TOWARDS HEALING

We in Nepal today are injured people.  Some through bodily damage, many through the loss of loved ones, and many more through the loss of property; and we continue to struggle with the fear of ongoing aftershocks.

We have lost much.  But not all.  And to heal, we must get in touch with that portion of our lives that is not yet broken. What is not broken? 1. Solidarity in our community and 2. Relief response from well wishers.

1. We are alive with care.  We are committed not only to protecting ourselves, but also to helping others. Can the media cover these stories of the community coming together to volunteer and help each other (and not only of human insecurities and pettiness which, too, can come as a shock response)?
2. We are cared for.  Well wishers have sent prayers and help, and aid workers are busy with activities.  Can the media highlight these stories of sincere and transparent efforts? Sure, there are corrupt people everywhere, and they have received ample media coverage in the past .  This time, can we focus on successful stories of sincere individuals, activists and aid workers?           ​

Some ideas to consider

1. For media: Publish a list of shops that will pledge not to hoard to create artificial shortages and price hikes  of essential goods (those who pledge should be open to transparency ie. verification through citizen inspection).  Publish a list of volunteers or groups with pledge-specific resources and skills they can provide (those who pledge should be open to transparency).  And publish a list of PR persons from aid agencies and their specific mandates (the PR persons should be willing to engage transparently in a public forum).  Most importantly, in choosing your editorials and content , consider how you might be able to facilitate healing. 
2. For volunteers: Solve a problem and respond to a cry for help.  Or else, it may be better not to volunteer. 
3. For donors:  Money does not solve a problem, though it may serve well if used towards the right idea.  In corrupt or ineffective hands, it becomes counter-productive.  Hence, do more than just give money, communicate!
4. For Nepali people:   We are shaken up not just by the earthquake, but by the uncertainty and fear from the unending series of aftershocks.   In this, like in the case of how to manage relief-work, we have much to learn from the  Haiti earthquake., where the largest aftershock came 8 days after the main earthquake.  We should expect these aftershocks with a sense of relief that they will fade out eventually.  Do not let these aftershocks make us even more vulnerable to gossip and fear. In summary, let me borrow an old jehudi saying - let us have the courage to change what can be changed, the humility to accept what cannot be changed, and the wisdom to know the difference.