[Dailydrool] Witnessing without turning away

[Mary Wilson]

I have so much empathy for those who feel they can't keep reading when
terrible events are described. That's absolutely the way I used to feel,
and I don't now follow up on news stories, nor read most fiction or watch
movies where horrors are described. (I do read murder mysteries -- I think
it was Emerson that said "a foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of small
minds.")

I try hard not to turn away now, though, because like Bev I've come to the
conclusion that it doesn't help. It doesn't help me -- I am still very
capable of imagining all the horrors -- and it doesn't help anyone else,
least of all those who work to prevent such things.

I have a wish for those who do these things -- the horrible acts, I mean. I
wish that they could have full, complete awareness of their actions and the
impact of those actions. I think of this as a kind of Buddhist curse -- if
we who would never hurt anyone feel torment when we think of those who do
hurt the helpless, imagine the feelings of those who suddenly came to
awareness of what they had done.

Not exactly basset-related, moderators, but we all know the event I'm
thinking of. Feel free not to post if you'd prefer not.

May we all be safe, and healthy, and free from suffering,
Mary
(and Paddi and Vern, but they are less philosophical and would prefer to
just bite.)
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