0.7
January 9, 2014

There is a Way to Suffer: Thich Nhat Hahn Responds to a Sandy Hook Father. ~ Anthony Ware

”The shooter did not know how to handle the suffering, anger, despair and violence within him.” ~ Thich Nhat Hahn

The first time I watched this video was painful and inspiring at the same time.

Neil Heslin is the father of one of the children killed December 14, 2012 during the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in Newtown, Connecticut. From the suffering, to the love and compassion that came from that suffering, Heslin said quietly that he never wanted any of that experience. I loved the courage and vulnerability shown by Mr. Heslin.

Thich Nhat Hahn’s response to Mr. Heslin was simple and complex at the same time. In order for adults to help our children, we must learn and practice handling the fear, anger and suffering within ourselves. Then, we can teach our children.

I think that the world could use more mindful living, with people focused on working through the messy parts of life. It doesn’t take aligning with a religion to make that happen.

Love elephant and want to go steady?

Sign up for our (curated) daily and weekly newsletters!

          Assistant Editor: Kathryn Rutz/Editor: Catherine Monkman

         Photo: Christian Haugen on flickr

Read 1 Comment and Reply
X

Read 1 comment and reply

Top Contributors Latest

Anthony Ware