Profound Changes

September 2014

 

That forward-looking message is coupled with messages of gratitude from the townspeople of Ishinomaki. In fact, one by one folks of all ages express their appreciation for the help they received after the earthquake and tsunami ruined most of their small city.

http://en.rocketnews24.com/2011/12/10/a-message-to-you-from-the-people-of-japan-we-will-always-remember-you-thank-you/

(In order to watch this YouTube, please scroll down to the second image, which is still open for viewing.)

Over the years since our hearts and psyches were severed so deeply, posters expressing thanks have begun to appear all over the Tohoku region. Most of these photos show towns’ folks clustered together with beaming smiles. They want to show how far they have come and how grateful they are for the help and support they have received from so many.

 

          

 

(These signs say, “Arigatou” = “Thank you”.)
 
 
Actually, there is no one here was has not been changed by the shock and consequences of 03/11. Everyone still talks about how the events of that time changed them in very profound, often not overt, ways. People live with greater uncertainty and vulnerability now. And they have a much deeper awareness of what really matters to them.

Here are just a few of the more significant choices people have made since that time. Women who vowed they would stay single are getting married. And many couples that lived separately because of work have decided to share one household. That usually means one or the other must make significant job changes in order to do that.

Of course, people still work incredibly hard, in some ways more than ever, but now there is a sense that life is more than total commitment to the job. People are taking more time for their families. They seem to enjoy their kids more. And it is not uncommon to see fathers taking their children to school or chatting with them as they walk down the street hand-in-hand. They obviously enjoy spending time with their young ones.

      

      

Even young people, previously notorious for their immaturity and superficiality, have a sadness and depth, even a kind of wisdom that only life experience can carve into their psyches and souls. Everyone here now knows we are alive because of all those who have helped us.

         

        

People are seeking answers to life’s big questions. They are searching for a spiritual meaning to life. One example is a good friend of mine. He and I often chat about what things he is doing to find a path best suited to him. He sometimes goes for meditation sessions, or attends group discussions on how to attain inner success. I have my own spiritual direction, but always listen attentively as he talks. And I always ask questions. The last one was, “Do you pray?” He told me he did, but very differently since the earthquake and tsunami that marked everyone’s life here so very profoundly.

“I used to pray to only the Shinto gods,” he told me. “I have an altar both at home and in my company. Everyday I would bow before it, clap to wake up the gods, and then pray.”

“But my ways of worship have expanded a lot since 03/11. Now I pray to the Gods of Six Directions. They are Buddhist. But we Japanese don’t divide our religions. Everyone belongs to several of them. It depends on the circumstance who we turn to.”

(Zuni Gods of Six Directions)

I asked him to explain further. He said, “There are the four cardinal directions, of course. But there are also the gods above us, and the ones below us. They all form a circle of protection around us. I bow to each of them, and then I review my life, thanking everyone who has ever helped me. I have had so many mentors. I am so blessed. In fact, I guess you could say my god is the God of Gratitude.”

            

Anne