Originally Posted by
Aellyce 
What often helps me more though is finding some sort of "corrective experience" (like the students for me or what my student does) that goes beyond contemplation and examination. Obviously these are limited forms of substitution, but can sometimes be fulfilling.
I've found that volunteering with animals and adopting pets that I mother brings me "corrective experience".
I also love viewing photos or videos of mother and baby animals online. Photos of human mothers and babies brings me great pain, sadness, and emptiness but viewing animal mothers and babies online (or in real life) lights up my soul and brings me joy.