The power of natural disasters to obliterate entire communities is never more evident than the recent tragedy in Tokyo, Japan. This not only impacts the people involved but unites us all in the challenge to find meaning in the most severe of circumstance. As the media broadcasts images of human crisis the world watches on in helpless awe of the destruction our earth is capable.
The challenge for rescue teams, aid workers and councillors facing the catastrophe head is to remain efficient despite their emotions in order to secure the safety of the people and provide support to the victims. Conveying this sentiment in the hearts and minds around the world is the best resolution for despair – empowering us to strengthen our bonds and redirect our focus to benefit the cause.
In 2004 a similar tragedy was experienced by Indonesia’s Aceh province when an earthquake in the Indian Ocean triggered a Tsunami which killed 230,000 people and left 50,000 homeless. At which time, local government and other assistance organisations referred to a training program based on the principles of Victor Frankl a survivor of the Nazi concentration camps.
The second edition of Prisoners of our Thoughts by Alex Pattakos in which the author distills Frankl’s principles for discovering meaning in life and work offers an expanded resource for authorities, aid workers and all struggling to cope with the tragedy in Tokyo.
The book teaches the following core principles as an approach to transcending tragedy and retaining dignity through the will to meaning.
1. We are free to choose our attitude toward everything that happens to us.
2. We can realise our will to meaning by making conscious, authentic commitment to meaningful values and goals.
3. We can find meaning in all of life’s moments.
4. We can learn to see how we work against ourselves and can learn to avoid thwarting our intentions.
5. We can look at ourselves from a distance to gain insight and perspective as well as to laugh at ourselves.
6. We can shift our focus of attention when coping with difficult situations.
7. We can reach out beyond ourselves and make a difference in the world.
“Unconditional meaning, however, is paralleled by the unconditional value of each and every person. It is that which warrants the indelible quality of the dignity of man. Just as life remains potentially meaningful under any conditions, even those which are most miserable, so too dos the value of each and every person stay with him or her.” – Victor Frankl
Learn more about Victor Frankl Neurologist, Psychiatrist, Founder of Logotherapy and Existential Analysis and author of Man’s Search for Meaning.
Read Alex Pattakos Prisoners of Our Thoughts available through Woodslane.
Japan Earthquake an Tsunami How to Help
Below are organizations that are working on relief and recovery in the region.
AMERICAN RED CROSS: Emergency Operation Centers are opened in the affected areas and staffed by the chapters. This disaster is on a scale larger than the Japanese Red Cross can typically manage. Donations to the American Red Cross can be allocated for the International Disaster Relief Fund, which then deploys to the region to help. Donate here.
GLOBALGIVING: Established a fund to disburse donations to organizations providing relief and emergency services to victims of the earthquake and tsunami. Donate here.
SAVE THE CHILDREN: Mobilizing to provide immediate humanitarian relief in the shape of emergency health care and provision of non-food items and shelter. Donate here.
SALVATION ARMY: The Salvation Army has been in Japan since 1895 and is currently providing emergency assistance to those in need. Donate here.
AMERICARES: Emergency team is on full alert, mobilizing resources and dispatching an emergency response manager to the region. Donate here.
CONVOY OF HOPE: Disaster Response team established connection with in-country partners who have been impacted by the damage and are identifying the needs and areas where Convoy of Hope may be of the greatest assistance. Donate here.
INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL CORPS: Putting together relief teams, as well as supplies, and are in contact with partners in Japan and other affected countries to assess needs and coordinate our activities. Donate here.
SHELTER BOX: The first team is mobilizing to head to Japan and begin the response effort. Donate here.
