Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Wishcasting

This Wednesday's Wishcasting prompt is "What help do you wish to receive?"

In my Conflict Resolution class we are reading several books that inspire deep thinking and change. One is our Nonviolent Communication book, and the other is The Sunflower by Simon Wiesenthal. This second book is about the author, a Jew during the Holocaust, being asked for forgiveness by a dying Nazi soldier. He walks away from the dying man and we are asked what we would have done in his place. After this there are responses by almost 50 other people telling what they think. The book is so powerful, and I don't know how our teacher expected a bunch of high school students to be able to fully comprehend it.

I just want some help in sorting out the thoughts and feelings that the book is bringing up in me. I guess that would be the best way to start answering the question the book asks. Right now I am confused, and letting the depressing subject matter get to me. I'll never be able to answer the question if I start feeling depressed every time I try reading the book!

9 comments:

  1. As Tori wishes for herself, so I wish for her.

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  2. As Tori wishes for herself, so I wish also.

    What deep questions to be wrestling with. Perhaps journaling out all of your thoughts and feelings would help. You don't have to figure it out. It may just be impossible to do so. But giving it your attention is a way of honouring the question and saying to the world - I care.

    PS Nonviolent Communication is on my list of books to read.

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  3. As Tori wishes for herself, so I wish also.

    I agree with Jamie. Just sit quietly and journal on all your thoughts and feelings on this, letting your mind wander without pressure or expectation. Ask yourself why you are feeling this way. The answers lie in you :)

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  4. As Tori wishes for herself, so I wish also.
    I agree - journaling is how I get out all of those deep feelings. Maybe finding some inspiring material about the period - like Schindler's List. Very serious stuff - but maybe it will show the otherside of human response. I was deeply affected by that period of study during high school. Seeing films and reading about it.
    Hugs, Sarah

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  5. As Tori wishes for herself, so I wish also!~*

    May ease and understanding be with you. :)

    Much Joy, Many Blissings~*
    Molly

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  6. wow. that's amazing that you are doing non violent communication in high school!!!

    I so wish that opportunity had been afforded to me at that age.

    I don't think I could handle the second book...I'm too empathetic to not get caught up in the very intense emotions.

    and that's okay, ya know???

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  7. As Tori wishes for herself, so I wish for her also.

    I agree with the other commentors. By reading the book, journaling, and just taking the time to think about it, you are honoring the people who suffered.

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  8. As Tori wishes for herself, so I wish also.

    And remember that confusion is an absolutely legitimate response to difficult questions, and difficult situations. Sometimes it's important to know that you don't have a strong opinion one way or another.

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  9. As Tori wishes for herself, so I wish for her also!

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