What is the point of punishment?

I think about this a lot. I think that many people would say that the point of punishment is to deter bad behavior, to inspire prosocial or ethical behavior, or to satisfy our natural appetite for justice. The research doesn't support the notion that punishment achieves these aims, though, in kids or people of any age. It's interesting to me that the belief in it persists, and the urge for vengeance. Why did such a reflex evolve in us, and why do so many of is continue to nurture it?

I love your point about there being more healers than we might recognize or expect, given a person's situation, appearance, or "qualifications". I've found that most (if not all) healers I've met do seem to have some amount of trauma and hardship in their past. This makes sense, since suffering often leads to compassion, in my experience, and compassion is a vital component of healing work.

I'm encouraged to hear that you've found intentional communities that have helped you with your healing. I believe community is the source of much of our healing, as well as the place where we're called to show up powerfully to help others heal.

Thanks for reading and for your thoughtful response. :)