With the recent tragic natural disasters in Japan, many of us are left wondering how we can help when the situation seems almost hopeless. With modern technology, we are now more than ever starkly aware when tragedy of this magnitude strikes and we have to face it in real time. Although it is the job of the media to report to us in alarming detail when world events arise, they do very little in helping us cope. The truth is, sad things that defy traditional explanation occur every day and while our ego would love for us to dive head long into reactions ladled with fear, anger, sadness and anxiety; those emotions do nothing at all to help us or the unfortunate victims to heal and in fact, they can make already dreadful circumstances much worse.
When unforeseen catastrophes hit, it is absolutely the most important time to stay positive; but how? How on earth am I supposed to smile while watching media coverage of entire towns being wiped out in minutes by humongous waves so inexplicable they almost do not seem real? The truth is; it’s not that type of positivity that would be appropriate. It’s not possible to laugh something of this nature off and it would actually be incredibly insensitive to do so. The type of stay positive attitude that matters is really one of NOT engaging in the negativity that can arise from misfortune. Negativity of any form from those outside the situation, meaning not direct victims, will not lighten the load for those who are directly affected. That includes our emotional reactions, what we say and think about as well as what we do.
There is a collective consciousness and we add to it every minute of every day. Our thoughts and feelings generate an energy force that is felt in some way by every living thing, how we contribute to this life force is completely up to us. When a major tragedy strikes, the reactions of every single person matter in the healing for the victims and each of us has an obligation to ensure that the energy we contribute is positive and loving. It is far too easy to respond in a manner that only adds to the difficulty of these times. While you may initially be very upset or even angry, your tears and temper tantrums do nothing to restore the spirit of the people in need. Our bad feelings only serve to compile more of what we feel.
Instead of feeling angry, sad, upset or helpless; we can do something very constructive. We can completely avoid the mass tendency to engage in what our society had deemed as appropriate responses of depressing emotions and alternatively focus our thoughts and feelings in the production of beneficial waves of energy to send to the areas in distress. We are never helpless; if we cannot physically assist the victims we can do so with our energy alone. Prayer, intention, meditation and faith matter immensely and our combined strength via these means can uplift the atmosphere if only by not contributing more force to the negativity of an already fragile state.
When we learn about adversity, we can choose to send love as opposed to joining in the grief. Our melancholy will only add to the burden of such events while our affirmations of hope and faith will diminish it. Resist feelings of sadness and despair which dwell in the darkness and in their place turn to the light. If you can volunteer, than do it; if you can donate money or resources than do it; if you are not able to do those things you can always send your warm, caring energy into the universe.
Take care when you read, view or talk about tragic events and their aftermath and avoid over exposure which can lead to misery. When you hear people talking about the Japan earth quake and they speak with very heavy words and tone; intervene and ask them to pray for the recovery efforts and strength for those involved. Endlessly reading or talking about tragedy does not improve it, in fact, it can increase it. The most loving thing any person can do is the opposite, do not spotlight the event rather spend your time and energy on the recovery and healing.
Each and every single person can make a difference by simply keeping their thoughts aligned with positive, loving and healing intentions. We may never fully understand the cosmic reason for the occurrence of seemingly dreadful disasters and it’s not all that important that we do because those type of thoughts actually take our focus in a negative direction by dwelling on the why instead of the how we can make it better. Be careful and mindful; remember that you can enhance the healing or add to the misery with your thoughts. When you know this, you really have no other choice but to stay positive in the face of tragedy.
Gina Sendef is a Spiritual Self-Help Author and an Angel Inutitive. She created Angel Works as a means to work with the positive and loving energy of the angels to provide people with guidance that will improve their health, uncover their life’s purpose, enrich their relationships and enhance their lives.
Writing is also a passion. Her first book, “Truth Works, Divine Life Lessons for Kids of all Ages”, will be avaialbe for purchase very soon. For more information about all of these enlightened endeavors, please visit www.ginasendef.com.
2 comments
Gina – Beautifully said! I’m going to share on my facebook page if you don’t mind!!! Everyday, when I pray and think of all the things I am grateful for, I think of the people in Japan and ask God to bless them, and change me for the better. I try not to even watch the news too much – it’s all too negative. In fact, we don’t watch tv at all — no news, nothing. Not that we want our heads in the sand, but we can get just enough relevant facts on the computer.
Namaste!
When monkeys are being chased by a predator. They all get very panicky and run and scream and its every monkey for themselves (Albeit, momma looks out for her babies). But when one is caught and eaten alive. The danger is now over. The rest of the monkeys laugh hysterically!
No disrespect meant in this, but they have learned to clear the negative energy of the assumed danger from their bodies, immediately.
We find it noble to hold this negative energy. We believe that smiling would be insensitive. I smiled right after hearing about Japan. Not smiling at their calamity, but smiling at the pure awareness of life.
I even had a joking good time with my sis on the phone (not about Japan). But it was definitely time to clear that negative energy from my body. Now, I can be of service to the wounded and afflicted.
As you said, joining in the misery makes us ineffective.