Stephen, What a LOVELY and kind comment. I LOVE so many lines here. You really got it when you wrote: “What a beautiful gift you were given and a beautiful gift you gave back in return.” Yes, her hunger to claim herself, and to connect so openly and beautifully was a HUGE HUGE gift to me. I am SOOOOOO glad you said that. YES!!! You get it. She was baring her soul and in the process of doing that she not only claimed herself, but me as well. She was BEING (and gave freely) the very thing she so openly sought. And her being instinctively did what it needed to do to get the reflection it needed. WOW!! The intelligence of Life.
Although the situation felt completely normal to me, there was also a part of me that experienced it all with great awe and wonder. I knew I was experiencing Life at its finest, the way we all are capable of living it. What amazes me more is that my response just spilled out. I didn’t have to think about it. It was motivated by love, compassion and a desire to embrace all of Life. And what I felt in the young woman was a feeling of Life seeking Life to create more Life. Now I realize that may not make sense, but in the rainforest, something I learned was that Life is in love with itself. And on every level Life is seeking out more of itself to create…more of itself (more Life), both on a physical and energetic level.
The whole exchange really wasn’t about words. That was one thing I was very aware of. It was Life seeking validation of itself (the young woman), and because I was open to that, my own life was validated (hence Life was validated). Dear friend thank you for being in my life and sharing your beautiful compassionate heart. I treasure it all. You sensitivity shines through in all you share. And THAT moved me. I value that highly. I value YOU. Big hugs, Robin
PS the whole exchange with this woman was really about love and compassion and embracing both without judgment.
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Trish Scott Says:
19 July 2010 at 8:26 am.
I am relatively new to this “claiming” gift. I had a sudden awakening that came with my first days work with animal communication which washed away “issues” with my fellow human beings and made it possible for me to claim everyone. The true test came 2 days ago when my brother hunted me down here in my little town (a great story of connections in itself) after 10 years of silence. It was probably Mark Twain who said that if you want to know someones true character, share an inheritance with them. Well, that is true. The brain surgeon took his violin teacher sister to the cleaners! We had not been on the best of terms when last we had met face to face. So 2 days ago we met up in town and it was just so good to see him. I loved the 5 or 6 hours we spent together. We went for a hike and he took me to the best restaurant in town for a great meal and it was delightful to me. And that whole hearted delight was such a wonderful warm feeling. A relief after the prickly feelings of the past. He did not share this warmth – he is not capable of “claiming” but that is OK with me. It’s how I feel that matters. And I feel good!
You truly have your finger on the pulse of what matters Robin. I love you so much for that!
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Robin Easton Reply:
July 19th, 2010 at 6:13 pm
Dearest Trish, As always I find in your comments SO much of myself, as well as find your comments very extraordinary due to your unique perspective on pretty much everything…also your honesty. I loved this: “I had a sudden awakening that came with my first days work with animal communication which washed away “issues†with my fellow human beings and made it possible for me to claim everyone.” That just blew me away because it was living far from the world of man (and communicating with my wild brethren), that gave me my deepest insight into myself and my fellow humans, and also allowed me to let go of things and claim everyone as well.
What this did for me was allow ME to claim MYSELF because Nature doesn’t judge, nor do any of her wild creatures. So I got to see/experience myself free of human judgment. And what I saw, I fell in love with. From there I was able to naturally do what the good universe intended me to do, which was to claim myself and all of Life. So in essence in the wild I got to experience who I REALLY am. Because for ME, in my culture/society I was unable to find any reflection of who I am, so I tended to walk around thinking that I had no place in LIFE itself. But what I learned in the wild was a very crucial distinction. Yes, I may not have fit into my culture, and yes, sure, my culture is part of Life…..BUT my culture was only a tiny part of Life. And yes, Life is everywhere, but it also extends far beyond the world of man to encompass the much larger Natural World, which is infinite and goes from the tiniest grain of sand to the most infinite star and beyond. Now, in THAT larger natural world I not only found my place, but I found a reflection of myself that I BECAME!!! I felt in love with a whole world that not only claimed me, but WAS ME!!! And I was IT.
