Coping With Natural Disasters

When you have major natural disasters occur like the cyclone in Myanmar (Burma), the massive earthquake and on-going aftershocks in China, the devastating tornadoes in the US or the last major hurricane Katrina, everyone is dramatically affected by the pain and suffering. The massive destruction and chaos left behind in such widespread areas is not only devastating for the people directly hurt by the disaster but very disconcerting and unsettling for people everywhere.

In the two most recent disasters we can - in real time - see and feel the pain and utter hopelessness of those directly involved in China and can only image the devastation and destruction in Myanmar. The same holds true for all the tornado victims in the Midwest and Southeastern US – or fire victims in California and Florida. And now, the storm center has again predicted for this year a large number of hurricanes and named storms.

While somewhat remotely viewing all of this destruction and devastation elsewhere, we realize that the rest of us have been spared. It could have been us whether we live in hurricane, earthquake and tsunami territory, flood zones, tornado alley or the heat and drought areas. We all realize the obvious real-time destruction pales in comparison to the enormity of the loss. While you can see the look of despair in the eyes of the victims, you can also see the disquieting look of sadness and helplessness in your neighbors’ eyes.

Helping Others Requires Nurturing of Self

Even though millions regularly and generously reach out to help those living through the loss of loved ones, no homes to return to, no income and massive destruction, it is important to nurture self at the same time so you are in a position to help others.

Tragedy of fellow humans zaps the energy out of all people, especially those that live in areas where a natural disaster is always eminent on the horizon. So just what can you do to nurture self while maintaining respect for those in such great need?

Three Steps to Nurturing Your Energy

While you are in the process of doing what you can to help others in such great need, there are a number of things you can do to nurture and uplift your energy.

First, limit the amounts of time you sit in front of the television watching such a tragedy unfold - no matter what your feelings are about the tragedy. While it is appropriate to view the news so you can obtain the necessary information about what is happening in a disaster area, in your surroundings and in the world, too much viewing of such great loss imbeds that negative energy in your mind, body and spirit. You need to balance all of that negative energy with some positive viewing. Find some light programming that will bring a smile to your face or make you laugh to help re-energize self. Listening to soothing music before bedtime also helps. Go for a walk, bake some cookies, talk to a friend, meditate or pray. Take positive action to uplift your spirits.

Next, do something kind for someone you know that is in need. Perhaps a friend just had surgery and would like a newspaper, your son and daughter-in-law need someone to baby sit their newborn so they can just have a couple of hours of quiet time together - or one of your family members could use a few words of encouragement and someone to say “you are doing a great job under the most difficult of circumstances”.

Even though you may give money or donate food and clothing to those suffering from a major disaster, you may not be able to travel to where the natural disaster actually occurred to help in person. By helping someone nearby, you will be giving them positive energy and hope. At the same time you will be refueling yourself so you can move forward in your life with your own hope regenerated.

If the strong among us during such times is not filled with hope, those in need will have no one to turn to in order to help restore their hope. Without hope, life has no future.

Third, mentally make a list of all of the things for which you are grateful. You can even do this on a tablet or in a journal if it is hard for you to remember everything you wish to put on the list by doing it mentally. Create a Gratitude Journal and use it regularly – it will bring balance to your life.

One of the greatest positive energy builders in your life during a crisis perceived or real, is to recognize the numerous “good things” in your life and your surroundings. It can be little things like being grateful for your pets, a good neighbor or a friend - to huge things like freedom, your children, a good income, a roof over your head and good health. The more things you can put on this list, the more you will replenish your energy that is being depleted when such catastrophic disasters occur. The gratitude list should be a perpetual list that you add to regularly and look at often.

As unsettling as it may seem, a major natural disaster often brings the best out of the vast majority of our citizens. It is up to those of us on the periphery of such catastrophic disasters, whether on our soil or abroad, to maintain hope so we can share it with those in such great need.

Remember to limit your viewing time of so much negative energy, do something kind for someone in need and create your “gratitude list”. Hope is positive energy. It rapidly becomes contagious when shared with others, especially those in need.

© Pat Heydlauff, all rights reserved 2008