Walking Wounded (That's Us)
Hans von Goorsdorf's Wound Man, shown above, was created in 1517. Centuries later, the image has become part of popular culture. It's not hard to guess why.
The Problem Today
It's not easy to feel at home in world like this, where ceaseless crossfire between warring factions intensifies daily, and the world itself suffers. The violence occurring sickens us. Experts in post-traumatic stress injury, or PTSI, tell us that what happens to us, and around us, is carried as memory within the marrow of our bones, metaphorically speaking, becoming part of who we are.
The language by which we address one another also influences and shapes us for better or worse. Current research into personality development reveal that post-COVID changes in our thoughts and behavior have changed at a pace not seen before, and not for the better. It isn't that COVID is the basis of all problems, but it appears to have supercharged the negative energy of the myriad stresses we face as individuals and as a society.
Social media platforms tacitly invite use of snarky, sarcastic, critical statements and responses. Talking heads around us - even at the highest levels of government - spout whatever they feel like saying. We trust few. Our situations are shaky. Our extended families are scattered. We feel at home virtually nowhere, except perhaps within the sanctuary of our homes.
We may not know or acknowledge the weight of our own woundedness, or realize the extent of the grief we carry. Locating a place of peace within in which to heal is quite the practice, but I think it can be done. We can teach ourselves how to recognize and honor the grief and wounds we carry, and achieve a measure of inner peace that enables us to take better care of self and others.
One Path Forward
Much is available on the topic of self care, and it's often good advice. For long term results, I recommend a dedicated regimen of self-nurture with or without the help of a friend, therapist, or coach. Create a space to let your life speak.
Author Garrison Keillor asks, "How do I know what I think unless I write it down?" Actually, any form of art will do to create the space for the pursuit of self-knowledge and understanding. Your work needn't be publishable or presentable, or particularly well-organized. Even a box of notes and scribbles can become your special "place" in which to unburden your heart and mind. While I was supporting a group of teens mourning losses, we sat silently with lumps of clay until images emerged. The raw material felt good to the hands, but soon enough we knew: this was pure heart work.
I have always escaped into books for comfort, which is not a bad thing. But after several decades of doing little but, aside from raising a family and working, I took Rilke's advice: "The work of the eyes is done, now go and do heart work." I began to write books. I still read - there is always something new to learn - but I also have faith in what I have absorbed through decades of life and learning. I too have something to offer. This faith in oneself is something I wish for everyone.
Has anyone ever told you that you should write a book? Go back to drawing, painting, crafting, photography? I have never met anyone whose "book of life" or "body of work" is not interesting. Every person I've met has been my teacher.
Release what you are able to find within into the format that feels best to you. Just don't limit yourself baring your soul on social media, which is subject to distracting input from others. The private attention you offer your innermost self is akin to that of a gardener attending a precious plot of soil. Place a boundary for this, lest others trample tender shoots. Do it and wait. You'll be surprised at what emerges eventually.
What is there to lose in the effort? As Buddha said, "Your work is to discover your world and then with all your heart give yourself to it." If you have suffered, you have more company than you know.
All of us are hurting someplace hidden. You're never as alone as you may feel yourself to be.