Recently, while cleaning out a cupboard, I found a world map. I unfolded it and realized: although I listen to and watch upsetting news every day, I didn’t know where Russia is in relation to the United States! I didn’t know how tiny Ukraine is, especially compared to Russia. Then, there’s Israel—so small, yet so loud on the world stage. As essayist Brian Lewis wrote: Our nervous system was never designed to carry the grief of an entire planet. Yet, here we are. How true! Lewis continues by saying: The soul speaks … when one human being feels the reality of another. And so, I vow: hatred will not make me hate. Violence will not make me violent. And scenes of hopelessness will not make me lose hope for humanity. I will maintain my capacity to feel and to care. Now, each day, I unfold my crumpled map and send out a heartfelt prayer to wherever in the world today’s travesty happened.
How do you cope as you carry “the grief of an entire planet?”
I never cared much for Geography in school. Wish I had paid more attention. This has always been my least favorite category while watching Jeopardy. Time to do some more work on this subject. What you’ve presented, Sheila, has been some of my own thoughts and feelings. Thanks for providing wisdom on what to do with them.
I was just the opposite. In fifth grade we did projects for each section of the United States. I liked learning about Michigan with family connections.
I did a report on Wyoming in 5th grade. I think I still have it. It was fun learning all about this state.
As a reader of historical novels, a sense of place has always seemed important to me. “Look it up” my parents would say, and I would. Even today, I keep a USA road atlas next to my favorite reading chair.
This is a tough topic. I always feel a bit sad and helpless when I watch the news. Sometimes I choose to not watch it at all. I think we need to start by caring for ourselves and becoming what we hope for others. Remember, « Kindness begins with me. »