“HOME”
July 2013 Newsletter
Over the past month many Southern Albertans have experienced the loss of their homes and much of the contents in them. Some would say that all this is just STUFF and that it can be replaced, repaired, rebuilt or renovated. We have more STUFF than we really need, and spend more time and money than we need to on buying, maintaining and replacing all our STUFF!
However, some “things” are precious, and the loss of them is tragic as they hold memories of times gone by. Memories are stored in things, and although their loss does not remove the memory, it is nevertheless tragic. When replacing these things, maybe a blessing that comes from this flood will be the careful consideration of what and how much STUFF we buy, and a more conscious handling and care for it in the future.
Although the loss of things is very real to many in Southern Alberta this month, I believe that the bigger loss is the feeling of HOME. For many people, our homes are our Sanctuaries, places where we can rest and rejuvenate, safe places full of goodness, kindness, playfulness, comfort and love. For many, the loss of HOME and being displaced for a period of time has been a real wake up call. We often don’t realize how important something is until it is gone.
This flood has also been an opportunity to feel more authentic compassion for those who are already homeless, and that lead many to offer their assistance in an ongoing capacity to the homeless in Alberta.
However to others, HOME is full of pain and fear. It is a place to escape or avoid rather than cherish. Perhaps the wake up call here has been an awareness that change is needed. Some may have had the opportunity to be temporarily housed in another home, where kindness and compassion were present. Perhaps this flood will simply bring the realization that it is time to create a fresh start and re-create a more wholesome HOME moving forward.
We all have a story from the Alberta June 2013 flood. What is yours? All our experiences are amazing opportunities to consider HOME, the importance of creating a safe, healthy, loving environment for yourself and your loved ones to live in, and to think consciously about what and how much you buy to replace the losses. I was fortunate in being able to house a friend who was displaced, and it has been a lovely time of connection, sharing and deepening of our friendship.
Blessings to you all who are rebuilding your lives from the basement up. Remember that HOME is not only the physical structure, and the contents therein, but the kindness, community, and compassion that lives there with you. May you all find HOME once again.
Peace in the City, Judy