Healing in a hurting world
You do not have to be good. You only have to let the soft animal of your body love what it loves. – Mary Oliver
Conflict and tension seem to be all around us—whether it’s in our relationships, communities, or the world at large. It’s hard not to feel that weight sometimes. But here’s something important to remember: you’re not alone in feeling this way. Conflict touches everyone, and while it can be overwhelming, there’s also a way forward. Healing is possible, and it all starts with connection—with ourselves and those around us. The key? Compassion.
What’s happening inside often mirrors the conflicts we see around us. Our own pain and unresolved feelings can fuel defensive behaviors, creating disconnection in our relationships and in the larger world. But while we might not have control over everything happening out there, we can absolutely change how we respond. It starts by looking inward, asking, “What unhealed part of me is feeding into this tension?” That bit of self-awareness can shift everything.
Healing requires vulnerability—being open to our own pain and allowing space for others to be vulnerable, too. I’ve seen time and time again how vulnerability transforms even the most strained relationships. When we’re willing to offer compassion instead of reacting defensively, things start to change. Next time you find yourself in conflict, try noticing the pain behind the disagreement. Offering a little understanding can create more connection than you might think.
And connection really is the antidote to conflict. It doesn’t take big, sweeping actions. It’s the small, intentional moments—like truly listening without interrupting or practicing empathy when someone disagrees with you—that start to make a difference. Those little moments of connection ripple out, changing how we interact with each other and with the world. The more we focus on connection, the less room there is for conflict to thrive.
When we focus on healing ourselves, it doesn’t stop with us. It flows into our relationships, our communities, and even beyond that. Every time you approach conflict with compassion, you’re contributing to something bigger—a shift that can help heal the divides we see around us, one small step at a time.
In the end, it all comes down to a choice. When we choose to address our own pain and respond with openness and compassion, we’re not only transforming our relationships—we’re helping to build a more connected, peaceful world. It’s not always easy, but it’s a path worth walking. So, what’s one small step you can take today to start that healing?