In regards to the tragedy of this past weekend, I thought maybe it was time to post something positive. I took a break from posting or commenting for awhile because I just needed to.
We all process these horrific events in different ways. Some of us don’t watch the news at all; some of us watch the newsreels over and over, trying to make sense of it and then become anxious, sad, angry, depressed and then at some point we say — however we each process it — enough.
Back to Reality
Those of us not directly impacted get back to normal — put it in the back of our minds. But these things change us. Give us pause because we realize the frailty of life. We’re so thankful that we or our loved ones weren’t at those places at that time and we can’t imagine how the people involved move forward. Our hearts ache for them. We send good thoughts and prayers to them and hope that they can get back to some state of normal. We see the resilience of the human spirit and realize what’s really important.
We search for an explanation and there isn’t one. There’s no logic to these things. Profilers and newspeople try let us in on what the motive was, where this person or people come from, what made them do what they did. There isn’t a rationality to it. It’s just this: There’s evil and there’s good. We’re reminded of that evil, that otherness, in a huge way — from the repeated images and we begin to doubt the goodness that exists.
We don’t see all the good going on the world that does indeed go on. If you watch the news, for the most part, we see everything that’s wrong with the world — in every corner of the globe. We’re not presented with a continuous loop of what’s right with it and there’s so much right with it — in all corners of the globe. Maybe we’ll see a little snippet/feel-good story at the end of the nightly news but the majority is what’s wrong.
Then something unimaginable happens and out of it, we see goodness.
We see strangers helping one another. The respondents, the survivors, the medics, doctors, police — everyone coming together to help. We see ourselves in each other then — our humanity — what brings us together instead of what pits us against one another.
They’re from everywhere, all walks of life, all races, creeds, colors, sexual orientations, religions and different viewpoints. But none of that matters — everyone looks toward doing what they can to provide love, hope and compassion. We’re the same and all we want to do is fix it. Make things better. Get to a place where we feel safe again. We matter to one another, we listen and we help each other.
I’m in no way taking away from the pain and trauma that happened to these people. I’ll be able to put it in the back of my mind, but they’re in it, living it. But I saw a young man on one of those news stories who’d been shot twice, his friend shot and he saw other people die.
He said something like this about the person who was responsible: I don’t want anyone to take this the wrong way, but I feel sorry for him. I can’t imagine getting up everyday and having that much hatred and blackness in my heart and soul. So I’ll pray for him.
I don’t know if I could have that attitude, but if he can still believe in the goodness of people after that, then I can. And I do.
When Things Settle Down
I was disappointed when a famous political leader of New York (and I could care less about his political affiliation) brought up politics on the day that this happened. Demanding that the two major political players who are up election to lead our country do something about gun control. I think there’s a time and place for everything and in my opinion, it wasn’t the time nor the place.
I commend both of those gentlemen for not responding to him at all. Pretty soon, they can all get back to pointing fingers, blaming and accusing and I’m certain that we’ll see that soon.
I don’t ascribe to total ideological principles nor do I believe there are black/white, cut and dried answers. I think it’s a blending of the two — compromise — common sense and change takes time. But that’s just me and what do I know? We all need to be kind to each other though, we’re all we’ve got. Enough!
Anyway, I’m off to chase unicorns and rainbows today because I’ve got to get some lightness back in my life. I hope that you do the same and that you know in your heart that most people are good and want to do good. And for all its “shams and drudgery and broken dreams,” it is still a beautiful world.
Press play below. It always helps me get some perspective when I’ve had enough. Happy Monday everyone.
My country is the world, and my religion is to do good. — Thomas Paine
Brigitte's Banter 
Brigitte,
There are so many meaningful posts today about the Colorado tragedy, it’s humbling. Yours is, of course, one of them. Much love my friend.
Eric
Posted by clownonfire | July 23, 2012, 9:10 amThe same to you, Eric. And thank you.
