Healing of Memories Summary
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This month New Tactics featured a dialogue on Healing of Memories which covered a wide variety of topics, such as:

The first topic that was covered was the process by which the victim can become the victimizer, and what happened when those who had crimes committed against them fail to address it in a constructive fashion. In particular, Israel and Palestine were considered a powerful example. This led to a discussion about the need for a national consciousness andacknowledgment about previous crimes committed, for every country, not to bury or deny them. This was followed by a discussion about the need for the United States to have a Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

The issue of symmetry, or the lack of it, in suffering and how that affects the healing process was brought up, with participants noting that each case much be taken individually, not compared or lumpedtogether.

Following this the participants began a discussion on various methods used in the healing process. The following methods were discussed: Tree of Life, Prayer sandwich, the use of art, The Narrative Approach, traditional methods, and community healing. The next topic was the possible uses of technology in the healing process, including cell phones and online records, both the positiveand negative aspects.

This led the dialogue to the importance of understanding that healing and forgiveness are a process. Finally, there was a long discussion on the role of reconciliation in healing of memories, its necessity, importance and effectiveness.

Other useful links

Educational Resources:

Truth and Reconciliation Commissions:

Healing Resources:

New Tactics Materials

Other Resources