photo from Lauren Wilson’s report for The Australian
I don’t cope well with suffering. be it human or other. so I’ve been putting off reading the news about the victoria bush fires since mum told me about them late last week. But a moment ago I felt brave enough to do so. and now my eyes sting, my skin tingles, and my heart bleeds.
I don’t often isolate such incidents on my blog as there is always so much suffering going on all over the world at any given time, and I am acutely aware of this with every breath I take. So with that said, I take a deep breath… and I exhale all my love, all my courage, and all my strength to all those who need it. If you feel inclined, perhaps you’d like to take this moment to do the same.
xx
Done. Sent. Heart, Mind & Soul. LPXO
February 10th, 2009 | #
Pia, there is always suffering in the world – and it’s good to realize how many people suffer more than we do. But there’s no harm in feeling for a suffering that hits close to home. Of course we love that which we know, that has been a big part of our lives. It’s natural. Nothing wrong with it. I have been listening to this story on the news and I’m heartsick, though I have only visited Victoria once.
Sending all the hope I can. OX
February 10th, 2009 | #
I thought of you as soon as I heard the news. This is so awful. My country unfortunatly also suffers from this situation every summer (even if this is a huge fire) I understand you so well.
My thoughts are with this men and women.
February 10th, 2009 | #
i definitely thought of you when i read about the terrible brush fires in australia. i’m thinking of everyone there and sending strength and good thoughts.
February 10th, 2009 | #
This terrible event has been haunting me for days.. even though it is happening right now.. it feels like it is haunting.. maybe because it is so unbelievable and seems unreal… but it is Real… and I am so terribly saddened…
My daughter lived for 2 years in Adelaide and Ballarat… she is very familiar with this area…
I send them all the strength I can muster…
February 10th, 2009 | #
Dear Pia –
Being an aussie, and having extended fmaily in Melbourne and the surrounding regions, these devastating images have been on mind for the past week.
This is such a tragedy. My thoughts of love and courage are also rushing out to all who are there, or who are touched by these devastating events…
Be safe. x
February 10th, 2009 | #
the people of australia are in my thoughts and prayers.
February 10th, 2009 | #
Devastating. And we are so powerless, wether we are far away or very near.
February 10th, 2009 | #
I instantly wondered about your family when i heard the news. I send all of my most positive energy and strength and courage over there now. xoxo
February 10th, 2009 | #
what devastating news. the photo is quite ominous. i often dedicate my yoga practice to someone in need or a specific suffering. perhaps it helps me as well. i am so sorry to hear the news. sending thoughts, energy and prayers your way.
February 10th, 2009 | #
Hi Pia! The fires are about an hour away from where I live and the bad news has been relentless – as well as sending love, courage & strength I & my friends have been collecting as many clothes, blankets etc to donate to the Red Cross as well as donating blood. The response from unaffected areas has been overwhelming – at least a million dollars sent in from people all over the country as well as businesses & newspapers – it is heartening that people are responding with such generosity & love! Our thoughts are with all the people and animals that have suffered.
February 10th, 2009 | #
We have floods at the top of the country and fires at the bottom. It is really frightening. I’ve also heard that quite a few people in the flooded areas – right in the middle of their own disaster – are making donations to the people affected by the fires. Pray also for rain down south.
February 10th, 2009 | #
Eva – such extreme conditions, I just wish for the devastation to end now. Its hard being so far away, I feel helpless.
Nell – it is wonderful to hear this from you, thank you so much for letting me know.
Tyler – me too, it’s nice to hear you do this too. thank you.
Danielle – thank you. My family are all well and quite far away from the devastation as they are further north in Sydney.
Corine, LeirKa, thank you for your comments.
Clebs – thank you for your comment. It is comforting to hear from other Aussies and just feel close, in some way.
Gwen, Cindy K, Sofia, Maia, and Liberty – thank you for your comments, they have all touched me very much and I wish for all our thoughts and well wishes to make it through the air waves to those affected. I hope they know somehow that we are with them.
February 10th, 2009 | #
I follow the news closely and my heart and thoughts are with the people of Victoria. A lady on the news particularly broke my heart, the house that she had lived in for 25 years, along with all of her possessions were gone. How do you replace memories?
My prayers are with them.
February 10th, 2009 | #
I send all my love to you, your family, my australian friends and all the suffering people there. Love. Love.
February 10th, 2009 | #
My heart and prayers are there right now. Big Love.
February 11th, 2009 | #
thank you rebekah, esti and yoli.
I’ve been looking into the different ways available to help and have listed them below:
1. For money donations, got to the Australian Red Cross bushfire appeal here: http://www.redcross.org.au/vic/services_emergencyservices_victorian-bushfires-appeal-2009.htm
2. For money donations, go to the Victoria Wildlife Bushfire appeal here: http://www.wildlifevictoria.org.au/cms/index.php?option=com_wrapper&view=wrapper&Itemid=43
3. If you would like to list a crafty item for auction to benefit the Victorian Bushfire Appeals, go to Handmade Help here: http://handmadehelpsout.blogspot.com/
4. To donate handmade items directly to affected communites, drop off points are as follows:
Amitie Textiles – 281 Centre Road, Bentleigh
Meet Me At Mikes – 63 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy
My Poppet – 717 Glenhuntly Road, Caulfield South
BRISBANE – Email Kate at ernstfamily(at)iinet(dot)net(dot)au
NSW Central Coast – Email Rachel at rachaelashman(at)bigpond(dot)com
5. To donate home items, clothes, or offer accomodation to victims, read how to here: http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/1008100/How-you-can-help-Bushfire-appeals
February 11th, 2009 | #