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Washington Ethical Society
7750 16th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20012
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What does Ethical Culture offer people facing personal suffering? 
Suffering is seen as an inevitable part of life that confronts us with important personal challenges. Illness, accident, loss, and violence raise walls of isolation and hopelessness. Pain concentrates our attention within the self. We experience ourselves separated from the creature comforts, people, and ambitions that usually define us. By isolating the self, pain exposes our inner needs and strengths.
In the throes of suffering, a will-to-live is inspired by the people and purposes you love. A network of people supporting you when you are in need is a powerfully nurturing experience. This network reminds you that you are not alone. You feel people caring and your own caring as well. This love can rescue you from fear and allow hope to rise again.
Convalescence is a time of refuge from daily routines. It provides an opportunity for considering the strands of the life we are weaving. We can project forward to new possibilities and opportunities. The frustrating stumbling blocks, which can seem like barriers, can be better understood as stepping stones. These are the lessons that must be mastered to progress on our chosen path. Belonging to a network of people, we can find practical assistance for getting beyond frustration. Imagining the kind of future we want inspires us with renewed purpose. |
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