Posted by Brigitte | July 23, 2012, 9:13 amyou summed it up perfectly – and the final quote you used merely backed up what you said – thank you for this–and I will join you in chasing unicorns and rainbows–we all need to get a little lightness to shine on the darkness
you are just an excellent writer
Posted by on thehomefrontandbeyond | July 23, 2012, 9:15 amLou Ann, coming from you that means so much — thank you!! I so appreciate that and I hope you catch one of those unicorns today. ;).
Posted by Brigitte | July 23, 2012, 9:18 amwhat do I feed it?
Posted by on thehomefrontandbeyond | July 23, 2012, 9:19 amwhy fairy dust and lucky charms, of course.
Posted by Brigitte | July 23, 2012, 9:31 amI knew that – just forgot I guess 🙂
Posted by on thehomefrontandbeyond | July 23, 2012, 9:32 amLove the Thomas Paine quote and love this very thoughtful caring post Brigitte. Good luck with the rainbows and unicorns. I am thankful for a nice rainy day off….filled with quiet and great reading
Audra
Posted by unfetteredbs | July 23, 2012, 9:17 amThanks, Audra. and yeah, the rainbows and unicorns — they show up in different ways…:). Though a rainy day filled with quiet and great reading sounds absolutely wonderful. Thanks, friend.
Posted by Brigitte | July 23, 2012, 9:23 amthe rain is my rainbow today ;0)
we need the rain and
my soul needs the quiet.
My heart needed your post :0)
Cheers to you!
Posted by unfetteredbs | July 23, 2012, 9:25 amYou are the best, Audra. Cheers to you, friend and thank you. xxoo (if we want to get really poetic here, I’d say your soul is the unicorn — effervescent, lively and lovely).
Posted by Brigitte | July 23, 2012, 9:30 amAs dismal as our world sometimes looks, I mentally appease myself with the thought that at least I’m not a woman trying to survive Black Plaque Europe in the 1340’s. I know it’s quite a reach, but for some reason it helps me see the blessings all around me???? Depression = isolation, in my experience. And, isolation gets me no where FAST.
Posted by i mayfly | July 23, 2012, 9:23 amYep, you are right — I agree with you. I think it’s a great world we have. Thanks, Nikki! :).
Posted by Brigitte | July 23, 2012, 9:25 amWhenever these tragic, incomprehensible events happen, I always see the rallying together of well-wishers, activists, human beings all, expressing love, concern, outrage, too. I am always heartened by the positive responses, the volume and intensity of them, that follow so quickly on the heels of the negative. That is the energy I align with.
Amy Goodman of Democracy Now (www.democracynow.org) offered the viewpoints of people who have been directly affected by this sort of tragedy in the past. They, in turn, offer a perspective tempered by reflection, experience, and time. Excellent teachers all!
Thanks for your thoughtful post, dear Brigitte. It reminds me to move through my day more mindfully. xoxoM
Posted by Margarita | July 23, 2012, 9:29 amAs always, you’ve said it so beautifully and spot on, M. That good energy — I love that. I will check out the link you provided — thank you. And if I have anything to do with YOU moving more mindfully through your day, then I’m am more than grateful. xoxo
Posted by Brigitte | July 23, 2012, 9:35 amDear B,
I’ve been hanging on to teachers of the light these past few days. One of my favorites if Marianne Williamson. She posted this on her facebook…and truthfully I don’t know if she said this, or if it’s a quote from someone else:
“Every form of darkness is a veil of illusion before an extraordinary light. Just knowing that the light is there, even when we can’t see it, give us power to invoke it. “Blessed are those who have faith who cannot see.”
Either way, I love those words♥
Love, lis
xoxox
Posted by Carr Party of Five | July 23, 2012, 10:01 amBeautifully said, Brigette!
Posted by Life and all things love | July 23, 2012, 10:10 amThanks so much. 😀
Posted by Brigitte | July 23, 2012, 10:42 amHi Lis, I’ve read M. Williamson and yes, she is very positive and inspiring. Thank you for the beautiful quote and hope you have a great day. :).
