So, one of the things we talked about last night is how everyone longs to belong; that attachment needs exist from the cradle to the grave. And, if those attachment needs aren't met within a family structure, a child/teen/adult will search for attachment and acceptance elsewhere. And - what elements of our society always have their door open? Gangs and cults. It's easy to get in; you are always welcome but once you're there, your life will never be the same.
This morning, I was listening to an interview with a former Neo-Nazi from Vancouver. He talked openly about how "he traded his humanity for acceptance." How he was looking for somewhere to fit in, a place that would accept him and give him a place to belong. He also talked about how he was struck by the fact that this was the same for all the people he met at a "Summit for Violent Extremists" that he attended in Dublin.
That one line haunts me still: I traded my humanity for acceptance.
This attachment work is hard. It's kick-your-butt hard, but it's so important.
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