Now what do we do?

By David Lewis

Suggestions on how we might conduct ourselves

In the weeks ahead, we will continue to grieve as the list of those who died grows and the scope of this tragedy sinks in. We may not comprehend immediately the enormity of this tragedy. We may feel anger, pain, stress and depression. We may hear others express their disbelief and their anger at the circumstances that allowed this to occur. These reactions are normal, and even healthy expressions as we all move through our grief process.

In anger, some want to lash out, to somehow get even with some group of people based on their ethnicity or religion. We must help them to refocus their energy. Point out that we, as citizens of a country, were subject to the mindless hate of terrorists and we must refuse to operate ourselves at that level.

So now what? I'm faced with the question, how do I go on enjoying the comfort and safety of my daily life while this disaster rages on? It's difficult for me to know what to do, how to live, but one message is clear, that is to focus my thoughts and actions on what I can create that's positive.

So what can we do!? In our own ways, pray for the victims, their loved ones, the country and the world. Talk calmly with our children and make them feel as safe. Stay calm and maintain our normal lives as much as possible. (But not in denial).

Even as the wreckage is being sifted through, we must move past this devastation and envision a secure, peaceful nation and world.

You've heard it before and it may not feel real, but it is; We each make a difference in the world by what we stand for, what we think, and how we choose to act. Look at what the thoughts and actions of a relatively few extremists have done to the fabric of our daily lives! Now more than ever we have to be clear, that we stand be a part of the solution.

Certainly those responsible deserve their comeuppance, but let's not be so myopic with our outrage and wish for revenge that we let our emotions be used against us creating more of what we already have too much of... fear, anger, frustration, hate. Imagine the ultimate good that we may begin to move in that direction. What could that look like? What if this act of terrorism became the catalyst uniting the people of our nation and the countries of the world? What if this became the event to create peace in the world? Think that's too far fetched? As we've seen... Nothing's impossible! My intention is not to deflect the pain of this disaster, but to suggest that whatever the outcome, it will first begin with our thoughts. So let's not be limited to what already is, instead lets imagine what could be.

Already there's enough energy aligned with a mob mentality. I too support and demand justice, but let's shift the focus of our emotion towards the good we want to prevail in this world. You must know, your thoughts and actions create your experience, which in turn will, whether by a small ripple or giant title wave, affect the entire world. You do matter. You are, when you choose to be, a part of the solution. Let's heal this wound and give the lives of those lost the respect they deserve by creating some good, however that may look, from this terrible tragedy.

With great love and respect for all who are hurt by this tragedy,

David J. Lewis