The frequency and immensity of recent catastrophic events on this planet has left everyone in a state of disbelief. This pre-reflective state of being has taken many forms.
I would suggest all responses have been a way of shielding from the painful shock of the realities.
Some of us looked around aware of the geographical extent, considering not only the hurricane of the moment, but forest fires, earthquakes,mudslides and typhoons also ravaging, destroying, and devastating all they touched. The initial awareness of the whole of it was somehow calming.
Others lashed out in blaming anger, pointing out the horrors of political policies which for years have allowed things to develop to this point. At the same time outrage arose in people as they lashed out at the blamers, accusing them of heartless political opportunism. These also were a shield from stark reality.
Others turned to deep gratitude with a joyful sigh of relief, having lived through the ruthless ravaging of their environment. Their vigorous s positivity was accompanied by their sharing dramatic images of the destruction, accompanied with the assurance that all would soon return to normal soon enough.
All of these responses, and other responses too numerous to mention, as are holding patterns - defense mechanisms - until the whole of this new reality can be processed into a place of comprehensible acceptance.
Even immediately diving into cleaning up the mess, repairing damages, healing wounds, and delivering food and water is comforting relief from the cruel upheaval of a secure existence. However valuable and practical is this care, the nagging foggy awareness of so many others devastated is fuel for denial.
To summarize, the overwhelming reality of what has been happening, can be paralyzing emotionally. You are free to process the state of the planet in any way you feel drawn. In order to process, I am drawn to diligent introspection and patience.
How are you processing this radically discontinuous state of life today?
