The vector of violence is awakened when we directly experience or witness an act we feel is unjust. The IMPACT awakens within us feelings of pain, fear, anger, confusion and others. Many times we marginalize these responses in order to function and continue with our lives. However, by doing this, a process of internal dissociation begins to take place. Dissociation from the impact of violence perpetuates the dynamics of victim and abuser internally and is more likely to result in re-enacting violence externally.

There is so much violence activated now individually and collectively. The result can inspire within us a commitment to justice. We need justice to balance misuse of power on a personal and social level. We need justice to repair the damage that has been done. But we must maintain our awareness. Because if we seek justice from an internal, unconscious experience of oppression, what we may really want is revenge. And revenge is another form of violence that perpetuates the cycle of violence for us all. 

Breaking free from inner and outer oppression is a political, social and community task It is also a deeply psychological and spiritual one. It takes courage and compassion to break the cycle of violence. We need to recover a meta position that has the ability to notice, reflect on and communicate impact. Recovering our sensitivity is a radical act of freedom that supports us to stay connected to the Spirit that Survives.