(Written in April 2008)
\n\tKaren helped a lot. She said the reason I couldn\u2019t take in the praise & validation was because I had no framework to put it in. At least I could hear it. At least I wasn\u2019t frightened, or ashamed, or in denial, or trying to hide. Karen said \u201cwho do you think you are\u201d and I could feel myself shrink. The same dynamic that let my brother shut me down with his remark about \u201cDeuprees talk…\u201d Giving me a context for my feelings helped a lot. I can still feel a sort of dazed blankness, and a kind of tiredness, but I think that\u2019s because work is happening on a very deep level as my subconscious works to create a framework and context for praise and support and validation for who I am. I\u2019m thinking that this is the community piece of healing. The trouble with therapy is it\u2019s one-on-one, and a lot of valid work can be done, but some healing just doesn\u2019t take place without being welcomed and accepted and validated by one\u2019s community.
\nIndigenous people often have rituals whose last piece is being welcomed by the whole community. I think it’s the Navajo who have a ritual for the returning warrior, to cleanse him of the effects of battle and restore him to his community.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
(Written in April 2008) Karen helped a lot. She said the reason I couldn\u2019t take in the praise & validation was because I had no framework to put it in. At least I could hear it. At least I wasn\u2019t … Continue reading