The nation is in mourning.  The recent loss of 20 children and 6 adults is unfathomable.  How could such a thing happen?  Those of us left are at a loss for words to express the overwhelming grief and compassion we feel for the families of the victims and the community of Newtown, Connecticut.  We each relate to the families and community in our own personal way:  as a mother or father, a sister or brother, a grandmother or grandfather, an aunt or uncle, a teacher, a police officer, a fire fighter, or even as one who has experienced a loss of life too, though in a different way.  Our hearts ache, and we want to be of some help, some support.  But what can we do?

There are as many answers to that question as there are people.  You might hold a prayer vigils.  You might send  prayers to the families and community who have experienced this traumatic event.  You might send letters and cards.  You might collect stuffed animals for the children who will be returning to Sandy Hook School.  The answer is a personal one and is different for each person.

If you feel the desire, the need to do something, sit quietly, alone and go within.  Use the technique I shared with you in my last blog for connecting to your heart center.

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Settle into your energetic heart space and ask the question.  How can I help the people in Newtown, Connecticut?  How can I support them in their sorrow?  Listen within to what your heart tells you.  Be patient for the answer may not come immediately.  Keep your awareness within, focused on the loving answer that is there just waiting to be heard.

Another way to discover how you can help is to finger walk a labyrinth or spiral.  As you glide your finger to the center, you are actually moving into your own center, the place where all is still, quiet, peaceful.  It is the place of your spirit and where the answer to your question, “How can I best help and support the families and community in Newtown, Connecticut?” resides.   You might pause in the center and see if the answer comes to you there, or it might come to you as you finger walk out, or even sometime after you have taken this quieting walk.  (Download the labyrinth below for your finger walking experience.) 

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In deep sympathy,

Sandy

P.S.  I am pleased that 160 copies of  my book Creating the Peaceable Classroom: A 21st-Century Wellness Guide for Teachers, Students and Parents will be given by the school district  to each teacher in Newtown, Connecticut to help them, their students, and parents in their healing process.  I am honored.