Soul Perspectives On ...

The Meaning of Natural Disasters

The tsunami in Asia was a natural disaster that caused widespread loss and suffering. Before and after that there have been many natural disasters in several countries that have made hundreds of thousands of people homeless and caused hundreds, if not thousands, of deaths.

The powers of nature are certainly awesome. When they are unleashed we sit up and take notice. Because of the power, and because of the destruction that often happens, we usually ask that basic philosophical question: Why? Why did this happen? What does this mean?

We always look for meaning in what occurs that is out of the ordinary because we intuitively sense that everything must have a purpose. And if it has a purpose we want to know what purpose it has for us individually as well as collectively. Applying the purpose to our own lives is what we call ‘meaning.’ It must mean something to us or else it has no purpose for us.

Meaning is subjective, not objective. It is an interpretation based on facts, but it is not factual. Everyone can interpret the facts for themselves and say that this is what it means to them. That is a totally valid approach. Giving a meaning to something is interpreting it in a way that touches the soul and reveals something of the intelligence, love or power of life that motivates a person to live more in alignment with reality or truth.

Assigning meaning is making something understandable or valuable in a way that our hearts can be opened, and we can reach out to others. Even without knowing why the tsunami occurred, people around the world opened their hearts and gave. But as so often happens, people quickly forget and hearts soon close once the media is no longer presenting the images of need to the public.

Most of the natural disasters of the past few months have had to do with water. It is interesting to interpret the symbolism of water in light of the vibration of the year 2005. The meaning we give to it may or may not satisfy the individual but it is a way of giving meaning to the events for humanity.

There is an underlying assumption that must be accepted before we can make much sense out of the acts of nature – often legally referred to as ‘acts of God.’ That assumption is that we as individuals are intimately connected to humanity, and humanity is intimately connected with the natural world. So what happens in nature can be seen as having some mirroring reflection of the state of humanity. Nothing really is separate. It only appears that way to a separatist way of thinking.

Water is traditionally a symbol of emotion. When water is creating destruction, and seems to be out of control, it can represent humanity’s emotions being destructive and out of control.

Relating this to the symbolism of this year and what it means for all of us, we see that numerologically 2005 is a 7 which means that the year is essentially mental. This means that during this year in particular mind must guide our affairs on this planet. It also means that the mind cannot guide well if it is not educated in the appropriate way for right relationships, and if it is not inspired or guided by insight.

Emotional reaction tends to be out of order when not guided by appropriate thought. It is then uncontrolled and destructive. Emotional disturbance can only be adjusted through right thinking. Without this inner guidance, desire based on ego becomes the dominant motivation. Selfish separatism results; defensiveness increases; violence and destruction ensues.

The sub-indicators for us this year are represented by the 2 and the 5. The 2 is about relationships. The 5 is about change, and therefore change with regard to the relationships we have with each other and with the planet itself. The main indicator is a 7 which is about accurate perceptions regarding the true nature of things and ourselves. It has a soul implication.

We use the term ‘natural disasters.’ What does this mean? First of all, the events we refer to are natural, which means that they follow the laws of nature, the laws of cause and effect. If we do not follow universal laws we create chaos or destruction. The word ‘disaster’ means ‘away from, or without, the stars.’ The suggestion is that something occurs which is not aligned with the highest. When we act without reference to the highest – universal laws and principles, the wisdom of soul – we are not aligned, which then causes unwanted consequences.

It is very obvious that there is a great need on this planet for much better relationships, and all of us are part of the solution to fulfill that need. And we cannot do that without soul-based thinking and opening our hearts. We can let nature show us what can happen when we do not care about the consequences of our thoughts and actions. The resulting suffering is a wake-up call to all of us.

What happens in nature happens within humanity. What happens in part of the world happens in the entire world, for it is one body and we are part of it. What happens in your life happens within humanity. Everyone suffers when some of us suffer. Everyone benefits when some of us open our hearts. We are one.

Exercises: 1. What are three things you can do now that would improve specific relationships you have? 2. What changes can you make now that would align you more harmoniously with your environment and the natural world?

***The above newsletter is one of over 50 archived at The Soul Journey web site. Explore the 50 Soul Perspectives on many topics.