It's a great article Richard, exploring an essential inquiry on the path.

People around us do suffer. And we may be able to help, but that's not by carrying the weight of the other - by carrying their pain - that risks extinguising the light in both!

One of the things it's essential to realise, is that you can't save anyone. They can only do that themselves. You may be able to point to doorways, but they must step through them by themselves - from their own volition.

And what usually best encourages people to do that, I find (as a facilitator), is to hold the space - hold the crucible - for them to explore into their pain and how much they really want to move through.

When people project their pain onto others, what usually happens is that the softening binds others in, and actually prevents them confronting the true core of their pain.

So I find lovingly holding the space, but reflecting back usually helps people move through.

Great sharing Richard!

Open