By now most of us have heard about the news concerning Japan’s massive earthquake, the tsunami that soon followed, as well as, the problems arising from possible radiation exposure and food shortage. For Californians, the threat of the ‘big one’ is always there, since we live in the San Andreas Fault. I still recall the Northridge earthquake, which lasted no more than a few seconds. Yet, the 6.7 jolt I experienced was more than enough to keep me up for days. Imagine how it felt being in Japan when a record-breaking 8.9 quake struck? It must have seemed like an eternity. Add the sweeping waves of a powerful tsunami that wipes out an entire city and everything becomes apocalyptic. What would you do if you were suddenly engulfed in deep water? Nature has a way of reminding us of how fragile life is. For those who survive such a tragedy, the next step is to find ways to survive even more. That’s what people in Japan are attempting to do this very moment: feeling panic-stricken, they stock up on batteries, dried noodles, and canned goods to gain a sense of security in a place filled with sorrow. Thousands have perished and thousands more are left stranded. Imagine living after a major catastrophe without food, water, or a proper shelter. Most us would do whatever it takes to survive and take care of our loved ones, some to the point of looting. Yet, so far, Japan has not fallen victim to this mentality of ‘every man (or woman) for himself’, although hoarding on supplies has begun to take shape. It’s times like this that keeps us on check, not just to prepare ourselves for such calamities, but to really look deep inside ourselves and find the things that matter most. Instead of waiting last minute, we can make changes within ourselves now and live life without regret. Japan has one of the most resilient and orderly societies around. Buildings are made to withstand heavy movement and the Japanese are known to be very structured. But regardless of how orderly or structured we make our lives, something unexpected always arises. For such occasions, good can still come out of the bad. Even for those of us far away from disaster – all it takes is a simple donation. Sometimes, in the midst of terror and uncertainty, instead of harboring ill feelings toward each other we can discover good things within us, by helping those in need and reminding ourselves that things like this can happen to anyone at anytime.
