Candles In The Cave

It’s been pretty dark around here lately. Not dark as in, lack of light (I paid the utility bill). More like a heaviness brought on by the latest, senseless mass murders to take place in the US. Within a matter of nine days, 2 different 18-year-old males pulled the ultimate sucker punch and gunned down innocent people just living their lives. The first round of victims were people just out doing some grocery shopping on a Sunday afternoon. And the latest round of course, the unthinkable act involving the slaughter of 19 elementary school children and a couple of teachers.

Are you FREAKING KIDDING ME?!?!

Naturally, the gun-control debate has reached higher decibel levels since these tragedies. This – in and of itself, has a darkness of its own. Remember when during times of national tragedy, we’ve actually come together? We’ve put aside our differences and focused more on what we have in common. We recognize our shared humanity and tend to treat each other a little kinder. A little more compassion to our fellow man.

Nowadays, the moment a mass murder takes place, people start screaming at each other.

Sadly, we’re a very divided people, and whether it’s gun-control, virus vaccinations or pretty much anything else these days – the hot button of politics rears its ugly head.

But one thing that seems to get drowned out in all the noise is the issue of mental health.

It takes an extremely disturbed individual to commit such heinous acts. The fact that these last two gunmen were only 18 years old is hard to fathom. How did these very young men, who were barely considered adults, get to the point where they were so full of hate that they decided to KILL?

People don’t like talking about mental heatlh.

Yet tens of millions of people worldwide suffer from some form of mental illness.

Life is rough all by itself these days for so many reasons, for so many people. It’s hard to process all that’s happening, both at home and abroad.

Throw in some depression, anxiety, etc. and the darkness can seem that much darker.

We don’t know if the shooters suffered from mental illness, but it’s safe to say they weren’t mentally healthy either.

Are we completely helpless? Is there nothing we can do to make a difference in this world-gone-mad?

Au contraire.

For starters, we can be mindful of our own self-care. It can take on many different forms, but you know the common denominators – getting enough sleep, regular exercise, and spending time with friends and family. Taking breaks when you need to. Listening to your favorite music on the regular. Leaning into your faith if applicable. Watching some comedy. Spending time outdoors and soaking up some vitamin D.

If you think you might be suffering from depression, anxiety or the like, you aren’t alone. Not by a long shot. Our brain chemicals can get out of whack, and it’s absolutely nothing to be ashamed of. Talk to your doctor about treatment options. There’s zero shame in being human.

One way you can help make a difference in the world is by being true to yourself. Some might call that self-serving, but it’s actually the complete opposite. When we’re at our best, we’re better equipped to help others, to serve others, to make a difference within our own circle of influence.

Another way we can make a difference – one of the best things we can do that doesn’t cost a dime – is to simply be kind to others. Know someone who’s going through a hard time? Lend them your ear. Give them some encouragement. Help a neighbor with a project. Check on your elderly relatives regularly if you’re fortunate enough to still have some. One of the coolest things about serving others is that…not only does it help them, but it helps us too. It gives us the feels and helps us to think less about our own problems.

We can either curse the darkness or light a candle.

Or both. It’s okay.

Namaste.