Lock Down at School ...

"Safety and security don't just happen; they are the result of

collective consensus and public investment. We owe our 

children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society,

a life free of violence and fear."

Nelson Mandela

Every parents nightmare, hearing there is a lock down at the children's  elementary school became a reality just a few days ago. Apparently a few schools received threats and the police rushed to the targeted scenes. My grandchildren responded with reactions practiced during 'gun drills'. They are ages 8 and 6 forced to experience a nightmare.

Their parents held safe space for the two of these beautiful souls to process their fright. The youngest was silent and clingy but the oldest quietly shared: "Today when we were in lock down ... and I thought I might die ... I wished you and daddy were there so I could tell you that you are the best parents ever.."

I am deeply grateful that my two kiddos have dedicated and loving parents to begin healing, but my heart hurts for all of the children who went home and were not allowed to process in healthy ways. I have concern for the unattended wounds of these children, and absolute fury towards the person who set this all into play.

Rekindle Hope

"Our human compassion binds us the one to the other - not in pity or 

patronizingly, but as human beings who have learned how 

to turn our common suffering into hope for the future."

Nelson Mandela

Research has shown our heart rate slows down, when we experience compassion. In the regions of our brain, oxytocin is released when we kindly relate to others. Compassion is not a matter of agreeing, accepting or condoning. It is a matter of recognizing a situation with kindness with the absence of judgment.

As we travel our unique pathways, it is inevitable that darkness will be experienced. It is with the application of compassion for the self that we are able to learn and heal. Once we experience self-compassion, it is easier to extend the same kindness to others.  When we engage with others, we build a better world.

Using compassion as an approach to life, we are called to a higher level of exchange. There is no pressure to understand or fix, as our intention is to respectfully offer kindness.  Whether we simply smile with our eyes, anonymously assist, or hold safe space for others, we rekindle hope for the future.