Dearest Trish, your story here touched me deeply because it speaks highly of your character, as well as your ability to let go and live for yourself, live for Life’s sake. This line is stupendous: “He did not share this warmth – he is not capable of “claiming†but that is OK with me. It’s how I feel that matters. And I feel good!” YES!! I too know this feeling. When I claim people, I have no attachment to whether they are receptive or not. They are not excluded because the cannot yet claim back. Because just in claiming others I cam continually claiming myself, over and over again. All love goes out and creates more love, somewhere, somehow. No love is ever lost.
I am deeply grateful for your intelligence, and all the memorable times you have claimed me and let me claim you. You are sooooooo worth claiming. I have learned so many astounding things from you. You are one who reflects back to me in the same way that vast world of Nature does. Bless you for that dear Trish. Thank you from my heart. I love you!!! Robin
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askcherlock Says:
19 July 2010 at 8:31 am.
Through this story you encourage almost mystical moments that increase us as individuals, and not reduce us. Your sentiments are powerful in their beauty. Would that we could all integrate them. How amazing this world would be.
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Robin Easton Reply:
July 19th, 2010 at 6:26 pm
Dear Askcherlock, As I told you on “FriedEggs”, I was just reading your site this AM and loving it and laughing!!!
I am SO touched by your comment here, for many reasons. You have picked up on a part of this post that I just could NOT put into words, and so badly wanted to convey, because it is exactly how I felt when this experience happened. You summed it up here: “….you encourage almost mystical moments that increase us as individuals, and not reduce us.”
YES!!! That is how I felt through, during and after this experience. It WAS mystical, even almost mythical in the way I felt it. It was as if I was in the midst of some Great Dream. I was. I AM! And that is what I had trouble expressing because it was soooooooooo HUGE, something that could not be reduced to mere words. It was like I was in an altered state/world, as if all time stopped and I saw the world solely on a soul level. Which I tend to do a lot anyway, but it was a life-altering experience. But I know from ALL my life experience, that it is the true state of the world. It is who we really are and what we are capable of. And my dear new friend, it is, as you said, “Would that we could all integrate them. How amazing this world would be.”
That is sooooooo beautiful and I believe and hope that in time we will. Bless you and hug you for seeing on this level, for seeing what I was unable to express. And also, thank you for your kind words; they touched my heart. Hugs, Robin
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Em Says:
19 July 2010 at 9:04 am.
Hey, Roby! How beautiful and I want to say magical in the sense that you both were fully present in that moment! Loved the story which then took me to the wild ride in the back of Gunner’s truck! Being open to what shows up right there in this very moment!
: ) Lots of love!
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Robin Easton Reply:
July 19th, 2010 at 6:37 pm
Heeeeey dear dear Emmy!! Oh WOW!! To see you here just did me sooooooo much good!! Yes, I KNOW that you can relate to this story as you claim magic and love all around you EVERY single day. That is one of your many great gifts and beauties. You claim the tiniest of things, a birds feather, a elk’s call and so much more, and you fill your days with these things. You honor them as the Great Magic and Mystery that they are. I hear it over and over in your phone messages. I think we got a lot of that from Mom. And every time I hear that from you my whole heart lurches with a great leap of JOY!!! It is just WHO you ARE!
Aaah yes, Good Old Gunner!! I laughed out loud when you remembered Gunner and the wild ride back up the mountain. That made me SO happy and I thought one of us should write about it. I STILL think about that hike with you, as it was one of, if not THE, most memorable hike I ever had. It was some day, wasn’t it. AND then it had the most perfect ending. WE claimed GUNNER!!! LOLOLOL!!!!! But we really did! AND I think in the end HE claimed us, that’s why he tried to give us a fun ride up the mountain. How dear is that?!! Remember us both SCREAMING our heads off and laughing our guts out at the same time. in the back of his pickup truck??!!!! Aaah, Emmy, Life is good. And I am so glad you are in mine. We have claimed each other, but then I think we always have. I love you dearly, Roby.
