The photo of this little girl passed me several times this week. I only have to close my eyes, and I see it. It has burned itself into my memory. Usually, images create hundreds of associated words in my head. But this one is different. It makes me speechless.
The few words that do come up are so sad, heartwrenching, cruel, but also quiet and strangely peaceful. The way she is floating in the water is somehow peaceful.
It is the effect water has on me. The effect of the ocean. Wallace J. Nichols wrote: “For some, I know, the ocean creates fear and stress; but for me it produces awe and a profound, immersive, and invigorating peace.” When I die, I want my ashes spread in the water and disappear in the ocean.
But then I see this little innocent girl that has done no harm to anyone and is swallowed by the ocean far too early.
I read too much lately about mindfulness, about taking life simple. Yet life isn’t simple. How can we call life simple if things like this happen? And even worse, knowing it will happen again. Because we just don’t have the answers.
We have emotions. Loads of emotions. But so little answers. It’s easy to point at the politicians and give them blame but honestly, who are we to do that. If any of us were politicians wouldn’t we feel even more responsible, even more hopeless . . .
I read a book a few months back called “Embraced by the Light“. It’s written by a woman who had two near-death experiences. She claims we all come back to earth over and over again to fulfill different “assignments”.
I wasn’t sure what to think of her story but if I put together all the things I have ever read about near-death experiences there is one single thing they all have in common. They see light. A lot of light. An embracing and welcoming light.
Somehow I find comfort, in the idea that this little girl went into a tunnel of light and at the end, she was embraced by two arms who welcomed her and told her she has arrived. Arrived in a place where she will be warm, and cozy, and welcome.
My big wish is that everyone who makes it across the water is embraced as well. From tolerant people that realize this world belongs to every one of us. We may not be able to solve all the issues. But we can welcome those around us. Make them feel they belong.
Wouldn’t that be at least a step in the right direction?
Photo credit: VICE
Link the Dutch Article: AD
