"The four things which a violent life brings: it shrinks borders, it increases enmity, it destroys life, and prolongs pains. "
___ Colman Mac Breognae, "Agiptir Chabaid,"
Irish poem (trans CM)
In every generation, commentators state that there is more violence than at any previous time. If we look through history, this is hard to substantiate, however. Violence is part of the human condition, and its effect fluctuates from time to time. Because we have a media system now that connects the whole world, we certainly hear about violent occurrences more often these days, making us believe that violence is on the rise. This emphasis on violence makes listening to the news very depressing; some days, we witness on the five-o-clock news a virtual catalogue of violence that soils the whole day for us. Awareness of violence is something that we would just rather not have.
What is the root of violence? How can we prevent its terrible force from surfacing in our own lives (for we are all capable of acts of violence)? Violence initially stems from the thwarting of our will or desire; it is an instinctive lashing out against things we do not like. It containment is made possible by mature self-control and practice. Sudden outbursts of domestic violence are usually triggered by a succession of irritations that have built up until they are unbearable. In such circumstances, the way to defuse the situation is to attempt communication or to leave the home (if provocation is continual and unsparing).
The narrow ways of violence circumscribe our lives and cause anguish in many homes. But the levels of violence in our society are not the responsibility of governments or the police: they stem from every member in society, from individual's attitude to life.
"What things trigger violent reactions in yourself? What strategies can you use to restrain them? How can you channel your feelings into positive areas?"
[From: "The Celtic Spirit" by Caitlin Matthews]
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