( Stop Hate/Steinweiss. Alex Steinweiss, artist, [2001]. Exit Art Gallery Reactions Collection: A Global Response to the 9/11 Attacks. Prints & Photographs Division )
I wrote these Top Ten Tips just after the tragic events of 9/11, 2001… These tips can be applied to and will help with many personal and national tragedy situations… Because they have to do with what can we do as individuals to take back control, heal and get back on track with our lives… Here are my top ten tips towards recovery…
- Recognize that things will not ever be the same again… Decide however that you will move on and heal any pain, feelings of injustice, anger and imbalance within yourself… Decide to heal yourself and the world and that you and the world will win through…
- Allow a period of mourning to take place within yourself… It’s needed and normal… Recognize that you have been in shock. Be gentle and nurturing with yourself… Take time to find small ways to make you feel good…
- Take action! Help others! Reach out in small or big ways… Give blood, give a hug, make friends with people you have fought with in the past… Allow forgiveness to take place… Reach out to others who are in pain… Recognize that we are all one…
- Re-look at your world… Enjoy all the positives and be honest about the negatives… Recognize all that is not OK and take action to bring positive change…
- Keep radio, TV and printed media consumption to a minimum… Allow yourself to stay informed but not saturated with tragedy coverage and world response…
- Express yourself… Write to your local newspaper… Call your local radio station… Participate in a forum or chat room on the Internet… Share your thoughts, feelings and ideas with others about what has happened… Join a think tank to help create a positive solution…
- Bring something beautiful and simple into your home… A plant or a bouquet of flowers… Walk in nature… Walk in the woods, in a park, in the mountains or by the beach… Seek out natural surroundings… Watch wildlife… Listen to beautiful words and music… View and create beauty and harmony in all forms to renew your spirit…
- Send out positive thoughts to the whole world… Start by imagining your house, street, city, country and the world being flooded by a beautiful bright yellow color light and energy…
- Get plenty of sleep… Allow yourself to rest… Eat good natural whole food… Drink water, not alcohol or coffee… These actions will allow the emotions and nervous system to recover and heal faster than what it otherwise would…
- Repeat the following Positive Thoughts or Affirmations, either in your mind or out loud, often: “My Body Heals, Clears and Balances Itself…”, “I Am Without Fear…”, “I Am a Free and Powerful Being…”,”I Am Safe and Open to Wonderful and Positive Change…”