This happens to me all too frequently. I hear something interesting on the radio while driving (usually on public radio) and I can't remember who said it on what program on which day.
Still, a snapshot heard this weekend has stuck with me.
The reporter was interviewing an expert on mental health after traumatic events. The context was the trauma suffered by those in Haiti. The grief, of course, is overwhelming. The people of Haiti have lost loved ones, friends, limbs, property, homes and so much more. One is left to wonder, asked the reporter, how these people can survive with thier mental health intact.
The person being interviewed, suggested three ways. First, spirituality and/or a connection to something beyond and greater than the self. Second, doing productive work. Third, helping others. He went on to say the biggest mistake rescue teams make is to do all the work and not allow those in country to serve as they can. The human need to help others is basic, deep and necessary to our own ability to survive and thrive.
As I listened to this, I thought about these three things as a foundation for the mental health of everyone, not just those suffering an acute trauma. After all, grief and loss touch us all. We may not be actively grieving but to deny our grief and loss is to deny our humanity. We all need a spiritual connection, productive work and the opportunity to help others. In this way, we too not only survive but thrive.
1 comment:
Maybe this ties in to something I've been pondering in the last week. I've been wondering if the chronic homeless could use some spiritual direction in rediscovering their passions and talents and how they can be improving the lives of others. It seems most are trapped in survival mode, focused on their own misery and lack of connection with others. If one could build a relationship with one of these men or women, help them remember their ability to help others or make others smile (or find new ways), it could result in their feeling connected to community, building their self esteem and self worth. Could finding their vocation be the path for some to find their place at the center of a community rather than the frayed edges?
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