There is an article by Penny Holland, a psychologist, in March issue of Tikkun Holding the Wound, Holding out Hope: Understanding the Neurobiology of the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict that touches on issues many of us experience either post-war, abuse, trauma or as part of the growing and pervasive fear we as citizens are feeling.
http://www.tikkun.org/...
Others here might find this neurobiological approach enlightening - or maybe even an alternative path out of what so often becomes a vicious cycle. Though the primary focus of the article is an alternative approach to the Israel-Palestine situation. In reading it I thought of numerous ways it applies to other victims of trauma, abuse and post-traumatic disorders.
As science sharpens our knowledge of trauma’s impact on our neurobiology, the knowledge builds a new paradigm for understanding the attempts of Israeli Jews and Palestinians to protect their communities, land, and cultures, as well as their increasing descent into violence when they fail. This knowledge of trauma’s impact enables us to see this conflict as something deeper than territorial imperialism, religious extremism, or abuse of power, and to recognize each such practice as reflecting maladaptive responses to ongoing threat and violation. All living beings have mechanisms for assessing their environment for safety and danger, and responding accordingly. We mammals have three primary ways of doing so, each governed differently by the brain and nervous system:
- mobilization, enabling us to fight or flee;
- immobilization, enabling us to go unseen, appear dead, or dissociate from pain, terror, and horror;
- and social engagement, enabling us to connect with our pack as a means to feel safe, remain calm, and access higher brain functioning to resolve situations
The first and second we try and try again. The third - social engagement - a difficult but perhaps successful opportunity to re-engage with others.
It's a very lengthy article but well worth wading through the wordiness. It seems to me to be a valid alternative to the many paths to peace attempted to date with Israel and Palestine. And - for others who are living the hell of post-traumatic disorders as a result of abuse, war or trauma - perhaps a glimmer of hope and help.
I'd be interested in your feedback. Those close to me who work in the field found this approach interesting, logical and possibly applicable to many other situations.