Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, Burmese democratic politician and peaceful thought leader, once said, “When you feel helpless, help someone.”
This quote will forever remain in my heart. Especially on days like today.
I had an entire post prepared highlighting two fun announcements about two very special upcoming events – but then two very poignant tragedies occurred. First, my dad told me that my grandma had fallen twice today and was being taken to the hospital. Then, I heard about the elementary school shooting in Connecticut. My heart was filled with sadness. I felt overwhelmed and so helpless.
Then, I remember Aung San Suu Kyi’s powerful words.
“What can I do?” I thought to myself. I picked up the phone and felt compelled to call a friend. I knew that whoever spirit was leading me to call was the right person. It turns out that amazing friend was in need of a positive pep talk, in the wake of certain tragedies going on in her own life. When we’re open, spirit guides us.
Today, we might feel an immense sense of sadness; we might feel overwhelmed; we will feel helpless. And that’s okay. We deserve to feel whatever it is that we feel because it is directly tied to our authentic truth. After you’ve felt those feelings and acknowledged their presence, extend a hand to someone else.
As crazy as it might sound, the people who commit these inconceivable acts need our love more than anyone in the world. The people who seem least deserving of our love are the ones who need it most. Anger creates anger. Hate creates hate – we’ve seen it unfold today. These men hate themselves so much that they inflict their hate onto others. The more we show love to them and everyone around us, the closer we get to what the world needs: love.
As A Course in Miracles says, “Darkness cannot survive in the light.”
Stay lovely,
Heather
If you’re feeling helpless and you help someone, comment here. Let’s share the love! xo
Wow, I had no idea this all happened. I’m so incredibly saddened to hear this news. My heart, prayers, and thoughts go to everyone who has been effected by this event and anyone else who is suffering. Thinking of your Grandma too, hope everything is okay!
Thank you baby. <3
this is a beautiful post Heather! I am sorry to hear about your grandmother! I wish her a quick recovery!
Thanks so much Kaitlin!
Such a sad, sad tragedy. It is so hard to grasp moments like this when extremely innocent – children in this case – are the targets.
Wise words.
Amen, sister. Amen.
Beautifully said, and so very true. Thank you for sharing such a meaningful post. I truly hope that your grandmother is okay, too.
Thanks, Jennifer! My grandma is doing better. Everyone’s love is so powerful.
Your Grandmother is in my thoughts and prayers Heather, as are the victims, families, and suspect’s families in the shooting today.
This post was beautiful. As a fifth grade classroom teacher, I was completely unaware that this tragedy happened until my sister contacted me at lunch crying. As the story unfolded throughoout our school, I tried to reach out and help others by keeping things as loving and comforting in my classroom as I possibly could. Although we are in New Jersey, this effects so many in the country, especially instilling fear in our students.
Thank you, thank you, thank you. Angela, you are an amazing example of strength and love to the next generation. I totally honor you, girl.
You are such a wise soul, these words rang with so much truth to me. Especially “anger creates anger. hate creates hate” this is so true, and we need to approach these situations with love.
Darkness cannot survive in the light. We must be be that light.
Your grandmother is in my prayers.
Thanks so much for your kind words, Lyna! I love seeing new commenters.
What a beautiful post and just the words I needed to hear today. My thoughts and prayers are with your Grandma and your family as well as the CT families.
Spirit has a way of giving us exactly what we need when we are open. You’re open; you’re amazing!
Hi! I love your posts about mindfulness and how love/passion can make such a difference. I’ve really been trying to incorporate these things into my life and just take some deep breaths. I am sorry about your Grandma and I think this post was perfectly appropriate on a day like today..
Thanks so much Shelley! Breath is a fantastic place to start.
Great post as usual. Such a sad, sad day. I hope your grandma feels better soon. Love you. <3
Thank you, my babe!
I am so sorry to hear about your grandmother! I’m glad that you were able to reach out to Kasey and help her too in her time of need. It’s true that love will be the only thing that heals Newtown and anyone affected by this tragedy. Wise words, my BB.
Cherished our talk yesterday, bb! Your heart is so freakin’ beautiful.
What a wonderful post. Thanks for sharing!
Thank YOU for reading, Hannah! xo
Such a beautiful post. I read the news this morning in bed and felt awful. I send all my thoughts to the people out there and also to your Grandma. It’s SO important to still feel love in such times.
Thank you, babe. My grandma appreciates it for sure. You have a gorgeous heart.
Thanks for this inspiration and insight today, Heather. These quotes are beautiful and healthy reminders on dark days, like yesterday…we must continue to strive for peace, love and understanding.
Well said, my beautiful friend.
Thanks for such a beautiful post Heather. I hope it’s okay, I linked it on my blog today. Praying for your grandma!
OF COURSE it’s okay babe! The more support we give each other, the better. THANK YOU, beautiful!
What a beautiful post. It was so heart felt and raw, but so strong hopeful and empowering. I truly believe giving love to any problem will help to solve it.
I do not often post comments, but follow your blog religiously. It has been such an excellent resource for me in my recent struggles with disordered eating. I love how you always provide ways to apply the positive outlook on life that you hold. I wish you all the best and will continue to grow from your love and advice that you so willingly share!
[...] For the Love of Kale~ When you Feel Helpless… [...]
Beautifully put, Heather. And I am sending lots of positive thoughts to your grandmother!
[...] 18, 2012 by Heather On Friday, I said that I was going to do a post on two very special announcements. Well, now I’m here [...]
“Today, we might feel an immense sense of sadness; we might feel overwhelmed; we will feel helpless. And that’s okay. We deserve to feel whatever it is that we feel because it is directly tied to our authentic truth. ”
maybe a little less “we” and what “we deserve” and new age bromides and focus more on what you actively do to help the people going through this.
Thanks for your thoughts Jim. Sometimes, all we can do is send loving thoughts and dedicate meditation practices to those people. That is a beautiful form of giving too.
[...] I was re-calibrated and learned the best lesson for maintaining a J’adore la vie mind set: “When you feel helpless, help someone.” When you need support, support someone else. Give what you’ve got – and you’ll [...]