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Friday, April 27, 2012

Red Writing Hood -- Core


Last night my son and I cut up a fresh pineapple – the old fashioned way – with a sharp knife. As we slice the top off, we debated which method to use for removing the core. He wanted to use the knife to work around it, and then slice the pineapple into rings. I suggested just cutting the pineapple in half and then removing the core in sections.

This process got me thinking about life. About healing and recovery from trauma – specifically abuse.

There are a lot of similarities in preparing a pineapple and recovering from abuse.

First you have cut off the top – all that non-essential, frou-frou stuff, so you can get to the real stuff. Then you have to slice off that rough exterior – the protective layer.

Now you’re getting to the good stuff. You can see the fruit, and the juice is starting to ooze out, but there is still the hard core in the center, and it will inhibit the flavor of the pineapple if you try to eat it without removing the core. 

Pretty much like recovery. Get rid of the façade and the protective shell, and you can work with what’s real and good and sweet. Life is a lot better, but if you don’t get to the core of the problem, you'll always be inhibited by the abuse.

I’m still working on getting the core out of my life, but I’m learning to enjoy what’s real and good and sweet at the same time.

Pineapple anyone?

link up at Red Writing Hood

9 comments:

  1. What a great analogy! I cut up a dozen or two pineapples before I actually read instructions and realized I was supposed to dispose of the core. But this reminds me of something else--the core is where the potential for new growth lies, too. All in how we handle it.

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  2. I like Katheleen's comment, too, the core is tough and houses some of the hurt, but without it there can't be growth. I ate the core when trying to get pregnant, because I read it helped with implantation.

    And fresh pineapple is my favorite!

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  3. What a brilliant metaphor! And sometimes it's very messy but the rewards are sweet. :)

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  4. This really spoke to me. It made me reflect on personal experiences. This was just what I needed today. I liked your take on this prompt.

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  5. I agree. I love the unique metaphor you created here.

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  6. awesome. and yes, it does relate well. and I can relate to what youve written too. Thank you for linking up with these thoughts.

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  7. I can relate to the analogy you created and enjoy that it came to you while spending time with your son. Isn't it funny how being in the moment can conjure ideas and bring clarity? I especially like the part about chopping off that "non-essential frou-frou stuff" So true, so true.

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  8. I'm in agreement, great analogy. Such a fantastic physical representation. Great post!

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