I received a newsletter from Nick Ortner this morning that truly woke me up. For almost 12 years now, I have chosen not to keep a TV at home. The news is always sensationalized, the same footage broadcast one time too many and the overall message is oriented around fear, tragedy and fatalism. However I’m very active online and my Facebook wall has been bombarded with links to the latest news and video clips of the various tragedies enveloping Japan. Then I receive this email (read wake-up call) via Ortner. Excerpts from his email:

Whether it be Japan…or the earthquake
in New Zealand or the ongoing challenges
in Haiti, focusing on the negative isn’t
going to help anyone.

Sure, you can tune into CNN to see what’s
going on, but there’s only so much of
that before it becomes counter-productive.

He then promptly went on to propose a surrogate tapping meditation.  While there is some sense in knowing what is going on, the risk is of getting sucked into the negative. I’m adding some other suggestions:

1. Turn off that TV. Stop Reading the Newspapers
   Keep updated but don’t get consumed by the events. The images, words and overall message is likely not a healthy one and you will find it difficult to maintain your inner balance if you overdose on these.
2. Send Reiki
   Yes its a Japanese practice and yes its very powerful. The system is simple in that it helps us develop our connection with Life. If you’re initiated, then send Reiki to Japan – there is no need to be specific in terms of where and to whom. Keep a map between your hands if you want or simply feel the oneness that we share with every being and send your love. If you know other Reiki practitioners, organize a group-Reiki session.
3. Send Prayers
   The power of positive thoughts and intentions is immense and its important not to undermine that at this moment. Whether you subscribe to a religious belief or not, just sending positive, loving, healing energy and thoughts to Japan is going to help in a big way. I see a lot of action on this front online.
4. Visualize Normalcy
   Those of us who believe in positive visualization, have a powerful tool in our hands (minds?) to help. Hold the image of normalcy in Japan and intend it to be the truth. Play out the details to feed the intention.
5. Donate
   The Japanese Red Cross appears to be the safest place to make donations. Alternatively you can check out the Red Cross society for your country.  You can find details here.

So these are the suggestions I’ve come up with for now. If you know other positive ways to reach out and help our Japanese friends, then please share them in the comments.