Yesterday’s tragedy in Boston has been heavy on my heart. Thinking about those who have been impacted directly – those who have lost a loved one – makes me feel sad, angry, and absolutely helpless.
It brings me back to 9/11 – the first time my idealistic bubble had ever been burst. I couldn’t imagine that someone could fill their life with so much hatred. I couldn’t believe that someone would want a complete stranger to die. My heart broke for those who would never see their loved ones again.
And yesterday’s tragedy brought up so many of these dormant feelings.
I started to spiral downward. I could feel it.
I was in physical pain in my shoulders, almost as though I were carrying the weight of the world there. I couldn’t concentrate on work. It seemed so trivial to me when so many were suffering so deeply at that exact moment. I started to wonder about the type of person who could commit such a horrific act. And while I haven’t seen pictures online or watched the news (a decision I made after 9/11), I know enough to know that it’s sickening and heartbreaking and devastating.
And that’s when the tears started to flow. The helpless, angry, hopeless, I-don’t-want-to-live-in-a-world-where-people-can-commit-such-hateful-acts tears.
I started to spiral downward. I could feel it.
My jaw started cracking. My gums started bleeding. My body was hurting. My head was hurting. My heart was aching. My soul was crying.
As an empath, I immediately internalize others’ pain and suffering. It just happens, and if I’m not careful, I will carry it with me for days (or even years).
I have realized through the years that my suffering isn’t taking anyone else’s suffering away.
I have realized that the only way to help another out of their own suffering is to love them.
That’s it.
Just love them.
So in this instance, while I can’t bring back those who have died, I can send extra love to those who are living. While I can’t heal the hearts of those who are afraid, I can send them extra love and let them know on an energetic level that I am there for them. While I can’t take away the pain of everyone who is feeling sorrow about what happened, I can let love pour out of me and into the hearts of everyone who needs it.
This is what I can do.
And somehow, knowing this makes me feel a little bit better.
I can grieve. I can honor those who died. I can embrace those who are still living. And I can send love to anyone and everyone who needs it a bit extra. Today, tomorrow, and every day after that.
This I can do.
And so can you.
So, I would ask each of us right now to close our eyes, take a deep breath, and imagine that love is flowing from our hearts into the world. When it leaves your body, you can see it going into everyone’s heart – those you know and those you don’t. Your love has the ability to heal absolutely everyone.
And I love that. We’re definitely not helpless in the face of such a tragedy. Definitely not.
We always have an endless supply of love in our hearts.
And today, I would love for all of us to let it flow into the world and land where it’s most needed.
Hugs,
So, so very true. I have stopped watching the news long ago, but of course incidents like the one in Boston, and in Iraq where 20 where killed by a bomb the same day, and Somalia where 29 died in a bomb attack the day before.
I saw a quote on Facebook the other day, saying not to despair of the violence, but to look for the helpers. It shifts the focus towards the positive in a powerful way. How many selfless, beautiful people are there who care for the injured! This makes me realise then that those who plant bombs are a tiny minority and people in general are decent, good, beautiful souls.
Much love!
Hi Sibylle,
It’s so true that focusing on those who help rather than hurt puts it into perspective. I do believe that there is much more love than hate in our world. I’m always so touched when I see beautiful souls helping others in need – and that definitely is something wonderful to focus on. Hugs and love!
So incredibly moved by this post, Jodi . . . Yes, I joined you in sending that love into this hurting world. Only love can change it for the better.
Blessings to you!
Hi Jodi,
Just discovered your blog, and I love your name – my mom’s name is Jody! (Except with a ‘Y’…)
I really liked this post for a couple of reasons. One, you remind us that it’s so important to remind ourselves that, in the midst of such bad and hate, there is a lot of good and a lot of love in the world. And, though the acts of those few filled with hate can have a gigantic impact, the acts and love of the good will (hopefully) always outnumber the bad.
But I too was so sad thinking about all of the lives affected…it’s amazing how life can truly change in an instant.
The other thing is, that it’s so nice to “meet” another empath. I am a naturally empathetic person too and have a great ability to put myself in other people’s shoes, even if I haven’t faced their specific challenge. I have faced tough challenges, though, and so I know challenge.
This is not to brag about myself, but only to say that I so appreciate your empathy. It’s a quality I wish we had more of in the world.
Thanks for sharing this post.
~ Rachel
An excellent post Jodi. I really enjoyed reading it. I agree with you that no one is helpless never. Thanks for this lovely post.
Beautifully said Jodi. Love will triumph over hate every time. Hate destroys, but love heals. Sending love to you, and to everyone affected by this awful act. xxx
Bless you for this one Jodi.
“Love is the only sane and satisfactory answer to the problem of human existence.” ~ Eric Fromm