Posted by Brigitte | July 23, 2012, 10:40 amWhat a lovely, reflective piece. Perhaps even more than ever, now is the time to celebrate what’s right with the world. Thank you for reminding me to seek the good, to notice the light, to chase a few rainbows myself, as I start my busy day.
Posted by Deliberately Delicious | July 23, 2012, 10:05 amHi Sally, I think you are right and thanks so much. Hope you see/find a few today. Be well! :).
Posted by Brigitte | July 23, 2012, 10:41 amThanks for that beautiful post. Well said. I believe the good in this wonderful world, far out weighs the bad.
Here’s to living on the bright, sunny side of the street!
Lisa
Posted by A Gripping Life | July 23, 2012, 10:21 amHey Lisa, you got that right and thanks so much.
Posted by Brigitte | July 23, 2012, 10:42 amAlways hard to wrap one’s head around these things. I can’t imagine what those affected by the tragedy as well as the community itself must be going through. Thanks for a thoughtful post devoted to the subject.
Posted by Carrie Rubin | July 23, 2012, 10:34 amHey Carrie, it really is. Glad you enjoyed the post and hope your week goes wonderfully.
Posted by Brigitte | July 23, 2012, 10:43 amI’m not so deep today … but hey well done you 🙂
Posted by jensine | July 23, 2012, 11:20 amHey, J. — thank you. Somedays we’re deep and somedays, not so much.
Posted by Brigitte | July 23, 2012, 11:28 amyeah not so much here
Posted by jensine | July 23, 2012, 11:32 amWell, it’s difficult not to be deep about this subject, so…not sure what else to say. Enough.
Posted by Brigitte | July 23, 2012, 11:40 am🙂
Posted by jensine | July 23, 2012, 11:41 amBeautiful, Brigitte. I haven’t done an Aurora-related post because I just didn’t want to give more energy to the badness. It was terrible but unfortunately it was only one of the latest examples of the hatred and evil in the world—we’ll never be able to comprehend the Why to any satisfactory degree. And there *are* good things in the world. They’re the little things that happen, or even big things that don’t merit a news story. Maybe if we knew more about them, the world would be a little less angry.
Posted by Madame Weebles | July 23, 2012, 12:03 pmThanks, MW and I hesitated to do so as well. I really did, but sometimes writing about what good can come out of a situation helps me makes some sense of it and maybe it will do the same for someone else or at least realize that there is more good than bad. And you’re right, little and big — goodness going on all the time. For some reason, it doesn’t make headlines, but I wish it would — more. Have a wonderful day and thanks again, friend.
Posted by Brigitte | July 23, 2012, 12:08 pmNice post about a difficult subject. I tend to one that doesn’t turn on the news when horrible things happen. I think getting too caught up or obsessed is unhealthy. People should see movies if they want to and not live in fear. I hope the guy that did it gets the maximum sentance or a death penalty. Mental Illness is not an excuse they have psychiatrists and the health industry for that.
Thanks for posting,
Matt
Posted by mallisonwhat | July 23, 2012, 2:23 pmHi Matt, thank you. I think we all process things differently, so whether it’s healthy to or healthy not to, it’s a individual’s choice. I agree with can’t let these horrible acts cause us to stop our lives, but they do make us pause. There’s no explanation nor excuse for what this person did.
Posted by Brigitte | July 23, 2012, 4:00 pmThank you for such a thoughtful post about this subject. It’s so difficult to comprehend the actions of such a person. But you’re right—we often see the goodness of others come through as well.
Posted by jmmcdowell | July 23, 2012, 4:12 pmYou’re most welcome, JM. It boggles the mind and it’s hard to process much less understand.
Posted by Brigitte | July 23, 2012, 4:14 pmIt has been nice to see such grace being displayed and people supporting each other. Shock and grief will yield to healing, it is a process for sure, and we just have to remind each other to look for the good. Thanks for reminding us Brigitte.
