Christina's Blog

Good morning world!

I’ve been sitting sipping my morning coffee and musing on why there is so much human strife. How is it that I can honor that we believe different things, and not get mad at you (or the unknown “them”) for not believing what I believe? Or doing what I do?

I am really talking about the human propensity for identifying with a group, teaching, ethic, doctrine, etc. and then the tendency to assume that however you (and your “group”) tend to believe, is how others should believe.  Where does this come from?

I don’t know. And I see it everywhere. Of course we see it with all the major religions – mine is right, yours is wrong kind of stuff runs rampant:  but you see it in politics, race issues, nationalism, management styles, whatever.

Now I also know that the human psyche is capable of flexibility, learning new pathways, and changing behavior.

I know this because I have experienced it in my body, my psyche and my soul. 

So what are the basics of human need, desire and motivation? Do I know? Probably only vaguely, as I too, project onto the world my own assumptions.

What does a Bushman in Africa feel is most important? A Balinese Hindu, as opposed to a Vatican taught Catholic? A South Dakotan farmer compared to a Bolivian truck driver? A Chinese factory worker in relation to me?

I could say many things – the love and respect of those one cares about, to feel worthy, to feel one is productive in some way, To feel like one belongs to a group, family, tribe, party, etc.

But is this true? My heart says it is, but is this my assumptions being projected on those I do not know?

One thing I have found is shared suffering allows a point of interaction that is core-based and heart-oriented. Shared suffering allows connection apart from ideology, and all the rest. This I have learned from my journey with trich and skin picking.  

Sharing the experience of living through a natural disaster (or a man-made one), or the burden of a disease or disorder, creates a playing field where all are on the same team – we recognize the team color as our own – if you will.

How does one translate this into the greater arena of human suffering? At WHAT level can this bridge of acceptance and connection really take place?

I don’t have the answer – I just know that I have been called to work in the particular arena of body focused repetitive behaviors, and this has connected me to beings worldwide, from myriad backgrounds and belief systems. And when we connect, we connect as vulnerable, vital, mysterious and extraordinary beings, each with a story of suffering – that creates a simple acceptance of the other in ways that I have not found in any other area of my life.

I have no idea where I am going with this post, I have just been in a contemplative mood this morning.

Here’s to you and me both having a great day.

Love to all, Christina