Self Defense?

A client knocked off his bicycle when a homeless man shoved a shopping cart into him said he was so angry that when he picked himself up from the roadway he punched the man. Later he felt terrible about the confrontation.

When he talked about this in group a few clients felt he’d done the right thing by punching the man.  After all, wasn't he defending himself?

However, the facilitator pointed out that the law doesn't consider it self-defense to hit someone if it’s possible to run away.

As the group continued the discussion revolved around the effect of such incidents on our recovery. After all, the recovery literature says “we ceased fighting anyone or anything…”  Something that might be in the book to suggest we avoid the drama that swirled about us when we were drinking and drugging.

Yet another client spoke of the potential danger in any violent confrontation.  Too often in such situations one of the parties uses a weapon, something that might have disastrous consequences.

Part of having serenity is to enjoy peace in all areas of our lives. Avoiding unnecessary conflict is one way to have that peace.