When the Devastating Unexpected Happens by Laura Fine
By Laura Fine
Sometimes, no matter how much we plan or work toward being a responsible adult, the unexpected happens. Whether pleasant or painful, the unexpected shows up in relationships, life events and any number of circumstances. When incidents occur over which we are helpless many are ill equipped in how do we respond. What do we say? What do we do? How should we even think in our mind in such a way that will be productive or realistic and is it even possible?
The tsunami hit not just Japan but our entire planet. We cannot help but be touched directly or indirectly by the hundreds of thousands of people whose lives changed in an instant. When sudden tragedy occurs it gives us pause to reflect. For a few moments we acknowledge our vulnerability. No matter how rich or poor, what continent we live on, if we’re inland or coastal, death, the great humbler, often takes us by surprise. Tragedy gives us the opportunity to think on important questions such as; how am I contributing to others? What if anything, have I done, or can I do to make a difference in this world? We seek reasons, explanations and have a desire to understand, to reconcile our lives and our fate. The tsunami hit my life simultaneously with another personal loss. When I experience devastation I, like most, see to be consoled. When I feel impacted by circumstances, relationships and events beyond my control, I turn toward spiritual teachings. Truth brings ease to my heart when I am helpless over personal or universal circumstances. I asked a personal friend who is a spiritual teacher, Swami Nikhilanand, How is it helpful to think in the mind when something devastating like a tsunami occurs?” His answer was simple and beautiful. I’d like to share it with you. Read More…
We know that in this world, there will always be happiness as well as suffering. The two keep oscillating. Sometimes the swings are subtle, and sometimes they are extreme. Periodically, disastrous things happen on the earth planet. But we have to remember that there are no “tragic’ or “untimely” deaths. A person dies at the exact time they are destined to, whether it’s in an earthquake, tsunami, or any other way, and nobody lives forever. Everyone has to die sometime, somehow. Those who died in the disaster in Japan have gone on to their next life according to the actions they performed in this life. The ones who died have moved on. It is the ones left behind who suffer in the absence of their loved ones. We suffer because of the way we look at situations and because of our attachments. If someone needs help, we should help them. There is no telling what will come out of this latest disaster, how it will affect people’s lives in the years to come. So we shouldn’t judge such events as good or bad.
For more info on Laura Fine or the school she founded go to www.lionheartinstitute.com
Laura Fine, M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy, H.H.P., M.A., Co-Founder of the Lionheart institute
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