After the earthquake in New Zealand I was fascinated with the degree of collaboration that citizens exhibited there. The resourcefulness, generosity and deep caring showed up in hundreds of ways – from setting up free kitchens in undamaged homes to organizing donation options from local schools. Since I often teach the importance of the mindset of the “we”, I was fascinated with any culture that is living that priority, even through unbelievable distress.

Like many others, I have been astounded by the calm dignity and restraint of the Japanese people in the face of what looks like Armageddon. Most of the time, I find myself ferverently hoping that we can all learn from such deep respectfulness.

American newscasters are asking the ridiculous question of “How does this make you feel?” Our media is addicted to the idea that the story is the emotion. I think the more important story might be “HOW do you access the dignity and resourcefulness that you ARE living, in spite of the fact that your world has basically disappeared?”

I have been fascinated by tsunamis since I was a child, so I am as glued to the TV as anyone else and appreciate that we now have lots of footage of actual tsunamis and the power of nature. Like everyone else, I long for logistical solutions to the suffering of these people. Yet, I think the most fascinating unfolding is watching a unique culture in its process toward healing.