Stephanie Harrison

I'm not sure if you've ever seen the model of circles of concern where if something bad happens to somebody, then there are these circles around them of the people closest to them.

I think that's really wise.

And I also think, again, you or the people most affected by this, the people who have been directly harmed by conflicts like these.

And it basically branches out until eventually you get to their acquaintances.

So I often think about that in the context of suffering.

I'm not sure if you've ever seen the model of circles of concern where if something bad happens to somebody, then there are these circles around them of the people closest to them.

And so there are people in Gaza who are at the center of the circle right now, right?

They're the ones who are the most deeply suffering.

And then there are the people who are related to them and connected to them and a part of their community and a part of their country.

And it basically branches out until eventually you get to their acquaintances.

So I often think about that in the context of suffering.

And then there are these expanding circles outwards of care.

And so there are people in Gaza who are at the center of the circle right now, right?

And what often happens in times of suffering is that the people in the closest circle have to bear the greatest burden because the people in the outer circles don't take it up.

They're the ones who are the most deeply suffering.

And then there are the people who are related to them and connected to them and a part of their community and a part of their country.

And then there are these expanding circles outwards of care.

And so for me, when I hear you say that, I think, well, of course, joy is really important for you because you're in an inner circle and joy.

And what often happens in times of suffering is that the people in the closest circle have to bear the greatest burden because the people in the outer circles don't take it up.

the people who are not involved need to take up the cause and to do their part and to help in some way to alleviate the burden so you can go renew yourself, experience joy, experience love, experience connection, get what you need, and then come back and be able to help.