In the last blog I used a metaphor of a banquet cloth being carried to the table to spread it out for the banquet. The cloth was large and required two people to carry it so it could be laid out and examined to see if it needed cleaning for the great event. When the cloth was opened and the insects revealed some people present in the room ran in terror, others were frozen to the spot and yet others stayed and stared at the horror and , yes, beauty of some of the insects. It was possible for those who stayed to recognise some of the insects, and even to see how some of them had been surviving and transforming within the cloth fold.
This speaks of trauma and as indicated in previous blogs people are at different stages and histories and it is crucial to know about these in each case in order to support the individual or individuals concerned in a safe environment.An individual engaging in trauma work needs an appropriate setting, to be held in a safe place both physically and psychologically. It is important for the person concerned to develop a safe place they can go into in their mind when they need a rest, and it is also important they can see the door and have a clear exit to leave as and when they may wish.
Safety has become a major issue as we live with continuing and ongoing trauma during the pandemic as is common with trauma we are constantly on guard not knowing when and where the danger is, and furthermore we loose the sense of balance and find our world view changing.
I worked on a peace line during the Northern Ireland troubles and as many others also know living with terrorism has parallels with the pandemic, in terms of safety, not knowing and hidden entities. I find myself thinking of century duty standing alone and alert by oneself watching in several directions but unable to watch one’s back but in this case there is no changing of guards, our personal responsibility continues, so lets explore more about safety in the now and as unfolding continues.
Safety and balance are central to healthy living we need to feel secure in our relationships with ourselves and others at all times, but particularly at the moment as we are driven to the edge with anxiety always on guard and yet not knowing when all is clear. I wish I had all the answers , but I don’t but I know how to use what I do know re managing stress.
When we have ending in our relationships and life in general we tend to need to revisit these relationships and experiences its rather like the end brings one back to the beginning, and we go in and out if we are well enough remembering and reviewing our stored up memories. Such a process is really important as ritualistic behaviour is part of being human, and is carried out according to our culture and ancestry often these endings will include a celebration and connections with others,
Keeping the distance is something which we have had to integrate into our lives and living during this pandemic, and in my considered opinion we are continually stressed by this because at some levels it challenges our humanity, and our natural way of being. I have noticed even the dogs in the park seem fed up.When you observe others you may be aware that they look dazed particularly if you are observing them on social media— not so easy behind a mask. Its like we need to get ready to go out with our mask and hit ourselves on the head to keep dazed as we go, rather silly , but maybe it makes a point.
We can learn much from the notion of creeping and walking,or not being able to do either and having to live with that.We can also learn from the story of the fold in the cloth and the insects. For centuries insects grew and developed and were able to remain but now more and more human beings and economic environment, and greed has damaged their environments. When we think of them we want to crush them, we fear some because they have developed means of survival which can involve serious risk to us but it appears these means of survival are evolutionary traits for their protection. I sometimes think we have a lot to learn from those creatures we crush beneath our feet and carelessly pound our way through life.Still take another look, if we stay with the fold there were different and dead insects in the fold there were also new creatures in the process of transformation.Stop and think about this.
To continue with unfolding our banquet cloths of which we all have one we need to develop a safe place within and without.
WHERE IS YOUR SAVE PLACE?
SELFISHNESS IS THE ROT OF SOCIETY!
aoibheann thoughtful reflections 