Truth and a way through…

We live in an era where truth is increasingly up for grabs. “This is the right way to think and act,” I say; “no it’s not,” you say, “that is wrong, this is right.”  It can lead to heartache, anger, fear, and sometimes violence.

This argument can also happen inside our own head – “I want to do this – this is good for me; no it’s not, do that – that is better for me!”

A way through in my experience, can be to consider feelings. We are emotional beings. What emotions sit behind the strongly held beliefs? Can you give them a name? Can you soften into your body and feel them? We get to emotions through taking some time, giving ourselves and others some space. Feelings don’t like being rushed.

The Zen Buddhist teacher Thich Nhat Hanh would say: “invite your feelings to sit down with you and have a cup of tea. ‘Hello,’ you can say. ‘Fear, my old friend, you have been with me for so long – let me get to know you – tell me your story.” This is a way through.

Practising having some time for ourselves and for each other. Practising kindness. Practising curiosity and listening rather than blame. These are all ways through.