The past and present converged this week. Many people experienced devastation, fear, and uncertainty 16 years ago on 9/11 and Hurricane Irma hit the US after devastating other countries and territories.
A good friend from high school was two blocks away from the World Trade Towers when they fell. I had family members living on both the east and west coasts of Florida when Irma hit; all are fine, one was lucky as fallen trees did not hit their home. I don’t know if all of them are without power, but one is.
Each of us has our own way of responding to devastation, to any life event. Some are inspired to engage in creative expression such as art or writing, while others become activists. There are people who go on as if they’re unaffected, while others rage. Some get stuck in grief and others heart’s expand and open through being vulnerable.
You could judge people’s reactions, including your own, but your response is a reflection of your own uniqueness. You aren’t supposed to be somebody else. If activism calls you – follow it. If creative expression or no expression at all is what you do, go with it. This diversity of collective expression has its place. By appreciating your own uniqueness and that of others, you can view things from a different perspective without being judgmental, providing an opportunity to learn and expand your worldview.
May you honor yourself and others through compassion and understanding. There is the potential for so much healing when you do.
Beth
A good friend from high school was two blocks away from the World Trade Towers when they fell. I had family members living on both the east and west coasts of Florida when Irma hit; all are fine, one was lucky as fallen trees did not hit their home. I don’t know if all of them are without power, but one is.
Each of us has our own way of responding to devastation, to any life event. Some are inspired to engage in creative expression such as art or writing, while others become activists. There are people who go on as if they’re unaffected, while others rage. Some get stuck in grief and others heart’s expand and open through being vulnerable.
You could judge people’s reactions, including your own, but your response is a reflection of your own uniqueness. You aren’t supposed to be somebody else. If activism calls you – follow it. If creative expression or no expression at all is what you do, go with it. This diversity of collective expression has its place. By appreciating your own uniqueness and that of others, you can view things from a different perspective without being judgmental, providing an opportunity to learn and expand your worldview.
May you honor yourself and others through compassion and understanding. There is the potential for so much healing when you do.
Beth
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