Haiti in my heart

Looking at what’s been happening in the world the past weeks I came to see once again the insignificance and yet the preciousness of a single life, including mine.

It’s such an easy thing to feel touched by what I read in the newspapers, then make a donation, write a few emails to friends encouraging them to do so too, and yet turn away without really taking it in – all the way.

I have spent hours watching, reading and researching about the Haiti earthquake. Then, I came across this article from Katie Couric “The Human Face of Haitian Tragedy” on the Huffington Post. As if her writing wasn’t touching enough, I went on watching her experience with Pierre Larousse in the video at the bottom of the article. I felt heart broken witnessing this human tragedy, tears kept poring. Seeing my fellow brothers and sisters in agony and fear, fighting for their lives triggered a wave of panic and helplessness in me.

Suddenly I was holding Haiti in my heart. The thousands of people who died or suffer from injury, those who lost their beloveds, the torn apart families. The devastated land, the crashed economy. The shock wave in the hearts of those people, and the overwhelm of the international community witnessing this drama.

I am moved and unable to turn away. I am overwhelmed and yet I am compelled to embrace the overwhelm. So much of my body and my mind wants to shut down and turn away from the pain but my heart continues to open to it whatever the consequences.

Saying yes to life in every moment is embracing everything, the ecstasy and the tragedy.

My heart is bearing witness.

One Response

Louise says on April 21, 2010 at 11:41 am

Veronika,
I am deeply touched by all your expressions, on this site,and in the sharing group. I learn, grow and deepen in response to you. Or is it that I realise I already know, and I’m already bigger than I’ve allowed myself to see? Either way… I WAKE UP!
Thankyou.