The Power of Persecution

“I will not die an unlived life” – Dawna Markova

I just finished a session with a client and we got to talking about the Rescue Triangle, specifically the helpfulness of persecution.

That it can be the impetus out of the Rescue Triangle.

I know for myself, when I am in persecution, I sometimes feel bad about it, thinking that I’ve messed up because if I didn’t, I wouldn’t be feeling angry and resentful.

The trouble with that response is that guilt usually follows sometimes immediately, sometimes further down the road when our waves of anger have subsided.

If we give in to the feelings of guilt, with out gleaning what we can from being in persecution, more often then not, we will find ourselves right back in the Rescue Dynamic (and around and around we go).

Persecution can be very informative.

There’s a clarity to the fire.

The energizing force that says enough is enough.

The fire and anger in women (in particular) can be so helpful because it is that part of us that stomps our feet and shouts ENOUGH! This is not ok. This will not be tolerated!

It’s easy to point our anger on an individual…our partners, our bosses, our kids, but it’s actually coming from a deeper place of injustice.

The injustice of getting cut off from ourselves.

Getting cut off from our innate desires and wishes.

The impossible choices we needed to make between choosing ourselves or choosing stability, security and safety (or at least perceived stability, security and safety). Enough!

It feels like this is our work; to fight this fight. When we are in persecution, it is an invitation to fight this fight. It’s important.

Where are the female elders leading the way?

We are those elders in the making.

Look at our young women.

Look at the life, the brilliance and fire they have.

We know, from experience, what it’s like to have that and watch the fire get squelched by the duties of being a woman, mother, wife, care taker and giver (selfless).

How about blazing the trail back to ourselves. Showing the way to the young women out there…our daughters, nieces, sisters, mothers, ourselves (we all have children inside). I don’t care if it’s been said before.

I want to say it again.

In my voice.

In her voice.

In our voice.

Do not become a part of the oppressive forces by keeping quiet. Refuse. Don’t do it.

It might provide rest, ease, safety, security, but at what cost? What is the cost of falling asleep? Of dying? While we have breath and will?

Use the fire of persecution to find your way towards what you want! Let the clarity that comes with it inform and guide you back to yourself.