Connection Is Still Possible

We call them casualties lost in war. Casualties. We don’t call them humans. We don’t call them brothers, sisters, fathers, uncles, friends. We call them casualties. It’s interesting the words we use for things we want to detach ourselves from. But my vote is to call it what it is. Whatever that may be. Because when we use words of detachment, well, that’s what they do. They detach us from that which is happening in and around us. This is not just about war. We use these words in our everyday lives and relationships as well. Words like ‘I’m sorry you feel that way’ or ‘you’re too sensitive’ separate us from our own inner knowing.

We are detached from the natural world as well. We no longer see or experience our food growing, living and being harvested, or slaughtered. We just buy it in the supermarket. Is there any wonder why we as a society have begun to detach from our neighbors? We do not use words of community. We do not use words of unity. Going back to the basics and allowing ourselves to accept how we feel is a powerful tool toward healing the fractures of both ourselves and our communities. This, along with consciously changing the words we use, can reframe us all, if we allow it.

~Janice M. Burke

Image by Robin Higgins