I get it. Same same. I was just surprised in this case - though it is also easier to have generalised compassion than apply that consistently to individuals.
I think being a public figure is really hard and some consistently manage it well and others don’t. I have a friend who I love dearly and who is caring, loving and a boundless spirit. But sometimes she throws me with views that are simply the result of personal reaction, one sided information or a doctrinaire interpretation of events and people that reflect her political views. She always surprises me when that happens
but I do it myself I know and I also spend a fair amount of reflection time on what tripped me. Some I understand very clearly - but you would be well aware from my writing that the remains of ptsd show under certain circumstances. I always resisted making the connection but the odd nightmare about being strangled or gripped right around the neck is a reminder that it takes a lot to remove the impact of abuse
sustained racial abuse and targeting over many years, sexual abuse, bullying, control. These all have an impact that is sometimes initially imperceptible. People who seem to have an inner strength or who are endowed with an inner drive may last longer before cracks really show but show they do. While it may seem strange to talk about racism towards a New Zealander my children also experienced that and it was super challenging. My focus as they grew up was to give them experiences so that they could understand that no matter culture and race the essence of being human, the desire to be loved and respected is universal.
How mild was my children’s experience compared with what Stan’s. Very!
i hope Stan recovers with time out to find the sense of himself he wants to be seen and the ability to show it in a different way.
Try this
https://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/awaye/yindyamarra-podcast/102249024 I know these challenges. I have spent the last five actively using art as a mechanism for recovery and a recent video produced about me has given me both a surprise and pleasure to see myself return.
so I recognise that I have looked at Stan through different eyes, coloured by my own experiences as well all do. As a former mental health practitioner I just hope you take pause.
