We have all been witness to unspeakable senseless tragedy and horror in the bombings at the Boston Marathon. The event has triggered for most of us an emotional avalanche with feelings of disbelief, anger, fear, sorrow and sadness. As adults, many find it incomprehensible and therefore struggle to know how to correctly respond to our children and their questions, and how as communities we can regain our footing and focus. I have found myself reaching for my own anchors this past week.
I came across a series of interviews of parents who had children die in the school shooting in Newtown, Connecticut. One mother, Nicole Hockley wrote, “I’ve seen the worst the world has to offer, and I’ve seen the best. From what I’ve seen, the good outweighs the bad.” Sometimes the words of children ring so crystal clear we must stop, listen and really pay attention. We have seen the image of young Martin Richards holding his sign, “No more hurting people…peace.”
A 6 year old, Jesse, who died in the December shooting had written on a blackboard in his kitchen, “Norurting Helinn Love”, meaning “Nurturing Healing Love.” Their words resonate loudly, positively and should propel us forward. Ned Hallowell, MD, writes eloquently about connection being the antidote to many of the crises our society faces today. I believe we have seen and felt connection very powerfully in the last week.
On Monday, April 29th, 3:30-5:30 YHC will be hosting Jim McCauley, LICSW, Associate Director of Riverside Trauma Center. He will be speaking on “Postvention: Helping Communities Take Control of Lives After A Traumatic Event”. His presentation will be more broadly focused than originally planned due to the recent trauma we have all experienced. I hope you will make arrangements to attend this important educational session. By taking care of ourselves and our own vulnerabilities we position ourselves to help our children and communities navigate from darkness to light, from fear to hope.
I have meditated to the following quote, published by Melissa Orlov in her weekly newsletter, “Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow, it empties today of its strength.” Corrie ten Boom, as quoted in Oprah Magazine. We should all let that be a part of our daily meditation.
