Phyllis Leavitt’s Blog

Many years ago, I read an unforgettable story. In the rubble of a Nazi concentration camp, the body of a man was found with one hand still clutching a crumpled piece of paper on which he had scribbled these words, “Forgive them Father, for they know not what they do.” This man did not succumb to hate even in the worst hour of persecution. He died with loving compassion and forgiveness for his tormentors. 

How often have we heard it said that we should put the past behind us? In the world of psychology, we know better. We know there’s no “off” switch on our memories and the experiences that shaped us. They are part of us. The past holds vital information about the patterns we’ve inherited, the stories we tell ourselves, and the unexamined beliefs that quietly shape our behaviors, choices, and relationships– for better or– often– for worse.

When my children were very small, I was part of a parent-run nursery school. I have a distinct memory of standing in the kitchen there one day, asking myself what the greatest challenge we face as human beings is. I don’t know why that question came so clearly into my mind, but instantly I heard within myself that our greatest challenge is to learn how to navigate conflict without harming each other. 

Many years ago, I read an unforgettable story. In the rubble of a Nazi concentration camp, the body of a man was found with one hand still clutching a crumpled piece of paper on which he had scribbled these words, “Forgive them Father, for they know not what they do.” This man did not succumb to hate even in the worst hour of persecution. He died with loving compassion and forgiveness for his tormentors. 

Thank you all for being such a supportive audience for the message of healing I am committed to putting out into the world. My husband and I are taking a trip into Nature for the month of May, and I will be offline during that time. I will resume my newsletters when I get back, and I hope to keep you posted on social media with great photos along the way!

I don’t know if you have heard of or participated in an intervention with an addict. It’s a challenging undertaking. By the time a family decides to intervene, the addict’s behaviors are usually out of control and causing serious harm to self and others.