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The Exception Says:
19 July 2010 at 10:35 am.
Robin – There is much in this post – from the power of nature to the power of love. For me, to claim is to be committed to life and to take responsibility for living from love as much as it is living to our highest potential and doing it with full awareness. In claiming ourselves we respect that which exists – including ourselves. Having experienced not “being claimed†by someone I love, I have come face to face with the lessons of releasing, accepting, and claiming myself – choosing to love and stay open to love. The more I have done this, the more people are drawn to me (which has been interesting to observe) and the more I am able to open my life and my heart to seeing and experiencing.
The last two nights, the lightening has dazzled the sky. The power and majesty of the storms has delighted me in so many ways. How wonderful it is to be alive and able to see over denying and isolating oneself.
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Robin Easton Reply:
July 19th, 2010 at 6:50 pm
Dearest Exception, This is a deeply load sharing, so much wisdom shared here. I think one of the many things that draws me to you is not only your honesty, but your strong sense of self, of claiming yourself. I noticed that from the start. As well you daughter and those you love. Also, you ability to set boundaries, and yet forgive.
There is just so much in this comment that I could write pages about the truths you sum up so easily. I LOVE this line: “In claiming ourselves we respect that which exists – including ourselves.” Yes, I have found this to be true as well. It is akin to embracing Life and its fundamental truths, or the Laws of the Universe. In doing this it bring us closer to ourselves and closer to Life. There is great peace in that.
Also I really resonate with this line: “…”The more I have done this, the more people are drawn to me…” This is fabulous, Exception. I know to be true for me as well. Many years ago I saw a HUGE shift in my life when began to claim and love myself. People we instantly drawn to me, had more respect for me, wanted to hear my thoughts and know I felt about things. From reading a lot of your blog, I KNOW you are soooooooo worthy, wise and offer invaluable lessons to anyone ready to hear them. I am proud and inspired by your courage, inner strength, claiming of yourself, your daughter and Life, even in the face of adversity or loss. It is just glorious to be part of your circle when I read you blog or your comments here. It thrills me no end. You are a wonderful role model. I applaud you. Hugs to you my friend. Robin
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Mic Hudson Says:
19 July 2010 at 1:44 pm.
Straightway, I realize the symbolism in what you reveal here and accept this to be a genuine truth belonging to all of us!
You continue to bring so much to my life (and my existence), Robin, by imparting (sharing) these inherent little truths, which once realized (and accepted) at once become part of my being (of who I am); or (at the very least), of who I would like to resemble; capable of reflecting this same type of light upon others in my own life.
Already (so early), this particular day has become a bit brighter (a little clearer) by walking in the light of your life!
I dare to contemplate the distinct likelihood others may too gain new perspective upon life, their life and place in this world, simply by tripping lightly along our own path basking only in your shadow.
Like a flower seen in the distance whose sweet fragrance nevertheless wafts through time and space, filling my olfactories with delight; your presence keeps my senses acutely aware of my surroundings as well as those I share it with!
Thank you so much for sharing of yourself!
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Robin Easton Reply:
July 19th, 2010 at 7:04 pm
Dearest Mic, What a surprise and treat to see you here!! I cried reading your words. They are so lovely, in both insight/wisdom and expression, like poetry. Such lovely writing.
