This week's episode is somewhat of a continuation of Episode 89 where I reflected on the role of Lent in helping us process pain and suffering, and as a time to work through trauma. That is, Lent is a period of remembering that is important for us if we are to work through our suffering.    

In this week's episode I discuss some ways that communities can create a safe space during Lent to process pain and suffering. In this episode I discuss:

• Making it safe to discuss the hard issues such as death, suicide, anxiety, depression, loss, etc.
• The importance of not giving easy answers (if any at all) to people's pain and suffering.
• Learning to sit in in one's pain, in silence, together.
• The role of rituals and symbolism in the healing process.
• The boundary between bearing other's burdens, but also giving them the space to work through their own "stuff."

  Link to Episode 90

I have been thinking a lot about the Lent season, which is appropriate since Ash Wednesday was yesterday. Here is what I posted on Facebook last night:

Over the next 40+ days I am going to take some time to reflect on some of the things I am exploring around Lent, trauma and remembering. I hope you will join me on this journey.

Resources Mentioned in this Episode

The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind and Body in the Healing of Trauma by Bessel van der Kolk

Lent