In the face of overwhelming political or social upheaval, natural disaster, or man-made tragedy, how does one offer help when any single act one might be compelled to offer feels as insignificant as a grain of sand falling on the skin? The weight of helplessness and guilt can overshadow efforts, often pushing the larger tragedy out of the mind. It becomes easier to ignore, forget, or create comforting narratives of success than to face the seemingly impossible task of soothing what feels immovable—like comforting a mountain.
First, ask for help from the spiritual helpers one works with, whether ancestors, animal and land spirits, an inner life force, or God almighty. Whatever one has faith in. Then only with this support, consider the following:
To offer true help, let go of opinions and judgments about how others should contribute. Holding onto these judgments only creates barriers, turning solutions into unattainable ideals while discouraging those who sincerely want to assist.
Turn inward and release the stories that dictate how one is supposed to feel or what responsibilities one should bear. This release creates space for genuine compassion, which enables one to offer comfort and healing free from guilt or resentment.
Recognition and understanding of the situation are acts of healing in themselves. By healing within, a ripple effect is created, contributing to the healing of the broader situation.
Adopt the stance of a compassionate witness. Become the listener—not just to people, but also to the spiritual voices of the people, the animals, and the land. In this role, hold space for what needs to be heard and honored, nurturing connection and healing.
Meditative journey work (also known as Shamanic journey work) can be a tool with which one can offer viable and meaningful help. This practice provides a pathway to connect with spiritual helpers and access wisdom beyond the physical world. Through these journeys, we can receive guidance, healing, and clarity to hold space for others during times of crisis. This practice empowers us to embody the compassionate witness, offering support and nurturing connection on both seen and unseen levels.
This is my journey,
— Nate Long “Owl”