I was so delighted that you also got the symbolism. That is something that I’ve been told that I do, and I was in fact told by a friend that this post also had symbolism. But I didn’t originally know what they meant, as it is not something I do consciously. As you know, I just express what is in my heart, just as you do when you write these glorious poems and don’t even see that you’ve written a breathlessly lovely poem. (Remember? LOL). So, you seeing in ME what I DON’T see really touches me. You are so kind, all that you see ME giving, is what I see YOU giving to others (including me) all the time. I see it on your facebook page, everywhere you go. People adore you. Nonetheless, I have to tell you that your words made my day warmer, kinder and just touched me deeply. Mic, you have a huge generous heart, that is filled with warm creative humor and deep moving insight. You are a poet and philosopher at heart and it is beautiful. Hugs, Robin
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Julie Says:
19 July 2010 at 3:17 pm.
There’s another twist to this: No one can fully claim us until we, first, fully claim ourselves. When we’re fully accepting of ourselves, there’s no resistance within, nothing holding us back—and we’re fearless, living as a wide-open, fully giving being. That said, to what degree we see another claiming us may be the exact same degree to which we claim ourselves. What we witness of another may be what they are witnessing in us. So often, we look to what another can give us without considering that love doesn’t do that. Love just loves. Regardless.
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Robin Easton Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 9:42 am
Dearest Julie, You are wonderful!! I love how you look at things on so many levels and at so many angles. I REALLY relate to that as I tend to be the same. This made me think of 2 people I know who’d gone all their lives rejecting themselves, and had low self-esteem: “..don’t feel I’m worth anything”, “…no one would want me”, “I’m not talented/smart”, “I hate myself”, etc. Both REALLY believed this to be true, even accepted it. They also had spent quite a bit of their life in self destructive behavior.
I’ll talk about one of them; when I met this person I saw the beauty, extreme intelligence, creativity, ability for compassion and so forth in them. However, I always felt a deep sense of neglect surrounded them (it was palpable and made me want to weep). It’s what compelled me to reach out and claim them. Although I didn’t know them well, I had this immediate gut feeling that NO one had ever “claimed” this person, or really cared what happened to them (even as a child), and the people they chose for friends were all people who confirmed the self destructive behavior (probably much like the parents they grew up with).
This person hardly knew me, and knowing I might be rejected or they might get angry with me, I still reached out in a firm but loving way and asked them what the heck they were doing to themselves. I also told them they deserved to be treated better than the way they were treating themselves, and would they treat their child like this (if they had one). I also told them the amazing things I saw in them, and that they could stop abandoning themselves.
This person was STUNNED. They didn’t get angry, but instead cried, broke down and couldn’t believe I’d reached out. They then went on to tell me that they couldn’t believe what I was saying, and not only that, but that NO one in their entire life had EVER said such caring compassionate things to them. It was as if a switch were turned on before my eyes, and I watched this person go on to change their entire life. And I mean ENTIRE life. That was many years ago and they still walk a path of claiming who they are with courage, dignity and integrity. And they now claim others of all ages.
I later asked myself, could someone go their entire lives and never have someone claim them, help them? I believe so. And could they claim themselves simply because someone else had claimed them, modeling to them what is possible? I now believe so. It might not always happen, but then it is these same acts of claiming or kindness that help a child develop a sense of self worth and learn to claim themselves, learn that they are worthy of being claimed, loved, respected and so on. And I learned that ANYTHING is possible, and the power of Love is infinitely good.
So back to something powerful you wrote here that I know as truth for me: “…nothing holding us back—and we’re fearless, living as a wide-open, fully giving being.” If I had to pick one passion of mine, or one thing that compels me and fills me with endless love, joy and ecstasy, it is “living wide-open, fully giving being.” I don’t even need to know whether another uses my “giving” or not, because in essence I’m simply being who I’m compelled to be, and am. Just as trees grow because they’re compelled to grow. Just as Love loves because that’s what Love does/is. As you say, “Love just loves.” Thank you for this very fun sharing my wise and DEEP friend. We are so kindred. I love how you inspire me: My original comment was two pages long!!! I will use it as post a at some point. Just imagine you and me on a hike together! LOL! I love you dearly. Robin
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Julie Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 1:28 pm
And with your beautiful story of love and empowerment, we come full circle to my first thought when reading about your young woman on the trail: that if she really loved her man, it wouldn’t matter at all whether he was claiming her. All that would matter to her is that she claimed him. …because then she’d be fully claiming herself by honoring that part of her that wants to give her love, bring it to life in the giving.
