The last few weeks, I have received several signs and symbols related to the brave folks who are actively choosing to disrupt the seemingly unending loop of generational trauma. I’ve seen them referred to as “cycle breakers”. I refer to them as mountain movers, demon slayers, and superheros.
Who are these courageous folks? They are your neighbors, friends, co-workers, and loved ones. They are packaged in all races, genders, and the cultural diversity is vast. You may be a cycle breaker, too.
What kinds of cycles are they breaking? Addiction and abuse are two of the major trauma categories that get passed from generation to generation. For some, direct and indirect variations of these traumas show up like a wrecking ball. In some instances, it’s a subtle passing of the baton, that still has generational impact. Regardless of the mask it wears, these looping cycles of trauma are devastating. They can offset the critical foundation of a developing child or re-write the internal programming of an otherwise healthy adult.
Why are they so brave? Cycle breakers are brave because they choose (repeatedly) to hold up a stop sign on the metaphorical super highway. Mayhem and monotony stream by and they consciously act from a place of “enough!” While operating within a framework that has been given to them, they are choosing to simultaneously rewrite a new program from which to run their internal software. You’ve probably heard of swimming upstream. What if you were raising children, being a present partner, pursuing a career, AND swimming upstream? Now, that’s a more exhausting picture. And, exhaustion can be a very real feeling for cycle breakers. After acknowledging they want a new way for themselves and future generations they must face the arduous task of getting to the top of the stream in a current-opposing matter.
I honor your courage. If you are a cycle breaker, I am using these words to send you a huge supply of supportive energy. You are doing the work of a thousand earth movers with a hand-crafted shovel. You are building a new way for yourself and a better future for generations to come. Your work is not in vein, no matter how exhausting and meaningless it may feel at times. It is the work of the Divine who sees only perfection in the soul of all living things.
If you know a cycle breaker, I encourage you to let them know how much you admire their effort. If you are able, acknowledge the heavy load of luggage they carry on their back everyday, and offer to carry a bag or two, even if only for a few miles. Let them know they are not alone and they are doing work for the good of all.
In peace and gratitude,
Rita
