Healing in Community

Yesterday I facilitated a new group for persons going through divorce. The program I'm using is called "DivorceCare", is based in Christian spirituality, and it was really well received by the 10 persons who attended. The format is a video with "experts" and then a support group session afterwards. Even though it was the first meeting of people (most of whom didn't know each other) the sharing was profound and emotional. Many responded that they were relieved to finally have a place that they could share their thoughts, emotions and experiences with people who were walking the same path.

I was reminded again of the power of shared experience and community. The power is really one of empathy and that ability to connect on a deep level. This provides a space where people can safely name the hurt(s) and regain a sense that they are not alone in their struggle. What a blessing to be a part of such a group! Lots of really raw emotions and some tears, but the group left yesterday feeling relieved and I think ready to come back next week (it's a 13-week program).

Though some can find healing in isolation, most of us heal better and more fully in community. While healing community is realtively easier to build with a group of 10 with shared experiences, it is not impossible (just improbable?) to build these kind of communities where we live, work and play. The latter requires an open-ness to come together to address some of the "big ticket" social ills and needs. It is a willingness to hear the other and to empathize - to realize that we are all walking the same path. How difficult it is in these polarizing times to realize that most of our perceived differences are illusory. The illusion created by our fears of difference and our idol of individual freedom at the expense of others.

Unless we come together as people who share experience and vision, we will not heal ourselves or our planet. There are many forces standing in the way of this - powerful and plugged-in forces. It will require the persistence of a Mandela, Gandhi, Tutu, Romero, and all of the nameless "saints" who achieved so much against such great odds. Who among us will being this process of healing - is it you?

Peace for your week,
Dan