Layers

The temperatures in the mornings are staying in the mid-40 degree range and skies are clear.  There is a slightly grey tint with the light that has come up and the stillness is heavy.  It fits with the events created by human beings this week.

One tries to find peace where and how one can.  There really are no words that will answer the questions about how people live (and die).  The trajectories are myriad and the experience of living can take years for those lucky enough to miss poverty, war, and health crises to name a few life-stoppers.  Life itself is full of obstacles beyond the big crises, many of which go unrecognized as each pursues whatever end has been chosen.

The sadness and upset that many are feeling as a result of the recent deaths by gun violence reveal the layers upon layers of human struggle, whether one is aware of them or not.  In reading and listening to what is being said and reported, it is hard to say it helps ease the pain, confusion, and suffering.  The questions and answers add to the layers of thought and actions that already are in place.  It makes for a perfectly predictable pattern of reactions.  But it does not ease the pain.

This is how people compost tragedies like mass shootings – shock, recognition of a problem, seeking answers that will lead to policy changes and resource redistribution and training, demanding accountability and a remedy, if available under the law.  The asking of question and after question, will lead to many answers, none of which will address the real problem that exists today:  not seeing, hearing, feeling the heartbeat of having moved to extremes.  It makes me think about the observation that, "The master's tools will never dismantle the master's house."

So what is to be done?  Something needs to be done.  Leaders need to use their platforms to ease the suffering in whatever ways possible - ceremony, ritual to recognize the loss to a community.  Community members need to get facts that dominant media cannot access and share these;  raise support for funeral ceremonies and rebuilding community space;  support people to move past fear and re-engage with one another.  Families need to offer space and time to grieve in private.  Individuals need to pray.

When will there be an end to the pain?  Is it true that our basic nature is violent? It is times like this when being still, just being - helps.