Creative Solidarity

As moral injury enters the DSM – not as a formal diagnosis, but as a factor which could lead to mental health conditions – many of us will have different reactions. Caution, relief, optimism, confusion…

Perhaps the rich possibility of the work unfolding around moral injury lies in this complexity. Before us we have an evolving field which is enthusing theologians, artists, clinicians, ethicists, humanitarians, academics and many more. In this age of polarization and division, celebrating such complexity, staying with the messiness and resisting the urge to move to a competitive position of ‘knowing’ feels a helpful antidote.

Starting in October, we are offering a monthly gathering to come together in creative solidarity, where we can experiment with a space that doesn’t compete or compare, it doesn’t seek to seek out hierarchies or deservedness. It is easy to feel isolated in these baffling and bewildering days. Coming together may remind us of our shared power and humanity – how humans through compassion and connection can find ways through.

In this space we envisage a sharing of ideas, exploring responses, thoughts and feelings along the theme of moral injury, moral distress, moral repair and moral courage. You may want to come and share something you’re creating or thinking about, or something you have read which inspired you. Poetry, music, artwork, writing, film… You may want to come and share something about your own moral wellbeing and the significant waypoints on your journey. You may want to come and listen.

We aim to have a space of acceptance where we will embrace different views and deepen our shared understanding of moral injury. All are welcome.

In our first month we’ll create a group agreement and establish a way of working together that is supportive and exploratory.

We propose this thinking and doing space because in our conversations it feels an important step in seeing creativity as healing. We hope that in sharing difference, process and curiosity we might amplify an alternative to the dominant paradigms.

We hope you can join us. In creative solidarity.