"When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother
would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who
are helping.’ To this day, especially in times of ‘disaster,’ I remember
my mother’s words and I am always comforted by realizing that there are
still so many helpers – so many caring people in this world.” – Mr. Rogers
When something unspeakable happens close to home most of us have the same reaction – a natural and appropriate one: we are sickened. We are angry. We feel small and vulnerable and afraid. We grieve and we worry and we wonder what will become of this species that we call our own.
And then for some of us (myself included) a second thing happens.
The unspeakable things that happen elsewhere in the world all come rushing in at once and I am dizzy with worry for us all.
I know that some cultures have lived with for years or for decades or forever with daily violence – some at the hands of their neighbors, some at the hands of their governments, some at the hands of my government.
And I grieve again.
And so today I pray for Boston. And at the same time I pray for all of us – everywhere – who suffer violence or live in fear for the safety of ourselves and our children.
My prayer is for peace.
A wish that my children – and children everywhere – can grow up in a world that is evolving towards peace.
Because humans have hurt and killed one another since the beginning of time. War and violence is part of our collective heritage.
But that truth is tiny compared with the immeasurable kindness we share with one another.
We take care of each other and protect each other and love each other every day. It's what we were designed to do. I can not speak for you, but my daily live is rich with amazing people and utterly devoid of the opposite.
Because people are good. And kind. And helpful. And if you allow one person or one group of people to skew your view of humanity, please let it be the kind ones.
Our hearts are so big. Never forget this and get lost in the suffering.
And then, perhaps, it's time to all do our part. Because one child at a time we have the power to change the world.
Let us nurture a culture of peace.
Let us be kind to others. At the crosswalk, at the grocery, on the freeway. Let us model peace in how we engage with the world.
Let us raise our children to be heard when they whisper – not just when they shout. Let us teach them that they matter and kindness matters and peace matters.
Let us teach them how to breathe into anger and how to navigate fear. Let us teach them how to be whole and safe and heard. Let us teach them to use their words, and model the same ourselves.
Let us change the world by changing how we live.
If you are inspired, you can find my More Peaceful Parenting Series is here:
More Peaceful Parenting Step 1. Forgive, Accept, and Love Yourself.
More Peaceful Parenting Step 2. Identify the Need.
More Peaceful Parenting Step 3. Validate.
More Peaceful Parenting Step 4. Creating a Yes Environment.
More Peaceful Parenting Step 5. Your Mission Statement.
More Peaceful parenting Step 6. Just Listen.
More Peaceful parenting Step 7. Play!
Today, speak gently.
Today, find patience.
Today, begin your own evolution.
Be kind to a stranger. Buy a homeless person a meal. Help someone. Make time. Respect your children's needs.
And then watch the world begin to transform on these tiny ripples of peace.
Love and light to us all.
P.S. Below are a few links that might be helpful for any of you who's children have heard about what happened in Boston last night, or what has happened anywhere that brings fear and confusion.
Talking to your kids about Boston, from Aha! Parenting
A free audio story from Sparke Story, written after Sandy Hook
Tips for Supporting Children after a Crisis, from NASP
Once again you have gotten right to the heart of the matter. Thanks for your words on this day.
I am glad, somehow, to hear someone that grieves, not only for the horrible thing that just happened, but beyond. Because, yes, some of us have to live with daily violence, like my country, and yes, we all have to move towards peace, and that’s why, I think we have to educate on resolutions of conflicts and community and sharing and equality.
Thanks for sharing.
Rachel,
I read your blog daily but seldom comment. I think this post is one of the best you have ever written.
“Because people are good. And kind. And helpful. And if you allow one person or one group of people to skew your view of humanity, please let it be the kind ones.”
Thank you for such a deeply thoughtful post.
Beautiful words. And so true; we need to be the change we want to see in the world.
Too weird. I was speaking on the phone with my sister last night. (she lives in Australia) She knew about the events in Boston before I did. She made a point of mentioning that same quote by Mr. Rogers!
I always love your posts Rachel.
Beautifully written. Thank you so much for this wonderful post.
Thank you.
Once again, your words have helped start my soul’s healing process. Thank you for the gift of your blog.
Just, thank you for making the effort to speak this. I truly appreciate it.
You as well, Alicia. Peace.
Kindness.
Thank you Therese.
My favorite quote ever. Thanks Qalballah.
Thank you so much, Anne. Such kind words.
Yes. It comes up for me every time. Here in the US our media is saturated with what is happening to “us” – not what we are doing to others or what else happens around the world. Peace to you and your family Nahuatl.
Thinking of you Lori.