I understand and agree that kind of behavior is reprehensible (as are so many other things people do to one another). Fortunately, we still have a choice in how we react to it and how we allow it to affect us. If we're in a position to do something to prevent something like that from happening, then great! We can step forward to do so. Those are obviously the times when we can be most helpful.
Most of the time however, we're
not there and we have to view the situation far after the fact, as in these cases. Since we can't really do anything physical to help then, the main question is,
"How do we choose to react to situations like this?"
Do we choose to harbor hate, anger, or resentment about situations we can't control?
Do we choose to bring vengeance, punishment, or other judgment to bear against those responsible?
If so, who gets to judge? Who gets to punish? (and yes, I understand we have a legal system to address those kinds of issues--and there's nothing at all wrong with that).
Do we choose to become victims ourselves by letting these acts traumatize us as well?
On the other side of the coin:
Do we choose instead to extend Love, Understanding, and Compassion to the victim(s)?
Do we choose to extend Love, Understanding, and Compassion to those responsible? (And yes, I'll agree this one's a toughie!)
Do we choose to live our lives (as Will says) with impeccability, teaching our children, our children's children, and even our neighbors by our example that these kinds of abuses don't have to happen?
Do we choose to use this situation as a catalyst for action, whereby we try to create positive change (or at least balance)?
And finally,
Might we choose to be a neutral observer and view this experience as a learning point, or lesson?
Might we choose to use this situation as a catalyst to further reinforce our moral or spiritual choice not to inflict harm on others?
I'm not saying that any one of these responses is right or wrong, or even that these are the
only choices. We can pick one response
, any combination of responses,
or perhaps even find discover something entirely new that we feel is perfect for ourselves and others. That's something that each of us must ultimately decide for him/herself.
As one who was mildly abused growing up, I've experienced more than enough abuse, fear, anger, hate, and all the rest of those "darker" emotions. I've no intention of experiencing more of them. While these situations were difficult to live through (and still are to face), I'm beginning to understand that they were catalysts and opportunities for growth--and they can be for all of us.
I've learned that, for me, the answer is to detach myself from this endless cycle of abuse, revenge, abuse, revenge, abuse, revenge. I feel as if I've seen it
and experienced it for lifetime after lifetime. My intention is, through Forgiveness, Understanding, and Love, that I'll finally be able to break that cycle in my own family and soul family. If I don't abuse my son, there's a good chance he won't abuse his, and so on...for countless generations. Perhaps that's something others can do as well.
I do deeply feel one thing...if enough of us can stop these downward cycles in our own lives, perhaps we'll have a future where fewer (or even no more at all!) children will have to go through what these have gone through. And that, I think, is a wonderful thing!