It truly is magical what happens when we do this. Just as in your examples of the person who blossomed before your eyes and the children who rise to meet our love, when we give OUR love, we can help another respond likewise. We needn’t wait for another to claim us first. And, Robin? You are someone who teaches this so well by being the example. 
LOL, when we do have our hike, one of us better pack a tape recorder, because we’d never be able to remember all we ramble on about! I love you, too.
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Robin Easton Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 12:26 pm
Dearest Julie, you are SUCH a dear heart!! We must sometime do a tag team article. It would just be a BLAST!! We could raise question and each answer them without seeing/knowing what the other was writing, and see what came out and then post it and see what come out of everyone else. It would be so much fun. We could each think of say 5 questions so that we both were answering 10 questions. Think about it. No rush, just for whenever it happens, if at all.
Anyway, I had more thoughts on this whole thing, another “twist” that I was thinking about last night and ended up coming out in my response to Evita below. What I LOVE about living is that there are soooo many ways of looking at and experiencing Life. It just blows my mind!!
“Freedom is to allowing ourselves a forever changing perception in an infinite world.” ~ Robin Easton (from my book). And oddly I am one who has almost no “fixed” beliefs or perceptions. It’s all just a vast unknown wild exploration. Love to you dear one. R
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Nea | Self Improvement Saga Says:
19 July 2010 at 6:41 pm.
I can only imagine how wonderful that young woman felt when you so eagerly opened your heart to “claim” her. You are such a wonderful person Robin and I always feel as though you reach through the computer screen and claim me. Love radiates from you and I stand in awe of your amazing spirit.
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Robin Easton Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 10:34 am
Dear Beautiful Nea, What lovely sharing. It touched me because it is not only kind, but more importantly it reflects your own generous heart and ability to love those around you. It’s what drew me to you. You are create a safe space. You are not only wise, but compassionate. One senses, when they read your blog, that you have lived, and all that you have lived has made you stronger and more loving. I so admire that. I also thank you from my heart for “seeing” me and claiming me. It means much coming from you. Hugs to you dear Nea, Robin
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Robb Says:
19 July 2010 at 11:24 pm.
Kia ora Wild Sister,
One of the many things I love about the mountains is my concept of time just leaves me. Which means moments just appear before me and linger like a Whio on the clear stream preening itself upon a grey boulder. It is like I can stop within that very precise second and live it again and again. When that happens it is magical. I think when your Spirit passed by that woman she received that Gift and she accepted it, though it may have been such a slow process, so clear and beautiful in her own mind and heart and soul, that what for you both was a few mere steps in physical terms, was inside her an eternity to think this through and turn back towards your warmth, and Truth. You Claimed each other. So cool. Thank you for Claiming me and all around us. Kia kaha.
Aroha,
Robb
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Robin Easton Reply:
July 20th, 2010 at 10:58 am
Dear Robb, Oooooh you are GOOD!! And you are truly my Wild Brother! Do you know what you’ve expressed here I mention in my book, how time seems to stop and there is time within time within time….there is no time, just vast space to “…stop within that very precise second and live it again and again.†I know exactly what you are saying here. And I think people who are intimately close to the wild experience this magical lack of time, as well as the ability to accept or open to this constant array of Gifts that present themselves to us. And in Nature they are ABUNDANT beyond comprehension. So abundant that I often want to simply sit and soak it in until I am fat, satiated and deliriously drunk on Life. I KNOW you understand.
