There have been many natural catastrophes that have occurred in recent months, on our shores and across the globe. Floods, earthquakes, tsunamis and civil wars that we see nightly on the news and which we feel compelled to offer some response to.

charity

The proliferation of communication technologies ensure that we are confronted hourly with scenes of despair and destruction, and also of hope and miracles, and being human, we will have varying degrees of response to these events.

  • Some people will let their government respond in the best way it knows how.
  • Some people will make a donation to some support effort when prompted via television, social media, or direct appeal.
  • Some people will donate blood, clothes, food or other practical items.
  • Some people already support one or more charities who are involved in the disaster.
  • Some people feel compelled to donate above and beyond what they are already giving to other charities.
  • Some people donate their time and energy.
  • Some people donate their prayers.
  • Some people organise events and draw others into the drive to make a difference for those affected.
  • Some people get on a plane and join in the effort on the ground to make a difference.
  • Some people organise relief efforts and co-ordinate with government bodies to create the fastest and most effective response possible.

How you choose to respond to a catastrophic event in the world is a mirror to how you are in your own country, city, neighbourhood, family, even your relationship. If you get upset by serious events, or you get angry, or motivated to help, or overwhelmed or sad because you can’t – this is probably because that is how you have learned to respond to your world in stressful situations.

Can you select one of the responses above, or even come up with your own, and draw parallels to how you are in your life? There are no right or wrong answers here, no judgements or awards or recriminations, but it is an interesting exercise to enlighten ourselves about our behaviours!

And knowing what you know now, which response would you choose – for yourself and for the world.