Skip to content

Think of each wound as you would of a child who has been…

“Think of each wound as you would of a child who has been hurt by a friend. As long as that child is ranting and raving, trying to get back at the friend, one wound leads to another. But when the child can experience the consoling embrace of a parent, she or he can live through the pain, return to…” quote by Henri Nouwen
Download Open image
“Think of each wound as you would of a child who has been hurt by a friend. As long as that child is ranting and raving, trying to get back at the friend, one wound leads to another. But when the child can experience the consoling embrace of a parent, she or he can live through the pain, return to the friend, forgive, and build up a new relationship. Be gentle with yourself, and let your heart be your loving parent as you live your wounds through.”

Henri Nouwen

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Healing requires self‑compassion; treating personal pain like a child needing a parent’s comfort allows forgiveness and growth.

In simple terms: Be kind to yourself to heal.

Key Takeaway

Practice self‑compassion.

Themes

self‑compassion healing forgiveness relationships

Mood

reflective hopeful

Type

advice inspirational

When to use this quote

  • therapy sessions
  • personal crisis
  • conflict resolution
  • grief counseling

Key Concepts

psychology empathy attachment theory

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you become your own compassionate parent?
  • What steps help you move from pain to forgiveness?
A Different Perspective

Self‑compassion alone may not resolve deep trauma without external support.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Henri Nouwen

Explore all 452 Henri Nouwen quotes

More Been hurt quotes

Browse all 97 Been hurt quotes