Haiti

I have received so many emails recently from those who are deeply bewildered and upset by the ongoing hardship in Haiti, and who would like to collaborate to raise funds for Haiti.  I myself was beyond sickened to learn of the current devastation several weeks ago. I too felt a sense of wanting to do my part, which seems like “not enough” to aid in the support of the Haitian people.  

As an art therapist I work daily with individuals who are dealing with difficult and/or traumatic circumstances.  I often find myself reflecting upon the struggles and experiences of others--and I know all to well, what it feels like to try to make sense out of the senseless.  So I wanted to share a response to the emails I have been receiving regarding the situation in Haiti and why I choose to help in the only way I know how: (please see attachment for gallery info)

My thoughts are these...For centuries, worldwide, people just like us have been brought down, ambushed, and broken by various extremes. Therefore, we all have a history of being “assulted” by various deadly hardships over the decades...and yet remember this...we have also, time and time again, perfected the knack of resurrection. We are living proof that the destroyed and hurt world around us can be restored to life again. 

In any dark time, there is a tendency to feel hopeless over how much is wrong or overwhelming in the world.  I would like to encourage all of us to not focus on that.  To not make ourselves ill with all that seems almost too impossible to take care of.  

During times of great despair, it is easy to become weakened by fixating on what is outside of our reach.  Again, we should not focus there.  We are needed, that is all we can know. Ours is not the task of mending the whole world at once, but of stretching out to help the part of the world that is within our reach.  

Any small, loving thing that one soul can do to help another soul, to assist some portion of this perpetually suffering world, will help immensely.  It is not given to us to know which acts or by whom, will cause a lasting enduring good.. but what is most needed for dramatic change is an accumulation of kind and giving acts--adding, adding to, adding more, continuing, little act by little act.  I believe that is how we can best contribute to Haiti right now.    

In my case it is through participation in small fundraising events, and the sale of art through a local  Gallery in Chicago.  It does not feel like enough sometimes, but it is exactly my part. In that spirit, I hope that you all take the time to contribute in some way however small, and know that your collective supportive energies truly will make a difference.  

Thank you and I look forward to hearing from those of you who have any additional thoughts:)

Sarah