“RECONCILIATION, n. A suspension of hostilities. An armed truce for the purpose of digging up the dead.” – Ambrose Bierce
“Reconciliation is to understand both sides; to go to one side and describe the suffering being endured by the other side, and then go to the other side and describe the suffering being endured by the first side. The practice of peace and reconciliation is one of the most vital and artistic of human actions.” – Thich Nhat Hanh
Reconciliation is being wholly accepted and wholly accepting in the midst of your agreeance and disagreeance. For me, in my personal journey, it’s become about being acknowledged, seen, heard.
The validity of my voice has never felt so threatened. So many people know this story – the anticipation that the words being held back on the tongue are words that could change the world.
Silence does not become my spirit. It leads me to loneliness – I have never been more lonely than when I do not share my voice. Using this voice – in conversation, in song, in writing, in speaking – it’s so tremulous within me that I am lonely if I do not open my voice.. and myself to the world. I become lonely, because the essence of who I am is shut away and hidden if I am silent. Actions speak louder than words, but words are my gift.
I am reconciling to myself, acknowledging her again – her strength, her softness, her heart. Her accessibility, her pain, her joy, her delight, her secrets, her story. I am acknowledging her with people who need to be reminded, and I’m beginning to look for the safe places.. with the people who see and acknowledge her.
Song Of The Moment: More Than Ordinary.
by Kasey Chambers
I used to make the fire
Now I’m running out of flame
The closer I get the more regrets
And I won’t change everything
To have you back again
But I can’t keep everything the same
They say it won’t get harder
I’m gonna be OK
But it’s just like me going against the break
And while I tie to your shoestrings
And I’m breaking from the strain
Those damn thongs hold on like chains
Yeah those damn things hold on like chains
Was I ever really more than ordinary
Did you ever see me like I saw you
Was I ever really more than ordinary
Did you ever need me like I need you now
I need you now
If I was a liar, I had a few more friends
The chances are my heart would never mend
Even know my conscience would go
Running back again
Doesn’t really hurt to pretend
No, it doesn’t really hurt to pretend
Was I ever really more than ordinary
Did you ever see me like I saw you
Was I ever really more than ordinary
Did you ever need me like I need you now
I need you now…