Rough Waters or Calm Shores?

Domestic Violence is an ever-increasing problem in our lives today. One of the biggest problems is that people do not recognize the varied forms that domestic violence takes on. One of the most damaging forms of partner abuse is not physical. It is emotional manipulation!

Think about this:
Are you constantly being criticized and yelled at?
Are you to blame for everything that goes wrong?
Are you the target for his/her anger?
Is sexual affection forced upon you or do you feel you are his/her sexual object and not a person?
Is your partner quick tempered, jealous, possessive or overly needy?
Is your access to money limited or controlled by your partner?
Have you been threatened in any way?

Many people today do not recognize spousal/partner abuse, unless it is in the form of physical injury. However, emotional manipulation is definitely abuse. If you have to be so careful to please, be on guard or change your actions due to fear of what your partner will do or say, this is a very unhealthy relationship.

Another aspect to domestic violence in this manner is the cycle that the abuser creates. He/She may act ‘normal,’ kind and ask for forgiveness in between cycles of abuse. He/She may even state that you are the only one who can help them. Staying in this type of relationship is VERY detrimental to your well-being. Even if your abuser does not develop his/her actions into a physical strike, the damage caused by emotional abuse can last a lifetime.

If you find yourself in this situation or believe that you may be acting out this type of behavior, there is help. You can begin by educating yourself. One helpful link providing a stream of information is:

http://helpguide.org/mental/domestic_violence_abuse_types_signs_causes_effects.htm#cycle

There are many counselors, therapists and even religious affiliations that can give you advice and support. Each county has a Social/Human Services office. They can provide protection, money and counseling for those with limited or no income. Please do not think that you are alone or that you have no options. There is always help available, when you are ready to make your move.

So, on that note, the quote of the day is:

“God will guide us to a better place but we are the ones who have to take the action required to get there.” tc

The Sphinx

I feel that this photo depicts the unbalance of the human ego at work today! The lion carved in the rocks represents the Ego. It is looming large in a person’s every day life, while the person is sitting in the shadow of it’s power. This is not balanced or healthy.

The ego is there to give us an understanding of who we are. It is not there to dominate our entire lives. The ego can be used as a tool to access what we need, when we need it, how we can use it, where it is best applied and why it is necessary. However, when the ego has taken over the human aspects of good judgment, moral action, forgiveness, sharing, spiritual attunement and love, it is not healthy. When the ego is in control………there is no need for anyone of anything other than me, myself and I.

The out-of-balance ego is not only the center of the person but it IS the center of their universe.

So, on that note, the quote of the day is:

“When the ego is in balance, the lion does not roar.” tc