{"id":38087,"date":"2021-02-19T05:30:00","date_gmt":"2021-02-19T13:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nalandabodhi.org\/?p=38087"},"modified":"2021-02-19T05:30:00","modified_gmt":"2021-02-19T13:30:00","slug":"my-little-monsters","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nalandabodhi.org\/nl\/2021\/02\/19\/my-little-monsters\/","title":{"rendered":"My little monsters"},"content":{"rendered":"
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A few years ago, I created an assemblage sculpture called My Little Monsters, <\/i>a tower of creatures, toys and figurines that I have collected over the years. Most of them are quite friendly, even whimsical, creatures like Gumby, who is riding a beaded rhinoceros. Some may be considered creepy like the little snakes, a voodoo doll and various critters. I have a great fondness for all the \u201cbeings\u201d who inhabit My Little Monsters. <\/i>I consider this artwork a tribute and a kind of shrine to monsters \u2014 my own and others \u2014 and what they have to teach us.<\/p>

When film director Guillermo del Toro gave his acceptance speech for his beautiful movie, The Shape of Water<\/i>, at the Golden Globes in 2018, he said, \u201cSince childhood I\u2019ve been faithful to monsters \u2014 I have been saved and absolved by them. Because monsters, I believe, are patron saints of our blissful imperfection.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>

In the article, \u201cA look at the spiritual side of del Toro,\u201d Priscilla Page says this about del Toro\u2019s films:<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\u201cMonsters teach us empathy for others and for ourselves. In that way, they can be as powerful as religious icons, if not more so\u2026In del Toro\u2019s universe, there\u2019s no such thing as heavenly perfection or true evil. There are only choices we make: to help others, to sacrifice, to be kind.\u201d\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\u2014 Priscilla Page, about del Toro's films<\/cite>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/blockquote>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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My Little Monsters<\/i> sculpture includes a jewelry box with a mirror. One monster, with two magnetic faces to choose from, is looking at one while he holds the second in his hand. He is deciding which face to wear today. This is an intentional symbol of what we can do each day:\u00a0 We can make a positive choice.<\/p>

Reflecting on those times and situations when I behaved in ways that caused harm to the minds of others, I remember feeling angry, confused and frustrated. I acted out of a place of ignorance and a lack of clarity. I forgot to pause and consider how my speech and actions might impact others. I just bulldozed my way ahead. I regret that behavior, and I regret the distress and confusion that I caused.\u00a0<\/p>

I am aware of my inner monsters, and I have compassion for them. I remember that my monstrous behavior arises from my imperfections, and then I become curious and get to know them better. My imperfections have much to teach me about where I get stuck, trapped and frightened. By having empathy for myself, I can learn to be more empathetic with others when their little monsters show up.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Exercises<\/h2>