You mentioned the slow “clear and beautiful†process of what may have been only 3 minutes in physical linear time, being in fact an eternity. YES YES YES!! You are so smart, Robb. That is exactly what it felt inside me, and I sensed inside her as well. In my original post I describe all the detail I saw, heard, felt, smelled and sensed within that eternity. I mean right down to the texture of her face, the tiny wisps of hair escaping from her hat, the smell of sweat on both our bodies, the scent of pine needles that her feet crushed as she stood before me, the monotone squeak of a little nearby bird, the buzz of a fly, the wind through the pine branches, the distant rattle of gravel as my husband worked his way town the trail higher up, the color of her clothes, eyes and so on. There was NO time, there was only her, me, the woods, the wind and the message of love we each gave and received.
There was so much in that stillness, Robb, all the unspoken messages we exchanged as well; I always hear those from everyone around me, even over great distance, even yours. It would take pages to write. But suffice to say that in the moment of complete stillness I felt bathed in love, by her, by my husband coming down the mountain toward me, by the towering trees, the mountain itself. I was HIGH. Dear Wild Brother you know this better than anyone I know. And I love you for being so aware that you saw this in me, in her, and in the mountain. Thank you for just “knowing†and “seeingâ€. Thank you for claiming me and above all the blessed mountains. Aroha Wild One, Robin
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John Rocheleau -- Zen-Moments Says:
20 July 2010 at 11:56 am.
Sometimes spirit directs people or sudden events into our lives, briefly but pointedly. I think this was one of those times. They always offer insight and power. It is up to us to understand and use it.
Pretty cool huh
John
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Robin Easton Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 8:59 am
Dear John, YES!! I LOVE this comment. I agree that if we keep our hearts and minds open that spirit DOES direct everything we need to grow and awaken into our lives. And sometimes it may even come in a seemingly ugly disguise, but STILL be exactly what we need. As you know well, the world is actually happening on whole other levels that we are not often raised to see or acknowledge. I find that just AMAZING and empowering!!! And I agree with you; it IS pretty cool! Thank you my friend. So good to see you here; it always is. Hugs, Robin
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Evita Says:
20 July 2010 at 1:06 pm.
Hi Robin
What an interesting take on this whole story. At first when I heard the question the woman asked you, I considered in a split second the “other” definition of claimed and wondered why she would want that…..
But no, I totally understand the deeper meaning and message here. Yes, there is a very important “claiming” that can be and is done between two or more souls. Your words to her were right on Robin and I totally agree too with what Julie added above, about first claiming ourselves.
Very profound and thought-provoking indeed!
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Robin Easton Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 12:18 pm
Dearest Evita, So lovely to see you here. I often think of you in your woodland haven. It is SO cool that since seeing the photos I can now picture you there. I was also touched, but not surprised that you understood the deeper meaning of this story. I particularly love your words: “…between two or more souls.” Yes, even between her soul and mine.
I also really agree with Julie’s comment above, as that is when my life changed, when I was able to claim my own soul, or self. Magic happens then. I also had another thought since reading Julie’s comment. Sometimes along the learning path toward claiming ourselves, a part of that learning is to recognize that although we may fully claim another in love, and give this freely, without strings, that a part of claiming OURSELVES is to recognize that this does not necessarily mean we are able to “be around” the other person, especially if they are not yet ready to themselves. It’s not a judgment on them or a “less than” type of thing. It’s just what we each need to grow in life (whatever that is).
It’s a bit like something someone once told me. They said that they loved me dearly, and I KNEW that they did, but they also were not able to “actively” live that love due to fear, which they also acknowledged. That was a big lesson for me to learn. And in learning it I grew more compassionate and never again said: “If someone loves you they will never hurt you.” OR, “If they love you they will not do this or that or the other thing.” No, we are all human, all learning, and all seeking confirmation of who we are along our path of learning. I no longer throw away even a scrap of “the spirit of love” just because it’s not in the form I may need. But I also may not walk with someone down a path that might take me away from myself. Or just not be where I want or need to go.
