When we feel helpless it quickly leads to hopelessness. Unfortunately this has been the case for so many (including myself) as we watch the bushfire crisis unfold around the country.
I’m an extremely empathetic person, and to see the horror stories of what the people, animals and environment have been enduring hit me hard. And then came the guilt that it’s pure chance where the fires were hitting hardest, and growing up on the Mornington Peninsula we have been lucky to have avoided being in a similar situation. Every conversation I have had with people over the last two weeks has involved how heartbreaking the situation is, and the negativity that has been flowing through the atmosphere is quite overwhelming.
It’s been a roller coaster of emotions in my body, and my mind has been saddened to the point that I have been extremely low on energy, my body has been aching all over, I was struggling to get moving in the mornings, and I have spent way too much time in front of screens as the need for news updates all the time consumed me.
My lightbulb moment came when news stories of hope began to trickle through, and my mood lifted a little. Having donated money as quickly as possible, I thought there wasn’t much more I could do. I then heard about a local community group who had a truck ready for specific items to be driven to Bairnsdale and when I turned up with a couple of shopping bags full of toiletries my heart was warmed to see that the amount of donated items was so enormous that they had to eventually move the operation into a factory and get more trucks! I felt so grateful to be part of such an incredibly caring and kind community that I struggled to hold back the tears.
Then came the shout-out from animal rescue groups for wildlife pouches, koala mittens and animal beds to be made. Suddenly I had a skill that could be used! I began sewing with more focus and determination than ever before.
I ransacked my closet and pulled out flannelette sheets, old pyjamas and t-shirts and anything else that might be of use. I put the call out via facebook and had others gift me their materials that were no longer in use around the home. With each pouch that I stitched, I felt a little more hope that I was able to help in some small way. I had joined a community of sewers from around the World which gave me even more hope, knowing that our country was receiving such generous global support.
And then my mind started thinking about other ways I could help raise funds and resources for places where the fires are still raging, and will be for weeks to come.
Nourishing Harmony sound baths are due to begin on January 16, but I felt strange about going on as per usual whilst so much of our Country is still in disarray.
I spoke to a friend who said it’s important to keep these self-care opportunities available, as some people may be seeking a way to raise their vibration after feeling the same as me – helpless and hopeless. With a higher vibration people might feel better equipped emotionally to deal with the current situation and find a renewed energy to contribute (let’s face it – this will last a while).
And then the penny dropped – I will donate all profits from January’s sound bath to the bushfire relief efforts! That way more money can be raised for the appeal and I can provide an opportunity for people to sit together with intentions of hope for recovery of effected areas alongside a sense of comfort and reassurance that we are a caring community who pull together in times of crisis.
So if you have been looking for a way to allow your body to absorb whatever is going on in response to the fires, and raise a little extra money for the Red Cross Bushfire Appeal, then maybe it’s time to try a sound bath.
We’ll be at Baxter Community Hall next Thursday, 16th January at 7.30pm. Tickets available here.
As previously mentioned, ALL PROFITS will be donated, so this isn’t about my business profiting from the situation, but it is a chance to do something good in a time where we’re all struggling with the reality of it in some way.
Thanks for reading. I hope that my story from helplessness to action has been helpful in some way.
Lauren.
Sound experiences to nourish your soul 