Disaster strikes. Life is unpredictable. We have all been touched, indirectly or directly, by disaster or unforeseen, unfavorable events. Having to cope with a difficult hand dealt by life or seeing someone else go through it strikes a chord deep within each of us.
The devastation of dealing with disaster cannot be easy for anyone. How we cope with disaster is an individual choice. In the wake of several recent natural disasters and manmade tragedies, it is natural to ask “why” or “what’s next?” Many times, things are completely out of your control and in a state of utter chaos. You just have to manage the situation to the best of your ability and move forward.
Recently wildfires raged close to my home. The air was thick with smoke. It had not rained for weeks. Evacuation orders were given to several nearby towns. Tragically, many lost their lives or homes or were displaced to shelters. I found these four tips very useful in getting through the fear, uncertainty, and sadness of this time.
How to Cope With Disaster
It does not help to dwell in the past. It does not help to worry about the future. Regret and fear do nothing but paralyze. What you can do is take action in the present. Make a PACT to yourself…
Preparation
- Have a disaster plan in case of evacuation. Discuss meeting points and communicate the plan with your family members and friends.
- Have an adequate supply of imperishable food items, bottled water, and life-saving medicines on hand.
- In advance, pack a suitcase (irreplaceable items like photographs, heirlooms, valuables, important papers etc.) and have it a safe place where you can easily grab it and go.
- Back up valuable information using technology tools for ready retrieval afterward.
- Practice doing important things today and not postponing them till tomorrow.
Awareness
- During an emergency, be fully attentive to get yourself and your dear ones to safety.
- Help others to safety if you can.
- Think on your feet about what has to be done, and go about tackling it systematically.
Calmness
- Take a few deep breaths. Breathing consciously calms your system and enables you to act more efficiently. There are many formal breathing techniques that you can practice after you reach safety.
- Positively remind yourself that you can do what needs to be done. You might even want to say it out loud.
- Once you are safe, focus on your breath, meditate, and count the blessings that you have. You are alive.
- Have faith in your ability and in humanity. Believing in yourself and in others is the first step to rebuilding and healing.
Togetherness
- We all need community. In times of trouble, people come together.
- Get help, and do not hesitate to call upon trauma-relief organizations.
- Do not blame others or yourself. The “blame game” gets you nowhere.
- Know that you are not alone. You will get the help you need to get through the event.
- Communicate with each other. Lean on each other. Be open and share.
- Help one another, whether before, during, or after a disaster. Helping others helps you move on and heal.
An unplanned event is just that. Things happen. Know that you have overcome things in the past and can do it again. Life is unpredictable. Life is also beautiful. Be thankful for what you have, and trust in yourself that you can build again.
Return the smile to your face, even if it starts as a small one. Things will get better. A positive mindset helps you to move on and to do what needs to be done. Make a PACT with yourself and Prepare, be Aware, be Calm, and come Together with those around you. If disaster strikes, tap into your inner strength, and know that you are not alone.
Time passed, and fires still burned. Today, the sky was gray and cloudy. I looked up, and felt mist. Rain started to fall—at last. The gentle rain droplets looked so beautiful on the roses in our garden. I was at a loss for words. It was such a relief to feel the raindrops on my face and to feel hope that fires would be contained. The human spirit can cope with disaster and thrive again.
Based on insights from humanitarian and founder of the non-profit Art of Living Foundation, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. The Art of Living Foundation teaches stress-relieving breathing and meditation techniques. Sister organizations also give trauma relief and bring togetherness in the community.
By Sheila Ramakrishnan
Sheila works in the biotech industry and is a Happiness Program teacher for the Art of Living Foundation.
