Global Ecovillage Network/Solution Library/Overcoming trauma

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Orphaned child adopt "bad" behaviour because it was an effective means of survival. Children are not innately or incurably malicious, they are simply trying to survive in a society they do not yet understand, one which they have experienced as dangerous and hostile. If everyone is bigger, stronger, and unpredictably aggressive, how would a child learn how to deal with life when there was no one who can be trusted? Everyone needs to feel love; but what if you don't know how to recognise it? Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as a whole experience it. Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing. Helen Keller

If life is a game called "I'm building the world", them it's fun to play. Beginners are not responsible for anything, like babies. But step by step the players learn about self responsibility and respect. There's the thrill and the theatre of initiation to become a Student. Through many challenging steps, the students prove to themselves and their mentors that they really can add beauty to their world, act courageously, accept criticism and much more. Eventually they too become mentors, ready to accept adult responsibility. Love alone is not enough, but without love nothing is effective.

So risk the hurt and exhaustion of every fibre of your being; not alone, but with the mutual and dedicated support of a group.

• Social
  • Health & Healing

• http://www.overcoming.co.uk/single.htm?ipg=4803