Highly respected author and educator Parker J. Palmer once said, "Violence is what happens when we don't know what else to do with our suffering."
That's profound. Yes, there is so much violence in our world. War. Murder. Rape. Trafficking. Spousal violence. Child abuse. Angry, hateful and vitriolic language spewed in political gatherings. Even talk shows where participants yell or talk over each other.
What's underneath it all? Suffering. Pain. Fears. Those things in and of themselves don't need to lead to violence. However, if untended, they definitely can. Healing is so essential.
When you and I suffer, whether that's physical, mental or emotional, it's important to take the time and find the resources that will help us deal with that pain. If left untended, when the next painful event occurs, that hurt will pile on top of all the old hurts that were never tended. Soon you have an enormous rock-pile of stored-up pain and hurt probably frosted over with more than a little anger. The stage is set for violence, whether in words or actions.
Is there something right now that could use healing in your life? I invite you to tend to it right away. It's a gift you give yourself—and the world.
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