In our Buddist-oriented meditation group, there is a discussion half-hour.
During that 30 minutes this evening there was an almost universal reflection: What might Derek Chauvin be thinking and feeling in his cell?
Sure, maybe Chauvin is focusing on his appeal. In Bloomberg Law, Bernie Kohn presents the possible grounds for that appeal.
But, in solitary confinement, Chauvin has lots more time to muse on more than an appeal.
We wondered if he is anything near that "moment of clarity" when raw reality breaks through. That is, when he is in total touch with what he did to another human being - unjustly. If so, we asked each other: Was it acceptable for us to have compassion for the infamous Derek Chauvin. The official term for that set of feelings is "radical compassion."
Admittedly, when a crime is so heinous, it is difficult to muster up compassion. In the book "The Manson Woman and Me" Nikki Meredith examines the lack of empathy in regard to murderer Leslie Van Houten. Because there is such little looping into identification with what might have factored into Van Houten's actions, it's unlikely that Van Houten will ever get parole.
What we in our meditation wrestled with were all those human issues of how Chauvn ever got to where he was when on the neck of George Floyd. What trauma hadn't he processed? What was the tipping point in the hardening his heart?
Yes, we admitted we had compassion for Chauvin the man. We also hoped that he could change. But it's likely no one will believe that if he does change. There aren't many who believe Van Houten when she explains her transformation.
The trial is over. But we as a nation remain reeling. There could be a route to collective inner peace if we embrace hope that Chauvin can come to agree with the jurors. That he had done something very wrong. Let's believe that this human being has the capability for salvation.
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