“I’m not okay. I think that’s alright right now though.” A teenager told me this while we sat together mixing a recording of his music. His song was intense and raw. It described anger and hopelessness and feeling like no one in his life understood him. He was frustrated that the adults in his life were trying to fix him, but no one was taking the time to hear him. 

The most important thing we do at MVM is to meet people where they are, not where we think they should be. Holding space for the silence of pain and the cacophony that anger brings is as important as creating opportunities for the development of new skills. 

"The human soul doesn’t want to be advised or fixed or saved. It simply wants to be witnessed — to be seen, heard and companioned exactly as it is. When we make that kind of deep bow to the soul of a suffering person, our respect reinforces the soul’s healing resources, the only resources that can help the sufferer make it through."- Parker Palmer, PhD, Founder of Center for Courage

I find comfort in that quote. It speaks to me personally.  It’s a reminder to take time to listen; and it's a reminder that it’s okay to feel overwhelmed, afraid, angry, sad, or simply numb. It’s also okay to let ourselves laugh and find joy in the midst of despair.  We are doing what we need to do in the best way we know how. And that is enough right now.

Wishing you all peace and health and the resources you need when these things fail you.

Ian Mouser,
Executive Director