Where to Now?

My heart is sickened as though a part of me has been torn away. I don't want to experience the tragedy in Pakistan and India as a news event. I want to "feel" the loss of 20,000 to 30,000 souls. I don't want to simply throw money at the event and feel good about myself, although money does help to restore some of the necessities of life.

I want to "project" myself into the event as though it happened to me, during and afterwards. I want to ask myself, "How would that event change my life?" Several thoughts come to mind. First, a reordering of my priorities of importance has occurred. My relationships and their quality are foremost on my list; family, friends, and the human community. I begin asking myself, "How have I behaved in the last month or so? Have I projected love and support or selfishness? Have I focused on giving or getting? What are the little things I can do in my everyday life to show those around me I care: Flowers, a walk in silence, a genuine concern for something I know is going on, a smile, a hug, an acknowledgement of support or something well-done, a contribution, a verbal statement of love, etc.

Second, my contribution to the world around me that I influence. Am I living my passion? Do I know what it is? If I did, would I pursue it with all my heart and soul or would it require me to experience forgiveness and humility? Somehow, I have the feeling that living my passion keeps me young in body, mind, and spirit. It creates an energy in me that becomes my natural contribution to the world. It sets my work life priorities. It prevents me from ever being tired or burned out. It allows me to understand what it is to truly exerience being human. It becomes the essence of service to others.

Third, attending my own mental, physical, and spiritual well-being. Do I seek the company of those who help me to grow or those who keep in me in my safety zone? Do I have a daily regimen for physical renewal? And am I willing to explore beyond my own belief system to a source within me that constantly changes my world to be more expansive, understanding, and accepting of differing religious expressions? Do I sense there is a Source that embraces us all, that goes beyond that which we presently know?

When I let myself go and try to experience the recent tragedy in southeas Asia, these are where my thoughts take me. I invite each of you to do your own "projection exploration" and share your comments, if appropriate.