“Ma”
- At March 29, 2018
- By admin
- In Annes Letters
0
Dear Family and Friends,
This year I did not write on March 11, seven years after the devastating trauma that changed our lives forever. It was not out of forgetfulness. On that day we honored the deceased and those still struggling. We had ceremonies and paid our respects. We held rituals and prayer services all day and well into the night.
Personally, I entered a time of quiet reflection, not wishing to press Tohoku’s situation upon unconcerned others. Indeed, as one friend said, “So many places in the world are suffering more than we are now. We must put our attention where help is most needed. We remember our past, of course, and are now building for our future. Yet it behooves us to stay open to the tragic events in the lives of people worldwide.”
Love,
Anne
This year I did not write on March 11, seven years after the devastating trauma that changed our lives forever. It was not out of forgetfulness. On that day we honored the deceased and those still struggling. We had ceremonies and paid our respects. We held rituals and prayer services all day and well into the night.
Personally, I entered a time of quiet reflection, not wishing to press Tohoku’s situation upon unconcerned others. Indeed, as one friend said, “So many places in the world are suffering more than we are now. We must put our attention where help is most needed. We remember our past, of course, and are now building for our future. Yet it behooves us to stay open to the tragic events in the lives of people worldwide.”
Compassion, the space that holds all events together and unites us as one.
“Ma” is an integral part of the Japanese psyche and culture. “Ma” — the space around, the space between. The fullness of silence. The shadows that determine light’s quality and form. Without “Ma” life crushes upon itself, filling us with anxiety and fear.
“Ma”. Compassion. How can we make room for this gracious simplicity in the crowded journey of our daily lives?
Love,
Anne
