You’re Perfect – by RhondaJo Boomington

It is with sadness that I write my last post for Left Coast Voices.

I have enjoyed our Saturday chats. Of course, I had expectations that our time together would be longer. But, who knows, the way the Universe unfolds, perhaps we shall meet again at a different time in a different space. I am beginning a weekly blog entitled sappysoutherner. You can find me at http://sappysoutherner.wordpress.com/

When I joined the Left Coast Voices, the stated expectations were no racism, no sexism, no homophobia and no discrimination. Perhaps I was naive, but with those guidelines, I had differing expectations than what has occurred.  The time has come for me to say goodbye to Left Coast Voices.

The primary explanations of why I am leaving were posted as a comment to the feminism blog this week and I do not feel a need to respond further.

I’ll leave you with an intriguing adventure I had this week.

On Sunday night, I attended the East Bay Open Circle satsang in Berkeley. Benjamin Smythe, whom I had never heard of, was the speaker for the evening.

Before Sunday night, Pema Chodron was my all-time favorite teacher. Now it’s Benjamin Smythe (even though he may cringe at being called a teacher).

Ben travels around the world, holding a sign that says “You’re Perfect.”

He is neither selling anything nor buying anything. Just spreading his message.

I spent a few hours with him on Wednesday. Sitting on UC Berkeley campus, holding the sign.

It was delightful to spend time with him. And to see the responses (and non-responses) of people passing by.

So, as I say goodbye, I’ll leave you with, perhaps the most important message of our day

Benjamin Smythe at UC Berkeley

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RhondaJo Boomington is a Southern transplant from North Carolina. She landed in the haven of Berkeley six years ago and never plans to leave. Formerly a fundamentalist who voted for Jesse Helms many times, she now relishes her liberal lesbian life in the Bay Area and is frustrated that Obama is a bit too conservative. She has earned a J.D. and an MDiv., and performs in the Bay Area as a stand up comedian and solo performance artist. She can be reached at rhondajoboomington@yahoo.com .  Watch for RhondaJo’s new blog sappysoutherner on wordpress.com and her upcoming debut on twitter as sappysoutherner.