[Carol]

With respect to TTTTW... Some come to the forum with a history that is very traumatic and unfortunately this is the place where they may feel safe to share their story because there is no one else, no witness who is available to listen, or even believe in the possibility that what is shared is real to the person in distress.

We are adults here and if a member's story is something that is disturbing or vexing, then sometimes the best course of action is not to participate in that thread or with that member. This means do not click on the member's thread or respond to what is being shared by that particular member. These types of members can also be a test of true unconditional love for those whom come in contact with them. Being a witness... assuming the responsibility of fellow-ship to another human by choosing to be part of a healing process requires a compassionate heart and steady nerves. And sometimes the member's experience just needs to be shared and that is enough. And sometimes it's not.

It would be very easy to just toss everyone who is annoying off the forum. Yet who benefits from this...? All those who are stable and don't want to see the boat rocked?

Each member's situation is unique and often we just don't know the ramifications of unkind words or unkind actions until the damage has been done. The question here with respect to TTTTW is exceptionally a sensitive one. What do you do when you know someone may be homeless, friendless, totally afraid of everyone and doesn't feel safe in the world? It would be easy to just say he or she is crazy. Yet I've seen very sane people feel and act very crazy when their world crumbles around them. Hence, the dark night of the soul.

Somewhere on this life journey one may hit bottom, go through the dark night of the soul and hopefully come out the other side. I suspect many here may have experienced this at one time or another... however, kicking someone when they are down is a pretty common practice in the animal kingdom, including the human animal. Yet, here we all are and profess to be spiritual beings who are in a human body on a human "spiritual" journey of growth and transformation. Our very ego humanness oftens want a rational, well organized world because chaos is too scary. Someone who is really "out there" can also be scary because it is a personal reminder of just how fragil the ego really is. When this happens there is often a sense of helplessness and not knowing what to do. Yet we also know that these unique souls are heros because they are still in the world trying to make the best of their difficult situation and didn't give up. We should be applauding their efforts and letting them know that when everything is said and done, it took a tremendous amount of courage to live through it all.

Irrespective of what is going with various people on the forum an act of kindness in the face of someone's acting out... in this instance not reacting to what is being posted but instead, choosing to respond in a tactful manner, or not to respond at all is of benefit to the collective consciousness. From a spiritual perspective each individual is of value whether we can see it or not and is worthy of respect.