Writing play starts journey of spiritual awakening 

Martin Cohen

January 12, 2008

 
     And God said, "If you praise me, then I know that you love me. If you curse me, then I know that you care. But if you do nothing when you see suffering, then I know I created you in vain." —From the wisdom of  Rabbis

    I don't think of myself as a strictly religious man. Although I have always maintained my connection with God, that connection had grown somewhat unorthodox over the years. I had a strong belief in Judaism as a child, getting bar mitzvah, yet as I matured, I lost interest in my formal religion and began exploring various spiritual disciplines.

     My real religious or spiritual story began with my recent retirement from a career as a psychotherapist. Having a practice for more than twenty-five years, I saw my share of spousal beatings, drug addiction, hospitalizations, suicide attempts, and child abuse. Most therapists practicing in Eugene and Springfield will tell you that they, too. have had their share of family violence cases.

     At times, I absorbed from my clients a great deal of negative feelings, emotions, and even dangerous behaviors. This is the work; I have no complaints. I retired about three years ago, believing I could contribute something more to my community from my work as a therapist. I felt inspired to write "So Far From Shore", a play about my experiences treating victims of childhood sexual abuse, to bring some closure to a satisfying career. The writing of the play was an enormous cathartic and spiritual experience.

     The emotions I was carrying around for so many years needed to be purged. I believe they have found their place in the pages of my play, and I feel a lot lighter! The efforts to have the play produced started a journey that awoke my spiritual nature and helped me recognize this aspect of the Divine in others. I spoke to many religious and civic leaders here in Eugene and Springfield and discovered that almost all shared my vision and were willing to support this project.

I am shaken by the realization that childhood sexual abuse and domestic violence have affected so many people in so many different ways. Most people I spoke to had either been personally touched by this problem or knew or served victims. I am hopeful that the play will help to create a shift in consciousness and open a conversation in our community to break the destructive silence around childhood sexual abuse, and perhaps be a step toward helping survivors of sexual abuse start on a path of healing.

Many thanked me for the work I am doing. Many called it God’s work, and I am very moved. Now, toward the end of my journey, I am better able to see the spark of the divine in people as they attend to the suffering of others. I’m happy to say my connection to God remains strong.

Martin Cohen is a member of Or haGan, Light of the Garden Jewish community.

This column is coordinated by Lane Interfaith Alliance, a network of religious and spiritual traditions in the Eugene-Springfield area.  For information, visit www.laneinterfaithalliance.org or call 344-5693.