Cycles of Harm into Cycles of Care
These things I have spoken to you so that in Me you may have peace. In the world’s systems of oppression you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world. - John 16:33 (Richard Rohr translates ‘world’ as systems of oppression - a helpful way to think about how Jesus pushes for change).
"We must dismantle the structures that hurt us... ...If we burn it all down, what will be build in its place?" - Jezz Chung
Similarly to the discussions and reflections from our panel this past Sunday, Jezz Chung (a neurodivergent, queer, Korean American artist, poet, and performer) confronts injustices and cycles of harm and punitiveness in their book, This Way to Change: a gentle guide to personal transformation and collective liberation.
Chung first describes the systemic cycle of harm:
culture designed to uplift and protect a select few while leaving many without their basic needs met
a person stuck in this cycle experiences systemic harm over time
a harmed (abused, neglected, traumatized) person with unmet needs causes another person harm through violence/abuse
Chung then outlines some of the key pathways toward interrupting these cycles:
address the conditions that create violence, inequity, inaccessibility, and exclusion
look to nature for examples of abundance and interdependence
develop a more generative relationship to the land we live on and organize a sustainable flow of resources among one another
develop a more generative relationship to one another and there is no longer a need to cause excessive harm to get our needs met
As you ponderr Jezz Chung’s insights, consider these reflection questions: How might you interrupt a cycle of harm and change it into one of care in your communities? Interpersonally? Collectively in wider spheres?
*Chung, J. (2024). This way to change: a gentle guide to personal transformation and collective liberation. Chronicle Prism.