06/10/2022
Our Western Culture.
It draws strength from promoting the concept of Self.
It's so pervasively present in our world and in our values that we don't find it easy to see that it's a lens.
However. It is not Truth.
It's a lens that focuses on certain things. And makes certain things work well.
It's also a lens which minimises others things. And makes other things work less effectively.
The key thing is that it is a lens.
It brings some benefits.
But it is not entirely true.
It's like a filter that we can add to our photos. It highlights some things and minimises other things.
But! it is not Truth.
Other cultures hold other lenses.
And these other lenses bring other Truths into focus.
Other cultures are very comfortable and aware that Community is valuable. Valuable above and beyond Self.
Within Western Culture, wise voices have spoken against our cultural norm, which trends towards individuality. "No person is an island," was first spoken by John Donne (back in time, 400 years ago when women didn't exist ;P)
No man is an island,
entire of itself;
every man is a piece of the continent,
a part of the main.
In these impacting lines, Donne spoke to the dependency that we are all built to have. We are all built to need and depend on others. We are all, merely and powerfully, "a part of the main."
When voices rise up to highlight a Truth, as Donne did, it's almost never because we have all, already, embraced the Truth. When voices speak up, it is to highlight truths that have not been embraced.
And yet here we are.
At least 400 years down the track from Donne, our Western Culture is still holding onto the damaging myth that Individualism can support us to being healthy. Our world is still promoting these, damaging, individualised myths:
"Tough it out."
"Drink a cup of concrete."
"She'll be right."
"I can work it out."
Our Western Culture has brought many wins.
Can we also acknowledge that it has defrauded us in many ways?
Can find it in our Selves to draw on wisdom from other cultures?
Other cultures are built on Community. For other cultures, community, and the need we all have for others, is a foundation of existence.
Even if we don't love the idea of drawing on the wisdom of other cultures, Science is now supporting the importance of connection.
Bessel Van Der Kolk is a world expert on the physiology and psychology of Trauma. He highlights that Recovery will depend on social connection.
If we've tried everything else but we are not happy with the results, how about trying something new?
Why not dare to let others in?
To contact me:
Lorraine Dodd: Counsellor in Howick, Auckland
0221 874 057,
through the contact section http://lorrainedodd.wix.com/lorraine-dodd
by email nurturinghope@gmail.com
or Private Message me through Facebook
https://www.instagram.com/lorraine.dodd.counsellor/
If we, or someone else is in danger or endangering others, call Police immediately on 111
Or contact the local Crisis Team:
Waitemata (09) 486 8900 (operating 24/7)
Henderson (09) 822 8601
North Shore (09) 487 1414
Auckland City 0800 800 717 (operating 24/7)
Counties Manukau: (09) 261 3700
If we need to talk to someone else, here are some no-charge options:
* LIFELINE 0800 543 354 (open 24/7)
* SU***DE CRISIS HELPLINE 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
* YOUTHLINE 0800 376 633
* NEED TO TALK Free call or text 1737 (available 24/7)
