During the month of October I have been presenting a 4-part
program on the insights of Thomas Merton and Rachel Carson. As I prepared and presented the information,
I found myself fluctuating between the despair caused by what we as humans have
perpetrated and the hope that we have learned enough individually and
collectively to go forward in less harmful, hurtful ways.
But, how do we begin this transformation from harming to
healing? The first step on this path is
to admit the harm that we, individually and collectively, have perpetrated. Peering deeply into the murky fog of
illusion, we name our tendencies to be hurtful and times we have been catalysts
of harm. This reflection is not a form
of self-castigation; rather, it is a way of recognizing our triggers and deep
fears that lie at the root of our harmful behavior.
This reflection invites us into an “aha” moment. During this mini-epiphany, we discover the
emotion behind our trigger of hurt.
Maybe this catalyst is fear or the uncertainty of not meeting the
perceived standards of another. As I
become aware of that part of myself that is hurt and wants to lash out, I know
have the power of choice. I can choose
to let my hurt fuel my words, thoughts, and actions; or I can choose to shower
my hurt with love. As my hurt heals
through self-love, the potential for harm manifests into an abundance of
love. I respond to others with this
abundance of love.
Is this shift from harming to healing easy? No. Is
it necessary? Yes. When we vow to cause no harm, we agree to get
in touch with who we are at the ground of our being. We agree to love who we are including the scars
and the sore spots. Through this
self-acceptance, we forge the path of accepting others.
In this shift from harming to healing I find the trail of
despair has ended and path hope welcomes me in.
Peace & All Good, Vanessa
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