I recently chatted to a man who, it turned out, attended the same school as me. We had much to reminisce about but dominating the conversation was the teachers. We both recalled their character and behaviour much of which would not pass in light of today’s expectations.
Looking back I am reminded that our school had many teachers who were still recovering or coming to terms with the effect of war. It was an environment that at times was harsh and we still had corporal punishment, thankfully we have found another way!
Conflict can drive us to act in ways unnatural to our normal countenance. Our words can be harsh when launched from a position of pain. In my new book Pause – A Spiritual Power one of the areas of life I explore is how we take ourselves away from a situation of conflict. That we might lean on an oak tree or hear a bird song that opens a portal to a better place in our lives. I often have the privilege of taking a funeral and that means spending time in grave yards or cemeteries. They can be the most peace-filled reflective space in any town or city – try it!
Rob Wykes 
