tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27946614.post333516062599934786..comments2024-03-07T14:43:21.888-08:00Comments on Whatever I want to write about: On this painful existenceSriram Khéhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06907731254833435446noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27946614.post-19025955439052426772015-12-16T15:30:37.975-08:002015-12-16T15:30:37.975-08:00We humans are strange that in our daily lives &quo...We humans are strange that in our daily lives "it takes a disaster to wake us up and draw us out of ourselves and our narrow perspective." But then that is also why we continue to live and prosper--otherwise the empathy will kill us..<br /><br />If I understand the NY Times therapist's column, the idea is that it is ok for you to whine about the long way home and the spotty internet. To complain about those first world problems is ok--we are human and we are better off expressing such emotions. But, as long as we are not preoccupied with our own tiny little problems when there are the many Chennais happening all over the world. I will go truly crazy if I were not allowed my simple pleasures of playing bridge or to express my frustration over the coffee that was not to perfection ;)Sriram Khéhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06724218458246880137noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27946614.post-20588037122678321742015-12-15T20:53:50.301-08:002015-12-15T20:53:50.301-08:00Perhaps the issue is action. We have empathy for ...Perhaps the issue is action. We have empathy for those halfway round the world after tsunamis and terrorist bombings, but most of us can't do anything about such events, other than donate money. When the problem is personal, we dwell on it, attempting to solve it or prevent recurrence. Since most people live a very out-of-sight, out-of-mind existence, it takes a disaster to wake us up and draw us out of ourselves and our narrow perspective. We have to have both.<br /><br />For example, we have had significant rain here, triple the monthly average in just the first 11 days. Roads are closed; fields are saturated so farmers and field workers can't work; buildings are flooding so businesses aren't open, etc. I work in my warm, dry office and am tempted to whine about occasionally spotty internet and driving the long way home because the short way is closed then I think of Chennai and your family and Ramesh's family and am ashamed at my complaining. At least we're still measuring in inches, not in half-meters like in Chennai. I have to focus on my problem because I have to drive home safely and I have to do my job so that others can do their jobs, but empathy for the families in India keeps me in check.<br />Anne in Salemnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27946614.post-36796249183367464612015-12-15T19:45:13.517-08:002015-12-15T19:45:13.517-08:00Yes, the people who volunteer their time, money, a...Yes, the people who volunteer their time, money, and their own safety are the ones who give me enormous hope for humanity itself. Whether it is a natural calamity or human-triggered disasters (like wars) the very fact that regular people and professionals rush to help is immensely encouraging.<br />Realizing my own limitations--other than blabbering ideas, I am good for nothing--I figured years ago that the best way I can contribute is to donate to the helpers. For the last couple of years I have been donating to MSF (Doctors Without Borders.)Sriram Khéhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06724218458246880137noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27946614.post-17183865686873977372015-12-15T17:48:44.214-08:002015-12-15T17:48:44.214-08:00Yes, all part of the rich tapestry of life. Of cou...Yes, all part of the rich tapestry of life. Of course there is empathy to varying degrees, but life's experiences, good or bad, are intensely personal. Your daughter was completely right - each one's problems and triumphs are theirs alone and almost nobody else can truly can feel the same.<br /><br />Having said that , I am in complete awe of those who even risk their lives to help others. In every natural calamity, thousands of volunteers give their everything. They take huge risks themselves to mitigate the pain of others. They are the true shining stars of humankind.Rameshhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11782192840421019943noreply@blogger.com