Natural Power

Tropical Storm Fay is on its way to Florida, having already hit the Florida Keys. At least 4 people in the Dominican Republic and 50 in Haiti have been killed, with many more injured and thousands left homeless.

Very bad weather is expected in Florida tomorrow, and it sounds as if the storm may reach hurricane proportions.

It is never easy when potential tragedy starts knocking on your own front door... and with each new natural disaster, I am acutely aware of all the people I know who live in, come from, or still have connections to some particular area of the country.

I believe that sense of community - the one that spans beyond the borders of our own town, city, or state - is very important. It is contained within and is integral to the beginnings of compassion, and such compassion can lead to advocacy on a spiritual and practical level.

Such a sense of connection can also exist on a global level. Embracing community across countries and continents helps to foster both a sense of humility and grandiosity (both in a good sense).

We may realize how small we are... how our lives are but one tiny thread within a rich and intricate tapestry of life across infinite spans of time and space. At the same time, becoming conscious of the interconnectedness of all others with whom we are sharing each moment can expand our sense of self with regard to the mysterious and hotly debated ethereal, potentially divine energy through which we are all common and all joined. That piece of us that mimics all human beings, all things living and alive, allows us to be larger than the "I" of individual experience.

Humble and grand we have the power to remember our greater community and do what we can to aid in the suffering or distress of others. Tiny giants... whose smallest actions can change lives. Remember how powerful you are.

Gratitude

What does it mean when we receive "thanks" from others? How does it impact you to know you have made a difference in someone else's life... even if it's just a tiny glimmer of hope or a brief moment of emotional calm? What does it mean to feel valued? To feel your efforts are worthwhile and carry a greater purpose beyond your own limited imaginings?

I think sometimes we choose to do things that feel as if they are in vain. Or they are selfishly motivated. Or that - even if we have an inkling they may impact other people on some higher level - we don't truly believe it will be that big of a deal. It's just me. Doing what I do. Or doing what I think I'm supposed to be doing. Even though I have absolutely no idea what to do and am just totally making it up as I go along.

My guess is, we all share that boat sometimes... sailing out in unsheltered, uncharted waters. Trying to find our way with a wonky compass and a vessel that feels too small and too untested for the task ahead.

But you do matter. That's my belief, at least. You impact hundreds of thousands of lives in the course of your one lifetime... and you touch people every day. Now, maybe sometimes you spread ripples of frustration, or fear, or anxiety, or anger. But - I'm guessing - you also send out ripples of kindness, caring, generosity, creativity, and beauty.

We all want to feel like we matter. Not only to ourselves, but to others as well. And the funny thing... the very humanly paradoxical thing is: We all do. Without even trying. We're all spun together in this chaotic, quixotic, chimeric, and often silly event called life... and so our actions (be they small or large) inevitably shift the world around us.

So what will you do with all that power? What is the balance between personal and social responsibility? Between selfishness and selflessness? What is the path you choose to tread if you know it is not all in vain?

You do matter. You are making a difference.

Thank you.