Abstract: 

Trying to make sense out of seemingly senseless acts of violence.  Whether it’s Aurora or September 11th, choose love else Osama Bin Laden ultimately wins.

—

The violent and murderous attack in Aurora, CO this past week has me thinking about love.  I know, seems kooky, but just stick with me here . . .

Whether it is the attack on Congresswoman Gabby Giffords 18 months ago, or especially September 11th, we often cry out “senseless” when we hear the news of multiple murders.

On the contrary, violence produces multiple sensations and feelings.

For me this time it started with defiance . . .

I thought, “I will not let this crackpot keep me from attending a Batman movie I looked forward to for months . . .”

Then I started to feel very sad . . .

I thought, “People just wanted to go to the movies, eat popcorn and have fun at midnight.”  No one signs up for “popcorn and bullets.”

Then I started to feel hopeful . . .

When terrible events happen, what is our impulse?  Whether a natural disaster or an unnatural human act of violence, most people reach out to loved ones.  We want to share the grief, we want to console, and most of all we want to understand, so we can place events into context.

I spent an evening with my colleague Jaime, a fellow Batman addict.  She helped me to understand and to empathize.

You see the one emotion that trumps (ugh, he has ruined this word, but I am claiming it back here and now!) them all is love.  Have you noticed that when bad things happen, we seek out those for whom we feel the most love?

I recall how on Tuesday September 11, 2001 I canceled my afternoon classes and spent the day with my loved ones, I craved them in a sense.  My ex, my sister, my beautifully curious niece.

There is nothing sense-less about violence.  Feel whatever it is you are feeling.  Reach out to those you trust and love to remind you and them of our greater love of humanity . . . hatred is no match for love.

And love is so sense-ful!

—

If you have any questions about coaching please feel free to contact me at scott@kineticcoaching.co, and remember I always offer a complimentary 30-45 minute session to prospective clients to determine if we want to work together.