We who are far from the disaster area may find ourselves experiencing or people we know experiencing feelings of helplessness & despair.  Obviously we want to do all we can to give direct aid but we also need to keep our own spirits up.  Perhaps the following suggestions will help us do that.  
 
• Limit exposure to the sights and sounds of disaster, especially on television, the radio and in the newspapers.
• Reach out and accept help from others.
• When you are able, reach out and offer help-small actions and quiet listening can be helpful
• Recognize your own and others’ feelings without judgment.
• Although having time alone can be healing it is also helpful to spend time with others.  Stay connected with others.           
• Recovery can take time—non-judgmental acceptance of each person’s unique timetable to digest events is a healing action.
• Get rest and drink plenty of water.
• Do something you enjoy-small somethings can be nourishing.
• Do something enjoyable with others.
• Focus on the positive.
• Spend some time each day noticing, “the experience of non-toothache” (a phrase from the Buddhist teacher Thich Nhat Hanh).
 

May all beings be safe and free from harm.