Death of Michael Jackson

The news of the death of Michael Jackson brought a range of reactions; sadness, celebration of his life, anger, shock, blame, regret…

I sat on the notion that we were all spectators in the life of this gifted entertainer who was undoubtedly headed for disaster.

I pondered how it came to be that those so close to him could not be of help.

I thought about my own response to someone experiencing difficulty and realised that

Sometimes I…

• Think about the sadness for them and their situation and it ends there

Sometimes I…

• Feel the sadness and show it in my posture and expression

Sometimes I…

• Actually put some things into action to help

I realised while they all show empathy, thinking or feeling the emotions alone may not actually help those in difficulty. The gift and support is when it connects in some form of action.

So what limits ability to action what we think or feel in our hearts? I pondered on some possibilities…

Could it be we are unaware of what we actually do or how we act in situations?

Could it be our own busy and all consuming lives?

Could it be we don’t know how to bring empathy to worthy and supportive actions?

Or perhaps it is not seen as our responsibility – or something we should do?

Whatever it is, if we are serious about helping people while they are alive, it may be time to ‘observe’ ourselves, our lives, our ability, our assumptions and ask; do we think, feel or do?

I can’t think of a greater life achievement than mutual cooperation and support in the attainment of life potential for each other.

There will be times in everyone’s life where others’ support will be just the thing needed to survive.

In fact studies in positive psychology have shown there are increases in the personal state of happiness of those who conduct random acts of kindness.

In simple acts that reflect empathic thoughts and feelings, powerful contributions to humanity are possible; A heartfelt conversation, a phone call, a helping hand, a small gift, some pearls of wisdom, a warm hug, open communication, an invitation, a silent pause, a timely retreat, your point of view, some useful information or survival tips.

Perhaps ask yourself is there someone you know who could benefit from a simple action today?

With kind thoughts,

Tricia