By now you've seen this situation room photo of President Obama watching live as Navy Seals infiltrated into the compound where Osama Bin Laden was secretly living. The grim reality stands out on the faces of all present. It speaks to the difficulties that many of these people face on a regular basis, and makes them all seem more human and accountable.
However, I'd like to look at the image from a compassionate, symbolic, deeper and more intimate perspective, outside of the political world. For some people viewing the photo in this way may be difficult. Looking at any image from a symbolic point of view isn't about the outside world, rather it's about looking within. If you can consciously reflect on the photo, outside of the political realm, it might begin to help you to catch a glimpse of something within yourself that is normally hidden, unseen or ignored. This photo has the potential to help you to look into your own shadow as it is connected for many of us with painful events, especially September 11th.
I'm not trying to be insensitive to anyone's pain or grief. It's the opposite. I believe that this photo has the potential for us to deeply connect and work with your difficult emotions, memories and fears, as well as compassion and centered-ness. By connecting with the shadow aspect of the photo, you may be able to begin to heal trauma and let go of certain fears which may be restricting or limiting you. The results can be dramatic, although the process may be hard at first.
I do feel that the photo has much to say about the world today. How do you feel? For me, the photo connects with helplessness. I remember the helpless feeling in the pit of my stomach as I watched the planes crash into the buildings. As I look at the photo this feeling comes up. I also recognize that this feeling, although not necessarily as powerful, comes up when I'm feeling stressed or doubtful.
I feel that the photo also speaks to the connectedness and closeness of the world today. For me personally, the photo speaks volumes about a need for compassion. Working with it, I came to the realization that I'm not helpless and my actions, or inaction, can have far reaching impact. I matter. What I do matters. I recognize that having compassion for my feeling, and not simply dismissing it, and believing in myself can be a way to step past some of the helpless feelings when they arise.
Of course, these feelings won't just go away forever. We're human and we have feelings. Other situations could trigger a feeling of helplessness for me, but coming back to compassion and being willing to recognize the feeling can help to alleviate it, instead of pushing it away or ignoring it. Whatever you learn about yourself will probably be part of an ongoing process of insights, realizations and acceptance. It's not an easy or fast process and it may take some time to recognize, accept and move through your feelings and emotions. With acceptance comes new choices and possibilities.
Symbolically, for me, this image allows me to more deeply connect with helplessness, which helps me to recognize that I have value and my presence is important. For you, the photo may connect you to something entirely different. Recognize whatever it is that comes up for you, and be willing to look for a way to process, accept and finally release it. It might be that you recognize your own humanity, and that you begin to take your relationships more seriously. Whatever unfolds for you, allow it to have meaning for your life and be willing to take action that can help you step past restrictions or limits, and bring greater connection and vibrancy to your life.