At the heart of Haiti

Our hearts are open, and it seems that the problems and disaster in Haiti has opened them.

by Kris Lecakes Haley — 

In the last decade, we have been presented with a number of opportunities to help our planet experience a shift in consciousness. Consider how the blessed beings in Haiti have awakened a spirit of generosity across the planet.

Arguably, with the recent images of Haiti’s plight beaming into our living rooms, we have felt grief for the pain of a nation — but have we not also found ourselves entertaining thoughts of both generosity and gratitude? How can we help? What can we do? And for what in our own lives are we deeply grateful?

While we humans tend to respond to conditional stimuli, perhaps this generosity is not temporary — but cumulative. Perhaps it started with 9/11, then deepened during Hurricane Katrina and continues now with the earthquake in Haiti. Might indisputably heart-wrenching situations have deeper meanings?

For example, people who never would have given Haiti a passing thought are now packing up and heading there to help. Donations are setting records. Our hearts are open, and it seems that Haiti has opened them.

Why is it that tragedy frequently serves as a catalyst to bring forth the best of humanity? Perhaps once our species begins to realize that we can feel inspired about giving to those in need — without having to experience the motivation of a tragedy — is when the world will change.

It is as though the universe is committed to providing us with continual opportunities to feel compassion until it integrates into our consciousness — until the enlightened space of sustained gratitude and generosity become the norm, rather than the exception. Perhaps if we can hold this graceful intention of giving and gratitude long enough, we can usher in a sacred time when we will no longer need to be tutored in the classroom of adversity.

Kris Lecakes Haley is a writer, speaker, Bach Flower practitioner for animals and an ordained animal chaplain. www.beonevoice.com.

Reprinted from AzNetNews, Volume 29, Number 1, Feb/Mar 2010.