By Juan C. Ayllon In light of the recent procession of earthquakes, fires, floods, and the latest tragedy in Israel and the Gaza Strip, it’s easy to become overwhelmed. I had just arrived home from parent-teacher conferences held at one of two schools where I teach English as a Second Language, and Belle was watching the news. A doctor at some Gaza hospital was being interviewed about the horrific lack of medical supplies, and after several minutes, I rose from the couch and said, “I just can’t watch any more of this!” The day had been a long one, and after my 55 minute drive, I was spent. “Why don’t you go downstairs and listen to some music?” Belle suggested. Maybe I should have, but instead, I sat down and we talked. The gist of the conversation was that regardless of who’s right and wrong, war brings unnecessary suffering to the innocent bystanders and–most disturbingly–the children. “There’s a bunch of little Suzies* suffering and dying,” she said with a furrowed brow, referring to our precocious three-year-old granddaughter. “Yeah, and there are a lot of guys struggling to make a living, provide for their families and enjoy a few years before they die, and then war comes and takes their homes and everything else away from them!” I offered as sage wisdom oozed from my pores, courtesy of the glass of wine in my hand. Our consensus was that we are on the cusp of biblical end times, and that, soon enough, Israel and the world at large will look like the ruins of Gaza. Fleeing to Caves -- a Bit Unusual? “The Bible says that the Israelites will be fleeing to caves,” Belle reminded. “Yeah, I was watching a show that suggested that with a nuclear war, the earth would be covered with dust, creating a ‘nuclear winter’ where the temperature would drop drastically, there’d be crop failures, and mass starvation,” I said, adding that in addition to providing protection from explosions, caves maintain a nice, even temperature. “In fact, when I was a boy scout, we camped at a place called Eagle Cave…it had doors and lighting throughout, but it didn’t have heating, and it was perfectly comfortable in the dead of winter!” And so the conversation went. Hold on! That's unusual fare for an audio blog, but this is not your typical site, and these are far from ordinary times! Recent events have wrought varying degrees of trauma to many, ranging from mild concern to utter devastation as they receive news of friends or family caught up in these tragedies. And their implications are far reaching. So, what's a person to do? Process and Distract Back in the late 1990s, I went through a divorce, and as I struggled to make sense of it, a sage friend offered this advice: Process and distract. The idea was to cycle between concentrated times of processing the trauma--get counseling, journal, pray, work on my issues, and seek to learn and grow from it--followed by time of distraction; do fun things--listen to music, get together with friends, workout, watch a comedy, enjoy a pizza. Go back and forth between the two, and with time, you will get through this. And, little by little, I did. Besides my daytime job as a teacher, distractions included starting a part-time mobile DJ business, building my audio system (proceeds from a wedding paid for a pair of Martin Logan loudspeakers), taking writing workshops, and posting at an online boxing forum, which led to becoming a reporter and, eventually, news editor for the Cyber Boxing Zone from 2003 to 2017. The friendships and memories I gained from that experience were invaluable. Prayer and Action The alarming wartime activities in Israel and the Gaza Strip could potentially ignite a larger Middle Eastern conflict, and with major players possessing nuclear arsenals, and with potential global ramifications, these are sobering times. As a practicing Christian, I believe these are biblical times and would be remiss if I didn't encourage people to get right with God (find out more HERE). Moreover, people in Israel, the Gaza Strip, and other stricken regions need prayers and support. World leaders need wisdom and restraint. And hurting people everywhere need help. Points of action include reaching out to your congress representative, volunteering and/or donating to relief organizations like the Red Cross or Samaritan's Purse (find out more HERE), and reaching out to friends, family and colleagues affected by these crises. With the constant media bombardment of these troubling events, many people in our spheres of influence, including kids, could be subject to increased stress and anxiety. Put an arm around them, have calming conversations, and let them know you are there for them. Put a Record On And as you muddle through the process, take some time for yourself. Relax. Put a record on. Or, if vinyl's not your thing, play some digital. Listen deeply. Enjoy, and if you have a partner, aerobicize -- get up and dance a bit. It will do your heart some good. Life on earth isn't forever, and it certainly comes with its share of pain and suffering. I certainly do not want to trivialize its devastating effects on those impacted by it. However, as we muddle through, we can be there for others and ourselves, make what difference we can, and enjoy the pleasures that can be had along the way. Peace. *Out of courtesy for her privacy, I changed her name
1 Comment
10/14/2023 02:33:43 pm
Nice read Juan. The world is getting very crazy. There will never be a winner in the Middle East as long as the Muslim community stop it’s hate and crazy idea to kill all the Jewish population. The Israeli have to do what they have to do. And it’s one country who takes no crap, and I certainly don’t blame them. In the long run it’s the Jewish people who will be blamed anyway, a no win situation.
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Juan C. AyllonA writer, artist, educator and owner of Prairie Audio Man Cave, he lives with his wife, Isabel (AKA Belle), and their Goldendoodle, Liam, enjoys listening to high fidelity music and all things hi-fi at their home in the greater Chicagoland area.. Archives
March 2024
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