Petrea King: Trauma of Japan Earthquake and Tsunami

Create a sacred space

To all our Quest friends,

The recent natural disasters are distressing to us all as we see the suffering of others unfolding before our eyes. I encourage you to consider the following suggestions and implement those that resonate or feel right for you. If you have ideas that could be helpful please feel free to add them through your comments.

1. Consider limiting your (and especially your children’s) exposure to distressing images. This is particularly relevant to those of you who are already facing significant challenges. Being constantly confronted with suffering over which you have no control will only weaken and disempower you. Endlessly talking about the situation will likewise focus your energy in a negative and useless way. Turn off the TV and don’t have it constantly on in the background.

2. Create a sacred place in your home where you keep fresh flowers, light a daily candle and/or offer your prayers and meditations for the benefit of others.

3. Review the activities, environments or things that you do or have that bring you to peace and make them your number one priority. In other words, identify the things, places and activities that ‘fluff you up’ and replenish you and make sure those things are happening on a daily basis. Once you are well fluffed up you’ll be able to discern how best to be of service to the whole.

4. Be connected to nature through listening, seeing, immersing yourself in natures presence whether that’s tending a pot plant on the terrace, being in, on, under or near water, going for a walk, acknowledging the wonder of the stars at night, feeling the warmth of sunshine on your skin, breathing in air – and do all this with gratitude and wonder.

5. Do something for someone else. Cook a meal, pop in on someone living alone to see how they are, volunteer, fundraise, phone someone who is having a difficult time and let them know you’re thinking of them and keeping them in your heart.

6. Exercise (plus plenty of water) is a powerful way to shift the chemical consequences of distress and get them out of your body.

7. Practice gratitude – for your safety, for every breath you take, for every moment you have, for the presence of love, for friends, for nature, for the opportunity of being alive and experiencing it all.

8. Remember that you are never alone and that what you hold in your heart is flowing out to touch the lives of everyone else.

9. When you sit to meditate you join in the company of thousands of others across the planet who are immersed in the eternal stillness of their essential nature. At that level, we are One. Be at One as much as possible.

10. Be gentle with yourself and each other. Practice compassion and kindness as many people are feeling upset or distressed and your presence can uplift and encourage them.

The Quest team are all holding you in our hearts and prayers as well as our larger global family. Please feel free to be in touch via Facebook or by phone. The first of our free 4 part webinar series on overcoming trauma, its impact and how to manage it more effectively will be starting next week. Full details are available on our website.

With love and blessings,
Petrea