What was so beautiful about this woman on the trail (which I should have explained better in the story) was I felt no animosity from her toward her guy-friend. It was simply an acceptance in her of what was, and possibly a bit of sadness of knowing that if she continued to fully claim herself in the way that she needed to, that she might have to lovingly let him go. And interestingly, and probably intuitively, she sought out someone who could help her claim more of herself. And from that place she not only spent the day in Nature to get the reflection she needed, but she reached out to me, another reflection of claiming ourselves. She was a seeker.
I am one who believes that all we need is inside us, as that is TOTALLY how I’ve lived my life. It’s why I consciously chose not to turn to books, gurus etc to discover myself, BUT I also have learned that we can often forget who we are, what we are capable of. So that is the beauty of reflections. And some people get that from books, gurus, other people, ….or Nature (as I did). But life is always seeking reflections of itself to validate AND SHARE (sing) it’s existence with the Life around it. To connect is to create more Life.
Thank you dear soul for allowing me to connect with you in love and beauty. It is a blessed gift. Hugs, Robin.
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Christopher Foster Says:
20 July 2010 at 6:31 pm.
Robin,
What a magnificent experience you shared. I was not on that hike with you in an outer sense, but your words had the necessary beauty and power that I felt very much at one with you as I read them.
I have a thought I’d like to add.
My life, at the moment, settling in after a very big move, in an outer sense does not include obvious drama such as being on a mountain.
I find pleasure and an opportunity to “claim” my oneness with all life and love for all life in small moments such as going to a local gym and coffeeshop.
But I was thinking this afternoon as I consciously savored all that was going on around me in the coffee shop — for example in my little interactions there with another Chris, one of the servers — that any moment can be remarkable and indeed memorable, no matter how insignificant it might be on the surface.
I send my love and blessings to you and to all who are in your “tribe.” It’s a beautful tribe I’d like to get better acquainted with.
Thank you again for your unique post and spirit you beautiful woman.
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Robin Easton Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 1:20 pm
Dear Sweet Chris!! Wow what an amazing sharing, bursting with vitality and life. I just so enjoyed this. And yes, it was a magical experience that I am so grateful for. Above all else it was a very alive reminder of the magic all around us, everyday. It was for me validation of Life itself. It was unexpected, fresh and spontaneous, and (on her part) vulnerable, courageous, seeking and beautifully alive. It almost didn’t matter what she asked me, it was that she dared to reach out to another person so openly, trustingly and try to get the reflection she needed from her fellow humans and the world around her (Nature). I find that tremendously endearing and moving.
Oh Chris, I just LOVED!! your story here. It is so right what you expressed because, yes, all around us are the most exquisite signs and expression of the human spirit, and in other species as well, and in the way the morning light plays on a wall, the way the wind can moan around a house, the way a chair just feels so comfortable, and on it goes. Like you know so well, the “greatness of Life” is made up of being aware of 1000s of these seemingly insignificant moments…..and just being grateful for them.
Reading your thoughts, I am also reminded that I can actively participate in this sweetness of Life by creating these moments myself, by reaching out to another person, noticing them, or by going out to my yard to call back to the crows sitting on my wall, dowsing myself with the hose — clothes and all on a hot summer day and letting the breeze cool me off, smiling at someone I don’t know, and so forth. So in essence we become both receiver and giver in the great creation of Life.
Chris, I am grateful for you and your deep kindness. I know my readers will love getting to know you!! Like you they are kind caring souls. They will relate to your big heart filled with compassion. Bless you. Sending much love and a huge hug, Robin
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Liara Covert Says:
21 July 2010 at 6:32 pm.
How you feel tells you all that matters. Not everyone listens to or hears the inner essence.
