(by Jim Morgan — 1-12-2018)
Nou Sonje. We remember.
Eight years ago today, an earthquake that changed so many of our lives befell Haiti.
We remember that darkest of hours, as friends and family, most of whom we had never met nor would have ever known, suffered or perished in the immediate and continued aftermath.
But the family of mankind persisted and rose to the occasion.
I remember that support, as the world sent a message of solidarity. Along with so many others who helped care for the wounded and broken in the quake’s immediate aftermath, I remember experiencing an inexplicable, but very definite collective soul. That solidarity strengthened us all, and that process giving inversion, where the giver becomes the receiver and the receiver becomes the giver of even more and greater good.
A collective soul exists, I am convinced.
The presence of a collective soul can’t be measured with a manometer like one uses to check blood pressure. Rather the soul’s essence needs to be felt, just as the feel of the quality of a pulse in a patient’s wrist can add valuable information to a doctor. When its essence is actively appreciated, the collective soul fortifies, acting as an energizing force in times of strife.
The collective soul also illuminates. It shines light on our interconnectedness, on our need for community. On concepts like integrity, love and beauty.
The great thing about the collective soul is it doesn’t go away. Ever. It was present in Haiti eight years ago after the buildings fell, and it’s present today providing us with reassurance that concepts like compassion for our fellow man will continue to strengthen us all.
So let’s remember our friends who are gone. But so too let’s let our collective soul strengthen our own, and our world’s community.
Jim
1-12-18
Delivering water, 2010
