Trauma survivors can uniquely identify with the pain of the world. We have felt helpless and victimized, so when we see pain in the media or in our everyday lives, we instantly recognize the physical sensations and spiritual hopelessness others are experiencing.
We want to rescue others from that darkness. We wanted to be rescued when the bad things were happening to us, and because we have grown and healed we have compassion. We want to DO something.
Of course we can do small things: Volunteer to feed the homeless. Work at an animal shelter. Use less plastic. Donate money to non-profits. Give our time and money and love to make the world a better place, an easier place.
Yet there is still so much pain out there, so much grief and loss and trauma. We get overwhelmed by the weight of others’ hurts and sometimes fall back into our memories of helplessness and victimization. As we feel the pain of the world, our own pain comes back in full force.
What can we do about that? We can sit with the hurt, allow and acknowledge the emotions. Feel sorry for ourselves and others. It’s OK to feel sorry! Let the tears come. And love yourself fully and completely, even though there is brokenness inside and outside.
Question for the day: What actions do you take when you feel overwhelmed by the pain of the world?