There is such a sense of powerless when tragedy strikes, especially one of humongous proportion as the recent earthquake in Haiti. We wonder what we can do as the images haunt us and we try to imagine the unbelievable: of losing everything we own and facing a daunting and uncertain future while still not even beginning to comprehend the loss of our loved ones. Surrounded by death and disease, no food or water and little or no help a week after the earthquake first struck, despite what the mass media reports.
I remember after my father died the thing that struck me the most was that after most people's initial shock and reaction wore off, their lives continued. I simply could not comprehend how life could… well… just go on… People went on with their lives as if nothing had happened.
Didn't they know someone had died? Didn't they care? Of course they did. I knew it was my pain talking, but since that time I have made a point of acknowledging any tragedy by lighting candles for those who have died or are in peril.
I was taught to "pray" by simply offering up my thoughts and energy to whoever or whatever I believe created me; and that in turn, these good thoughts could be used where they were most needed.
I have made it my business to follow reliable news sources, which are generally not the mass media, for the duration. Somehow by following what is really going on, either by reading or listening to reliable reports and looking at pictures, is some small way of bearing witness to what has occurred, and is still going on. I may not personally be in any position to help those in trouble, but I don't have to pretend that it isn't happening. In that way at least I am paying my respects. In such a way, maybe, a small amount of my energy is passed on to those who desperately need it.
Light a candle, say a prayer, be willing to bear witness. Seek out the truth of what is really happening in Haiti. Please don't let these people be forsaken.
