The rejection of violent systems via firm individual boundaries is a righteous echo of rebellion, celebrating a long-denied personal Agency.
Yet I find myself holding space for the inquiry: When does a necessary boundary for self-healing become an isolating individualism? Are we answering the call to burn down what’s unjust, or to diligently build a bridge to help others cross?
Spending time in a monastery over this weekend I came to an insight:
You are more than just you: you also have to protect your teacher… your parents… and your colleagues. So don’t allow yourself to burn out, because when you do, we all burn out with you. — _A teaching from the Plum Village Tradition
Perhaps thus it is the intention of the boundary as an act of radical, sustainable, self Compassion. In tending to our own flame, we have the opportunity to be a light to guide collective transformation.
In order to build a bridge, we must make sure our foundation is firm.