Hi Anne,
Deep bows to you for sharing this.
Deep bows and metta for your suffering, and for the suffering of all who are oppressed. And yes, metta for the oppressors too.
When you speak of the life-long deep grinding pain, my heart stirs, because you speak for so many. This too has been my experience. And this is so important, because putting it into words is the first step toward change. We must look clearly, bear witness, speak truthfully, listen deeply, and acknowledge.
Even in the midst of pain, anger, frustration, cynicism, and sadness, I do have hope. I know that change is possible and it is our shared experience, our true nature of interbeing, that makes it possible. I believe wholeheartedly that the inevitable consequence of fully opening one's eyes and heart to the truth is... compassion. And this will make dramatic change not only possible, but necessary, unavoidable. It's going to take a while. But I really believe this journey has begun.
I'm finding much inspiration in this book and in our shared experience with it.
Gassho
Byōkan
sat + lah