What happens within us, physiologically and spiritually, when we are exposed to suffering we are not at the center of? Drawing from neuroscience and Islamic teachings on responsibility and stewardship, Shaykh Dr. Mehdi Hazari will begin by grounding the discussion by offering insight into how the nervous system responds to prolonged exposure to collective crisis, and how spiritual frameworks help us metabolize what we witness. From there, the space will open into a guided conversation. This is not a lecture style session, it is circle for reflection and discussion — an opportunity to think together about how we carry what we see, how we are better able to support one another, regulate together, and move from overwhelm toward grounded, aligned care. 

Together, we’ll invite your questions and explore themes of collective regulation, spiritual grounding, and responsible care — asking:

• What does repeated exposure to suffering do to the body over time?

• How do spiritual practices regulate the nervous system in times of crisis?

• What does it mean to respond from steadiness rather than urgency?

• What would it mean for a community to be regulated together?

• What does responsible care look like when we cannot directly intervene?
  

Registration will be offered through a capacity-based donation supporting Glia’s wound care clinic in Gaza. In the spirit of collective care - we ask each person to give thoughtfully and in alignment with their true capacity. This model relies on shared responsibility — those who are able to give more make it possible for the clinic to remain sustained and for access to remain open.