Commentary for Sentient Beings
by Michael Benner, C.H.T.

Saturday, September 22, 2001

No passion so effectually robs the mind of all its powers of acting and reasoning as fear.
- Edmund Burke

I must admit, I am brimming over with hope and optimism at the nearly universal expressions of love and sympathy we've heard from all over the world. Humanity's "heart" is more open than ever before. As if we've all suffered a near-death experience, human values have instantly matured. We find that much of what used to be important to us just doesn't matter anymore - material stuff, getting ahead, and power over others. What matters now is love and comfort and connecting with each other.

Once stretched by loss and grief such as we've felt in the past 11 days, our capacity to feel our emotions never shrinks back to its original size. As the hurt inevitably heals, and feelings of peace and love return, our capacity to feel love has been increased to that same degree. This is a very important concept to understand. We'll see whether the deep-sleep of materialism returns, if it does, and to what extent.

The big problem here is that many people resist emotional healing. As a result of deep, personal emotional injuries in their lives, often repeatedly, some people actually prefer to be hurt, angry, and frightened much of the time. They find relaxed and safe feelings to be uncomfortable or inaccessible. In a sense, they are afraid not to be afraid. Fear and the hurt and anger into which it unfolds have become too familiar to live without.

In the last week I've received hate mail; not a lot, but some from people who thought I was too peaceful and too calm in my KPFK commentary. Some insisted this is no time to discuss spirituality or the commandments, "Do not kill," "Love thy enemy," and "You shall reap what you sow."

I've been called unpatriotic because I didn't express hatred or blood lust. One Arab-American listener criticized me for not taking a strong stand against Israel, and a Jewish listener was equally critical that I hadn't condemned the Palestinian role in global terrorism. I even heard criticism of the recent Hollywood TV Benefit by "those self-serving lefty creeps."

The story of Christ walking on water is a deep, rich allegory for calming the emotional nature to access Divine Love and Peace. According to Mark's version of the story, Christ "said unto the sea, 'Peace. Be still.' And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. And he said unto them, 'Why are ye so fearful? How is it that ye have no faith?'" Also, in the Hebrew Bible, Psalms 46:10 says, "Be still and know that I am God."

In other words, it is not possible to access peace of mind or safe, loving feelings without a willful intention to let go of fear and BE STILL - feeling undisturbed, relaxed, calm, and safe. Fear is not stronger than Love. But our free will allows us to turn away from Love and the unitive understanding, empathy, kindness, and compassion it requires.

To avoid, personally and collectively, the regrettable actions we're inclined to take when we're emotionally hurting and fearful, we must calm our emotions and substitute even-tempered, well-reasoned responses for unconscious, knee-jerk reactions. Fear must be replaced by peaceful, loving feelings. Ignorance and confusion must be supplanted by clear, calm, rational understanding - especially of one's self.

Everyone wants "to do something." One of the best ways you can help is to calm yourself; then your family, neighbors and co-workers. Breath slow, deep breathes. Be kind to each other. Avoid making critical comments. Listen, quietly, when others talk to you about their feelings. Speak to them of yours. Help out. Practice the Golden Rule. Get lots of sleep, exercise, connect with nature, and eat right, too. The fear, anger, and hostility will soon fade.

Thanks. Peace.

Features
A Survivor's Story: 09-11-01 World Trade Center
Written by David Frank

things as they are
Written by Chloe Mata

Some Thoughts about September 11
Written by Lynn of Idaho, U.S.A.

Ripples in the Pond...
Written byDonna, Austin, Texas

"So September 10th"
Written by Pat of Austin, Texas

A Day of Reckoning
Written by Nona Passalacqua, CCHT

Why I will not get out of bed....
Written by A.F. Firebird

A Poem on 9-11-01
Written by Damian Nash

Attack on America: A Poem
Written by Marilee S. Niehoff, Ph.D.

Parenting and Relationship
Helping a Child Manage Fears After a Traumatic Event
Written by Sidran Foundation

Spirit-to-Spirit
Today's Idea
Written by Marianne Williamson

Commentary for Sentient Beings
Written by Michael Benner, C.H.T.

A Letter from Deena Metzger

What Will Rule Our Hearts?

Health Share

"Fight, Flight, or Freeze" Reactions, Ongoing Stress and Health
Written by Darling Villena-Mata, Ph.D.

Emotional First Aid

Caring for Your Heart
Written by Institute of HeartMath

Vibrational Harmony: The Key to Healing and Creating Order Out of Chaos
Written by Beverly Nadler, C.H.T.

How Hypnotherapy Can Help
Written by Nona Passalacqua, C.C.H.T.

Meridian Therapies
Mind and Body Healing for the New Millenium
Written by The Association For Meridian Therapies

Tapas Acupressure Technique (TAT)
Written by Lakshmi Collins

For the Record
The Statue of Liberty
Written by Emma Lazarus

Definition of Freedom

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