Once again, a tortured soul has embraced self-destruction and sought to destroy other human beings as a solution to a problem that violence will never solve. This is the natural outcome of hatred fueled by unresolved conflict – something that runs much deeper than what we see.
But there is a solution. If we began to see ourselves as brothers and sisters, instead of labeling others with whom we differ as enemies, we could overcome most of the horrible violence that is so prevalent today.
We can recognize that any external disturbance that triggers a reaction is often rooted in unhealed internal pain. A current event can trigger memories of the past. That is why violence will never work. There are always those who will seek only revenge for their pain and losses. Revenge begets revenge. It is never ending. However, when internal pain is met with love, it can be healed and resolved. Then external events can be approached rationally rather than reactively.
We can also be part of the solution rather than the problem. Promote unity rather than separation, and remain neutral. When we label other humans as good or bad, stupid or ignorant, we fuel the righteous-versus-evil agenda. I’m not saying there aren’t people with evil intentions who don’t care who they harm on their delusional warpath. Anyone can see that there’s no righteousness in destroying ordinary people in the name of religion, politics, or any other differences. But when we are pulled into the pit of emotional revenge, violence, and the dehumanization of others who live and think differently, who wins?
Another assassination attempt last night is our wake-up call, and those who were present, heard the call for love. While under attack, everyone gathered for safety and refuge, not turning on one another. They unified. If only we could remain in that consciousness moving forward…
You might say this is impossible, wishful thinking. But this is not the first call for love. A great spiritual leader, Jesus, taught us that love is all that matters, and forgave even as he condemned and put to death for telling the truth. Martin Luther King had a dream, and it has come true. I share that dream of unity and live it every day with my many friends of all races, religions, and sexual orientations. We must stop generalizing and labeling entire sects as all the same. Love is all that matters. When we disagree, I’m enriched by a point of view or information I didn’t have. I’m grateful I’ve been taught to understand rather than be understood.
I hold a dream that we will soon see only beauty in the conflict of differences and, regardless, we will live and let live. We will love and let love. What else really matters?
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Donna Marks is an educator, licensed psychotherapist, and addictions counselor in Palm Beach, Florida. She has worked with over 6,000 clients. Donna’s struggle with addiction brought her to a worldwide search for healing. She became licensed as a Mental Health Counselor in 1987. In 1989, she earned a Doctorate Degree in Adult Education, then became Certified in Addictions, Gestalt Therapy, Psychoanalysis, Hypnosis, and Sex Therapy. Donna developed an award-winning addiction training program at Palm Beach Community College. She co-owns an outpatient treatment program and serves as a consultant to treatment centers. For 36 years, she has taught A Course in Miracles.
Donna is the author of three books: the multi-award-winning title Exit the Maze: One Addiction, One Cause, One Cure, and Learn, Grow, Forgive: A Path to Spiritual Success, The Healing Moment: Seven Paths to Turn Messes into Miracles of Love, and her latest fiction, Fortis & Sapiente – A Tale of Two Lovers Who Successfully Navigate the Murky Waters of Love. Donna is a public speaker and has shared her methods with millions of listeners on podcasts and radio shows.
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