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Hilary Says:
21 July 2010 at 10:25 pm.
Hi Robin .. I love your pictures and your story .. how amazing … but your word ‘claim’ is so right .. I envisaged openness .. claiming all around us to be free open space for love, compassion … somewhere out there we can find others like us. We too can embrace this life .. we need to be true to ourselves .. gosh don’t we need to be strong in ourselves for this .. a strength of heart to be true to this openness .. a place we strive for ..
Robin .. great post .. thank you – wonderful thoughts for me now .. and actually makes so much sense .. be at peace, be strong in your core – heart and mind, live your life … embrace others where they are at .. but keep your peace and your faith in yourself. Love this – hugs to you both .. Hilary
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Karl Staib - Work Happy Now Says:
22 July 2010 at 1:04 pm.
I never thought of being close to my loved ones as claiming them, but it’s true. I claim my wife and my child as mine, so I will do anything to protect and love them. If they didn’t feel the same way there is a disconnect. We can’t function on the same level. It’s why a lot of marriages end, they stop claiming each other, basically wanting to be on their own.
I love that you claimed someone in less than 3 minutes. That is a beautiful and open heart. Most people can’t do that after many years, you did in a few minutes. That’s a gift that you must cherish.
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Sandra Lee Says:
23 July 2010 at 1:24 pm.
What a beautiful encounter! I aspire to “claim” more in my life! I appreciate this taste of your openness and receptivity.
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Lauren Says:
24 July 2010 at 9:48 am.
Wow, Robin, what a beautiful story. These “serendipitous” encounters that reveal the magic of life!
How amazing that this lovely woman encountered you and that you could provide the acknowledgment she needed in that moment, demonstrating in that moment with her exactly what she was asking for of her partner.
Staying open and alive. A flow of love back and forth, unencumbered by fear or withholding.
I know these are not accidental encounters. It’s the magic of being alive.
I shall always remember this story and the beauty of you in your open loving of others and life – and of yourself!
I love you Robin.
Lauren
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Chris Edgar Says:
25 July 2010 at 12:53 pm.
Hi Robin — I can totally see people randomly stopping and asking you questions — I’ll bet at times you never hear the end of it! I can relate in the sense that I’m sometimes aware of how I’m not fully “claiming” my life — treating this moment as if it were just practice for some other moment and I’m settling for less right now, rather than understanding that life doesn’t need to be practiced for and it’s happening at every moment.
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Kit Says:
9 August 2010 at 8:14 pm.
As usual, gorgeous comments with your responses, here. (Besides a wonderful post, of course.)
I’m not sure if I am fully claiming myself in this stage of my life. I suspect not. OK, let’s be honest: I KNOW I’m not. However as a mother of young children, the self I AM claiming is largely not my Self. I claim wholeheartedly a role, the necessary role of nurturer and protector, of teacher and guide to my children. While it is indeed necessary to hold onto my own identity, I have come to realize that a certain amount of “setting aside” is necessary when it comes to my Self, in this stage of my life. It is quite the tightrope walk, to balance my role with my innermost identity. I don’t want to be weighted too heavily on either side, or I will fall. More and more, as the future arrives, I will be able to (again, as I once did) freely recognize and explore my Self, to “claim” it as you have so eloquently defined here. In the meantime, I will lay the groundwork for my sons, so that (I hope) they will be able to claim their own Selves unreservedly and with LOVE.
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Jen Smith Says:
14 August 2010 at 9:24 am.
Hi Robin
I have been to your site a couple of times before but have spent some time this afternoon, taking the time to give your posts the time they deserve. Wow! Your spirit really comes through your writing. Thank you. I’m off to subscribe right now.
Jen x
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Robin Easton Reply:
July 18th, 2010 at 4:28 pm
Dear sweet warmly-funny Theresa, This is the VERY thing I love about you. You never keep score, and you HAVE claimed me hundreds of times over the years. You always amaze me, and I see you do the same thing with others everywhere you go. It is what makes you SO special and healing to be around. I am REALLY glad you are in the world.
Hugs, Robin
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