Monday:
Despite not being too excited about the end of my holidays, I was surprised to discover a wee spring in my step (note: figurative language, not literal) upon returning to school on Monday. The energy of the kids was just so invigorating — all smiles and happiness and eagerness to be back at school. I found this so rejuvenating — moreso than my entire holiday — and was able to get past my “ugh” just a bit… and remember why I am in this profession in the first place. I heart being around kids so so so so much and I definitely get my energy from them. 🙂
Tuesday:
Bombings in Boston. What more can I say? Yes, there were deaths in Iraq, Syria, and probably North Korea too… oh, and Venezuela, after their elections. And probably several other countries. The USA is always on high alert, since 9/11. I don’t think this will change before I wither away on this planet, quite honestly. I do wish we cared more about people in other places, too. Not to trivialize what’s happened in Boston — it’s horrible — but I just wish we could, as a people, as a human race, extend our empathy to those beyond what we know. Is that possible? Is that within the realm of possibilty for our species?
I am glad to know that my friends and their family who are in or from Boston are safe. But then there is a part of me that feels guilt about thinking that. What of all those thousands in Syria who are not safe? What of the Palestinians who live with warfare every day, and have for decades? What of the families trapped and ravaged by war and rape in the Congo? People in Iran and Pakistan who are suffering from an earthquake — and who had little infrastructure to begin with? How can we help these people? For a start — how can we genuinely care for these people?
I’m not exaggerating when I tell you that these questions haunt me. They keep me up at night. I feel like I need to do more. And I do more. I take action. But it’s not enough. It’s a vicious cycle that won’t end, and requires more balanced thinking on my part…
.. which is where yoga and meditation come in. It’s the only way I can make my peace with the world enough to live in it.
