Ripples in the Pond...
by Donna, Austin, Texas

Clarity has been difficult in the weeks following 9/11/01. Being in the now has even been more challenging. Finally gaining focus on what is important I have learned much about myself and others.

When I first witnessed the plane hitting the tower I felt a sense of disbelief and shock. Mesmerized by what I saw I kept returning to the box. I didn't know any of the victims but yet I feel like all of us on the planet were changed in some way at that moment. I felt a true sense of connection to all humanity. Finally I had to turn it off the TV. The images were too much and the media was just rehashing and speculating. It was exhausting to watch. Unable to completely turn it off I switched to NPR and sought alternative news sources which helped me find a bit of balance as I attempted to find the significant meaning of the tragedy's events.

Also life didn't stop. I had made committments that I needed to prepare for. One of the things I do is teach the Nia Technique, a mind, body, fitness class based on dance movement, martial arts, and yoga. I had committed to teaching a special "Spirit of Nia" class on Wednesday. The music I had chosen initially now seemed too upbeat and I felt the need to totally regroup. Enigma seemed appropriate although finding the spirit of Nia was elusive for me that day. The class was ok but I felt like I was just going through the motions. After teaching several more classes and still not enjoying it fully I got angry. Where was my joy? Nia is one source of that for me and it bothered me a great deal that my movement wasn't finding it. Finally on Saturday morning while dancing to Delerium's "Kharma" the joy returned and it has remained with me. I have a deeper appreciation for the work that I do and how it can help heal other's by giving them a safe place to explore and be.

In all this exploration I have rediscovered the practice of the Peaceful Warrior. Morihei Ueshiba, the founder of Aikido, spoke often about the Art of Peace and how everyone could become a Warrior for Peace. He said "The true way of the warrior is based on compassion, wisdom, fearlessness, and love of all. The "way" of the peaceful warrior is to find peaceful resolution in all situations, whether they are physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual."

A peaceful warrior is secure in the knowledge that they can, if called upon, protect themselves and others from harm's way. Peaceful warriors do not abuse their power rather they use it as part of their own personal growth as a human be-ing.

So I continue to work hard at being in the "Now", and remember to breathe deeply. I take walks and notice the wonder of nature that surrounds me. I take care of myself fiercely, finding new ways to nurture myself and my family. I know that is of great importance right now. And as individuals we can all do our part but we have to start with ourselves. We are all connected and even the small ripples have an impact in the undercurrent of transformation that we are moving through.

Features
A Survivor's Story: 09-11-01 World Trade Center
Written by David Frank

things as they are
Written by Chloe Mata

Some Thoughts about September 11
Written by Lynn of Idaho, U.S.A.

Ripples in the Pond...
Written byDonna, Austin, Texas

"So September 10th"
Written by Pat of Austin, Texas

A Day of Reckoning
Written by Nona Passalacqua, CCHT

Why I will not get out of bed....
Written by A.F. Firebird

A Poem on 9-11-01
Written by Damian Nash

Attack on America: A Poem
Written by Marilee S. Niehoff, Ph.D.

Parenting and Relationship
Helping a Child Manage Fears After a Traumatic Event
Written by Sidran Foundation

Spirit-to-Spirit
Today's Idea
Written by Marianne Williamson

Commentary for Sentient Beings
Written by Michael Benner, C.H.T.

A Letter from Deena Metzger

What Will Rule Our Hearts?

Health Share
"Fight, Flight, or Freeze" Reactions, Ongoing Stress and Health
Written by Darling Villena-Mata, Ph.D.

Emotional First Aid

Caring for Your Heart
Written by Institute of HeartMath

Vibrational Harmony: The Key to Healing and Creating Order Out of Chaos
Written by Beverly Nadler, C.H.T.

How Hypnotherapy Can Help
Written by Nona Passalacqua, C.C.H.T.

Meridian Therapies
Mind and Body Healing for the New Millenium
Written by The Association For Meridian Therapies

Tapas Acupressure Technique (TAT)
Written by Lakshmi Collins

For the Record
The Statue of Liberty
Written by Emma Lazarus

Definition of Freedom

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