Why is it that the best
of humanity always seems to come
out of a crisis,
disaster, traumatic event???
Is this the only time
we truly feel our connection to others,
especially whole groups
of people we “hate” -- or hate us???
When
our normal -- self-absorbed, constantly
consuming, immediately gratified, mostly distracted and indifferent --
lives are disrupted, we come to realize an ancient truth –
We Need Each Other!
Who
else is there, but others who are enduring the same disaster? Without helping
one another, we all hurt or may even die! In our Lives 1st Initiative at
the TOV Center, we combine ancient values and wisdom with 21st
century science.
This science is
rewriting the book on how our brains function.
Research
has shown that humans are genetically hardwired for fairness,
loyalty and compassion. Babies,
toddlers and even young children live without prejudice.
They have to be taught
to discriminate, hate and fear.
●
Years ago, I watched a news program about a massive earthquake in Turkey.
Greek soldiers were there helping in the rescue efforts. Normally the two
groups despise one another.
●
The reaction and coming together in America after 9/11.
●
Palestinian firefighters working with Israeli firefighters during the forest
fires.
●
The looks on the faces of Syrian refugees being bussed and helicoptered to
Israeli hospitals for treatment.
These
types of behaviors reveal who we all are really are! The Lives 1st Initiative
views conflict, crisis and even disaster as catalysts for tremendous
growth and transformation.
I
teach that same idea about grief, loss and recovery as well. When things will
never be the same, they can be different. Nothing like going through something
that reminds us of this:
We All Are Interconnected!
We All Bleed Red.
What
a revelation! I’ve mentioned before, that in our Jewish tradition, we say
the same blessing when we hear good news and one when we hear bad news,
because we truly don’t know the difference.
"Blessed are You, Lord, our God, King of the universe,
the Just Judge.”
Disasters?
If they help open our eyes, open our hearts and bring out our true nature,
which is to Protect, Preserve, Raise Functionality and Increase the
Quality of Lives -- then let’s not waste the opportunity to show
Love!
It’s
all about putting Lives 1st!
Rabbi
Jeffrey Leynor
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