i've been doing a lot of quiet thinking about the happenings in japan over the past several days. to be honest, i've found it almost too difficult to watch. i'm not sure i'm able to comprehend the extent of the disaster, to imagine the people, their feelings, their losses. the images of the peoples' faces are what get me the most, seeing the heartache + fear there in their eyes. it's a bit much for me, as i'm sure it is for everyone. it feels too close, too awful, too real.
when i read this post on oh my! handmade goodness yesterday, i was struck by the poster she designed. ethics. they are, after all, the root of our lives, our personal mandate for our time on this planet. someone commented on the post about working towards an ethical life, even when it's inconvenient. i think that is so important. you can talk about your ethics all you want, but when it comes time to act, to help, to do good, where will you stand? will you stand behind your mantra? have you ever taken the time to write down your values, your beliefs? i really think it helps.
i know i'll be pondering these thoughts for a long time. what do we want to pass along to our kids, what are the things we'd like them to take away with them when they leave home. it's about being mindful of your actions, your words. taking care of our fellow human beings. it shouldn't take a disaster to make us think of these things, but now is as good a time as any to start, isn't it?
i'd recommend popping over to omhg to read jessika's post for yourself. it's a lovely read. the last line of jessika's poster really strikes a chord. working together to make life better. for everyone, that is to say. for the whole planet.
if you'd like to help with disaster relief in japan, christchurch, and otherwise, please visit these links for ideas on what you can do. this is by no means an exhaustive list, and there are a multitude of shops donating partial proceeds, and auctions set up to help. feel free to leave a link in the comments if you have something to add to this list.
poppytalk has a great post with links to artists donating partial or full proceeds to japan.
blooming in japan :: jacqui of mee a bee
how artists can help japan :: evie s. of a beautiful idea
products to aid disaster relief in asia :: more info at octavia & brown
and of course, canadian red cross is just a text away. text ASIA to 30333 to donate $5.
