“You Did Well! The Calm After the Storm” By Sister Jenna

I don't know about you, but do you get the feeling that we are growing up as a nation and a people?  I watched the news coverage on “Sandy,” the superstorm that devastated the East coast and from my observation, our government worked in cooperation and many citizens "listened.”

I decided to leave our Ashram in McLean because of the many trees and constant loss of electricity in the area when there is any kind of small storm, much less a Sandy! There was no way I was going to put our family and community through devastation from the elements. Being spiritual means to also be practical and make solid decisions which help others to remain at peace.

Being at peace while our brothers and sisters on the East coast try to deal with a lack of power or an inability to move around as usual is not full peace. There's a feeling that we are all in this together. Even though we might have electricity and we were not flooded by water, my brothers or sisters down the road were not as fortunate, so I want to be of help. When I awakened at 4 a.m. this morning, I sat with my mind connected to God, sharing love and sending light to everyone who was affected by the storm, hoping that they will be well and safe.

I called and texted everyone I knew to see if they needed anything and how they were. What has pleasantly struck me is the overwhelming humaneness on the part of politicians, emergency crews, utility workers and mostly the journalists that covered the storm. For the first time, I witnessed that this storm was not necessarily about the economy it was about how we can help each other and keep our families safe. I heard politicians saying, "Thank you for the coverage," journalists saying to journalists, “Thank you and be careful," as they covered the storm from outside, conveying their appreciation for being on the front line.

Is it time to say, "You did well"?  There is a calm after the storm. We are growing up folks.  The aftermath revealed that we are in this together, and we have to do it together. The response from the administration was speedy and swift, beyond bureaucratic jargon and focused on saving lives and keeping the American people safe and informed. It was very touching and inspiring! It was a sign of reinforcing faith in government, faith in God, faith in self and in others. As we become more experienced by enduring so many calamities, we just might become a civilization of every ready folks who are ready to live in the moment and the future, rather than in the past.

This historic storm has touched not only the lives of over 60 million people, but the world!  Perhaps, it has shown the world that America is getting back on track and that resilience is one of our core values as a nation and a people. What can we learn from this spiritually?  Maybe when we know ahead of time we handle realities with grace.