“War Crimes” & Spiritual Response
"War Crime". I find this phrase quite absurd... as though there is a type of war where the act of killing, abusing, terrorising, oppressing isn't CRIMINAL!?!
It's hard to advocate for much in this climate when atrocities continue in plain sight.
When some suffer in horrendous situations without the basics, while others live a relative life of ease and good fortune.
The plight is always, what can I do, what can I say that will make an actual difference to this circumstance and it not feel like a platitude.
Using a hashtag on a social media post to condemn a war feels somewhat pathetic at times as a contribution, and yet in this world I guess it has its place to take a stand.
As an individual living in a completely different part of the world, in completely different political and social climate to where many of these experiences are playing out, I do ask myself in good faith, what is the best use of my energy, skills, resources to end suffering?
Suffering is all around us after all.
Not just what's chosen to be publicised.
Not just what's playing out on the worldwide stage.
War is not limited to what's happening on the battlefield.
How can we expect peace and resolution between parties with ~100 years of built up conflict, rage, and violence, when we refuse to forgive our parents, our ex, our in-laws, our boss...
When we hold grudges and resentments over much less.
What I know I can do justice to is...
- ending the war within me
- contributing to alleviating personal suffering within my local community, and
- promoting peace, healing and wellbeing within the realm of my understanding and experience
I don't feel it's near enough.
We're not free until we're all free.
And yet you can find a personal freedom.
That's the paradox.
And that's why in this path of "awakening" part of your role becomes freeing others.
We can all do our bit to healing this shit show of human suffering.
...in the way that most aptly employs our unique mixed bag of resources, cultural history, access, privilege, skills, gifts, influence, and so on.
Better to do something than nothing is what feels grounded and practical.
#ceasefirenow
