The tragic and
senseless terror attacks in Brussels urges us to let go of the need to be right
and embrace the possibilities inherent in deep listening and deep seeing ... of
looking into the eyes of our so called ‘enemy’ and recognizing even the tiniest
smidgen of shared humanity upon which can be built foundations for a New World.
The world as it stands today is challenged by many opposing forces. We
feel them both personally and collectively, pushing against our own will,
raising difficult questions, triggering issues we would rather evade ad
infinitum.
How we manage our own inner conflicts largely
dictates how we manage external ones. If we struggle with our own anger or hatred, telling ourselves we
shouldn’t feel this way, we will struggle to respond effectively to the anger
of others.
If we fear our own power – preferring to see ourselves as victim rather
than creator – we may too readily succumb to the power wielded by others,
adopting their thoughts and priorities, behaviours and lifestyles without
discerning the right path for us.
But if we refuse to acknowledge our own inner tyrant who demands its
own way no matter what, we may project it onto the world around us, pointing
the finger at those bullies out there without recognizing their reflection
within ourselves.
We identify with those parts of ourselves we can live with and avoid
the bits we can’t, when in fact we can live with all of it when wise
discernment, gentle acceptance, compassion and understanding inform our
attitude and shape our inner and outer relationships.
Time to reflect upon what divides us,
what unites us and how we can move forward together in a life-affirming and positive way. Time to encourage each
other and ourselves.
Time to hold up to others a mirror in which they can see their
potential, not their failings: a divine child of God not an orphan of
circumstance.
