Adversity and Its Gifts: The Power of Water

There is something about adversity caused by natural disasters that penetrates to the very heart of human vulnerability.

Over the years I have been profoundly impacted by the power of water, including my own tears that can choke me up. It started when I nearly drowned at the tender age of six. Then, in mid-life, I confronted my fears and learned to swim. In the past decade, we were so affected by the tsunami in Thailand and the far-reaching effects of Katrina here in the United States.

Paradoxically, at the same time, my favorites relaxation images are always centered around water – peace descends for me as I enter into the grace of a waterfall, a bubbling brook deep in my being or listening to the lapping of waves by a sandy beach. I daily experience gratitude for water as the ultimate nourishment, cleansing and purifying agent of nature.

Bringing the power of water to my awareness, this past weekend, the island of Luzon in the Philippines was shattered by the typhoon, Ketsana, where 90% of the land was totally submerged in water. The Philippines is our original home.

Greater Manila, with a population of 20 million, is having its worst flood in decades. What started as normal rains during the rainy season, immediately became disastrous. The Marikina River swelled and washed away many homes leaving around 500,000 homeless, with the greatest impact on the poor and destitute.

Even though many communication lines were down, we found ways to connect with our family in the Philippines. You can imagine our relief to know that all our family members were safe. However, the impact of the tragedies and devastation felt so overwhelming to me as I learned that many have lost everything.

My radiant daughter was at a loss for words as she told us about the tragedy and her interwoven feelings of compassion and pain. My courageous daughter and son-in-law did everything they could in their power to provide shelter, food, clothing and health needs for their family business employees and their families who lost their homes. My mother provided shelter for the staff of her inn aside from all the guest, local and international who were stranded in Malate Pensionne.

We continue to learn of many heroic actions, where ordinary people have harnessed extraordinary generosity to care for their community. They are truly living the greatest gift that humans can offer to another - to be truly connected, for when one is affected, all are affected and we are all one.

The spirit of the human community emerged here in the United States and throughout the world. We have being hearing amazing stories of:

• People staying present and in the moment, such as a group linking hands to walk together through the raging waters.

• Those capable, helped mothers with babies and cared for the elderly.

• People were brought up to rooftops, employees were given safe shelter in their work environments, and employers were feeding and clothing those that they employ and their loved ones.

• Survival happened because everyone joined together, and reached out to help each other.

• Churches were overflowing on Sunday, both with people looking for shelter, but also those who were there to pray for others.

• Some were able to manage their fears by turning the rains into a children’s playground, an opportunity for a much needed bath, to wash clothes, to gather drinking water, to take pictures on cell phones and cameras, to share with family and friends their postings on Facebook and Twitter.

• Family and friends from around the globe reached out and expressed their love and concern by connecting, listening, being present, extending prayers, sending love and contributing funds.

• Others tapped their energies to asked the waters to quell, pondering the meaning of the power of water on the highest levels.

• For others, outpouring, reaching out, sharing love and their innermost feelings of appreciation, fear, and grief.

As the floodwaters have subsided, the mud is clearing and rebuilding begins, we take a moment to remember all those that we cherish and appreciate in overcoming adversity together, reconnecting us to our vulnerability and our oneness.

With Love and Gratitude,

Lalei and Phil