Anyone Listening?

From the Tarot de St. Croix, the Five of Wands; from the Archetype Cards, Healer:

Violence is what happens when we don’t know what else to do with our suffering.

—Parker Palmer

America, in its present divided and volatile state, needs another leader to show people how to protest peacefully without resorting to violence. MLK, Jr., Thich Nhat Hanh, and Gandhi all showed that beneficial change is possible if we have patience and avoid letting our frustration turn to rage as we oppose injustices. Unfortunately, such a leadership position isn't often sought after, as the leader often ends us dead, imprisoned or exiled. Yet violence is inevitable if the voices of those who suffer go unheard. Healer suggests a way to soothe and heal relationships through communication, but this only works if both parties are willing to be open-minded and listen sincerely to another perspective. However, folks generally behave as Steve Covey described: "Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply."