There are two things that are roadblocks to reconciliation — silence and blame.
Many of us just close our eyes and hope a conflict goes away. I think our attitude toward the many conflicts in Africa falls in this category. We remain silent in the face of injustice, while if similar atrocities were to occur in Europe, we would be beating the drumbeats of war and outrage. When we are silent in the face of injustice nothing changes.
A second roadblock is blame. Everyone points fingers and the words “I am responsible,” are seldom heard. Often, the shouts of “he or she is to blame” are made by people who have “no dog in the hunt.” They fire up the crowd from safe seats or perches. The exercise of the blame game prevents the participants from getting at the root of the problem. We all get caught up in throwing stones, not asking what brought this all on.
This one is tough. It’s always much easier for to blame and throw mean-spirited words than to find what caused this and find common ground. Oh, mercy… Will we ever learn?
I agree with Becky. I’ve come to learn that we humans, by and large, are judging machines. It’s certainly one of my shortcomings. Judging others, I guess, makes it a little easier to accept our own shortfalls… even when we can’t see them and don’t acknowledge them. And blame is one manifestation of judging.
I do a Sufi practice most days that helps me center on how I intend to be this day. It’s called Elemental Breathing, and consists of taking in a deep breath as you are visualizing one or more positive attributes that make up 5 types of breaths, and then exhaling and releasing corresponding negative attributes you want to release. So, for example, what’s called a “Water Breath” includes breathing in compassion and path to an open heart, and then releasing self-judgment. One of the attributes I try most days to release is Indifference… which is similar to “Silence” that you mention, Webb.
Tom
Essential breathing sounds essential. Thanks Tom.