When I woke up this morning I had a plan...an idea for my blog post for today. As is my new morning routine, I got up and went to my office. I no longer check in with social media or morning news programs. I spend the first 15 - 20 minutes of my day for me! I meditate and do some yoga stretches. I write in my journal, read my daily motivational quote and check my calendar for my daily appointments. Today, I grabbed my coffee and packed my bag for my morning classes at the Y. As I was getting dress I check my phone for the weather. As the screen came into focus (I didn't have my glasses on), I caught the News Alert - "terrorists attack in New Zealand". I actually felt my heart drop and I could not breathe. My immediate thoughts were of Michael and Jamie. Where had this attack taken place? Who was the target. I need to call them right now!
Once I started breathing again and collected my thoughts, I went to the news site and got more information. The attack was in Christchurch. They are in Auckland so they are safe. But then my mind went back to 9/11. There was more than one plane. Could there be more attacks coming in New Zealand. Auckland is a major city. Could an attack there be next? More scrolling through the new bulletin. No mention of further attacks. Breathe! Should I call. Wait, it's 4:00 a.m. on Saturday morning there. No need to disturb their sleep. They are fine and I will check in with them later. I send up an audible
prayer for Michael and Jamie and for my soon to be born grand baby. I send up a silent prayer for those killed and injured. I take 10 deep breaths to center myself so I can go to work.
Why am I sharing this story? Well, because I have learned a few things about myself and how I react/respond to news like this. A few years ago, if I had woken up to this news, and I would have gone into full panic mode. Phone calls would have been made regardless of the hour. I wouldn't have stopped to get more information. I would have just given into my panic and driven myself and everyone around me crazy. Today, when faced with a very real fear for members of my family, I was able to take the time to get the information I needed before I reacted to the initial news. I didn't panic like I used to when I heard of an earthquake or wild fire anywhere near where one of my children happened to be.
The difference today is that I have learned the difference between being "reactive" and being "responsive". For me, in a reactive state, panic would taken over and I would become irrational. I would let the fear take over and I would lose the ability to stay calm and get more information. I would have immediately assumed the attack was in Auckland. I would have assumed my family was in danger.
In my responsive state, I could stay calm. I could find out more information and respond to that information rationally. Knowing that my family was safe, I could respond with compassion for those killed and injured. I could thank God that my family was safe. I didn't rush to call Michael in the middle of his night. But be assured, there will be a Facetime later today so that I can see their faces and hear their voices - the mamma bear in me still needs to see her baby cub!
My mother, as I'm sure yours, always said "think before you speak". I have extended that idea to include "think before you act". Resist the knee-jerk reactions to bad news. Think of ways to stay positive, show compassion and stay connected. If you sit in a corner wringing your hands, the bad news can consume you. What happened in New Zealand today is a tragedy. There is so much hate in our world. But, here's the thing - IT'S OUR WORLD! And if we don't get out of the corner and work to find positive solutions for the various conflicts taking place what will be left for future generations.
We need to find ways to "respond" not just "react" when events like today happen. We can't solve the world's problems, but we can do little things within our own community that can make a difference. Perhaps be a little kinder as you go about your day today. Remember that some people didn't make it home from their place of worship last night. Let's help each other find a little peace and kindness today, and everyday. That is way to respond to these horrific acts of hate.
No comments:
Post a Comment