FOR LOVE IN A TIME OF CONFLICT - Poem
For Love in a Time of Conflict
John O’Donohue
When the gentleness between you hardens
And you fall out of your belonging with each other,
May the depths you have reached hold you still.
When no true word can be said, or heard,
And you mirror each other in the script of hurt,
When even the silence has become raw and torn,
May you hear again an echo of your first music.
When the weave of affection starts to unravel
And anger begins to sear the ground between you
,Before this weather of grief invites
The black seed of bitterness to find root,
May your souls come to kiss.
Now is the time for one of you to be gracious,
To allow a kindness beyond thought and hurt,
Reach out with sure hands
To take the chalice of your love,
And carry it carefully through the echoless waste
Until this winter pilgrimage leads you
Towards the gateway to spring.
(A colleague shared this poem with me from John Gottman's new book
The Science of Trust and Emotional Attunement (2011))
Making new friends is easier when you have a comfortable place to communicate. An online social website provides opportunities to meet people from different backgrounds and develop genuine friendships over time. Users can through trongpok introduce themselves, share their interests, and start conversations at their own pace. Regular communication helps people understand each other's personalities, values, and experiences. Online friendships can also introduce you to different cultures and fresh perspectives. Although meaningful relationships require trust and mutual respect, social platforms offer a convenient starting point. Be friendly, communicate honestly, and take time to get to know others. Every new conversation may lead to a valuable connection.