Posted by Honie Briggs | July 23, 2012, 6:33 pmHonie — it has been, I think it’s always there though and I’m certain you’ve experienced that lately with your recent volunteer/Red Cross work. And you’re very welcome — you do always do the same, lady — reminding people about the good. :).
Posted by Brigitte | July 23, 2012, 7:53 pmSweet! We’re like a couple of glittery bookends, aren’t we? 🙂 I have to tell you I am in awe of those people. Energy and dedication, compassion and omg did I mention their energy? What a privilege for me to meet such amazing people.
Posted by Honie Briggs | July 23, 2012, 8:15 pm“What a Wonderful World” really is a sublime song, and a perfect choice to end with.
Regarding your point about the news not talking about the good people do, I think that’s largely correct. Sure, you have inspiration, human interest stories–they’re often gone the next day. These stories inspire the most beautiful and noble emotions in people. But as humans are a reactive species, we stop talking about good things because we stop thinking about them as they first become the norm and then something which is taken for granted. But when something troubles or scares us, it stays in our minds. Hence the prevalence of ugly stories. They had a saying in print journalism (RIP), “If it bleeds, it leads.”
Posted by Smaktakula | July 23, 2012, 7:21 pmYeah, it is a cool song, always have loved it. Always works for me. I understand what you mean though and your perspectives/opinions always make me think, Smak. I mean that — and in a good way. As far as that saying, well, I guess it’s true but it’s still kind of gross, I think.
Posted by Brigitte | July 23, 2012, 7:54 pmSigh…it was a dreadful event but you are right there are also good things happening the world that we don’t hear about because, I think, they don’t bring good ratings…for example, I read a paper that said that crime in LA has actually gone significantly down, but the reporting of crime has risen….
Posted by dianasschwenk | July 23, 2012, 7:28 pmUmmm…makes a person wonder, huh? Perhaps a little manipulation going on? And, you’re right the bad stuff does bring in better ratings. Thanks, D.
Posted by Brigitte | July 23, 2012, 7:55 pmLovely post, Brigitte. At some point in all our lives, we really just have to stand up and say when enough is enough. And when we do that, we realize that life does go on, however difficult it might be. Glad to be starting out my Tuesday on such a thoughtful note. 🙂 And that picture of the yin and yang symbol? Totally love it.
Posted by lillianccc | July 23, 2012, 9:57 pmHi Lillian, so glad you stopped by and the post started your Tuesday out on a thoughtful note. You are so kind and hope your week is wonderful! :).
Posted by Brigitte | July 24, 2012, 9:18 amHave you caught any unicorns yet? I’ve caught two, and you wouldn’t believe the mess they’re making of my backyard!
Posted by Kathy V. | July 24, 2012, 1:26 pmWhy yes I have. I donned a gauzy white dress, a headband of flowers and rode one bareback to the beach this morning whilst playing a tiny harpsichord.
Posted by Brigitte | July 24, 2012, 3:19 pmOh, was that you, with the tiny harpsichord? I was the one with the lute and the rainbows streaming out of my posterior.
Posted by Kathy V. | July 24, 2012, 4:39 pmWell said, honey. All of it. And the best thing we can do as survivors of a major tragedy is sometimes to simply force our way through the pain and insist (for ourselves and for all who suffer and have suffered) that we live our lives well, in the moment and ever appreciative of whatever it is we have been blessed with–which, with some real effort and summoning up the best attitude we can muster, is quite a lot even in the worst of cases.
Posted by finally_write | July 24, 2012, 8:05 pmWell, Sue you just said very well and elegant yourself. Thank you, friend for that. “Living our lives well” is certainly something we can do to honor. Wonderful, lovely comment and thank you so much.
Posted by Brigitte | July 24, 2012, 9:12 pmLive life well, breath in and out every day is all we can do. I have something to write on this later this week.
Posted by reptilesintheicecream | July 24, 2012, 11:11 pmGood advice, Rep and thank you. I look forward to reading what you have to say.
Posted by Brigitte | July 25, 2012, 9:16 am