Bearing Witness
When we bear witness, we share the truth of our lives with others and affirm all that is meaningful to us.
Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold.
Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world,
The blood-dimmed tide is loosed, and everywhere
The ceremony of innocence is drowned;
The best lack all conviction, while the worst
Are full of passionate intensity.
– From “The Second Coming” by William Butler Yeats
These words by Yeats, written in in 1919 after the first World War, create a dark picture of a broken world that is familiar to us still in this time. I can often feel overwhelmed and powerless in the face of all the disasters appearing in my social feed day after day. What can I do that will make any difference?
I can bear witness.
Bearing witness has power because it allows us to be real and connects us to each other in a meaningful way. When we bear witness, we share the truth of our lives with others and affirm all that is meaningful to us.
One of the best ways to address the brokenness and divisiveness in our society is to listen to each other’s stories. Sharing our stories builds mutual trust and understanding across social and political boundaries, helping us to heal and build emotional resilience.
Bearing witness can transform us all by helping us be seen, heard, and cared for, no matter what else is happening in the world around us.
In the Collapse Club meetings, we create a welcoming space for people to be heard and validated. Please join us in bearing witness!
