Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Of Chilean miners and life in general

I'm on my way home from far away, thumb typing this in an EOA parking lot waiting for the rain to die down a little before I finish the drive. But I've been noodling this thought in my head and didn't want to lose it:


As the rescue of the Chilean miners nears what appears to be an absolutely perfect conclusion, I find myself thinking that this can't just be about 33 guys stuck underground for a couple of months. The rescue, the global resources required to collaboratively plan and execute it, and the worldwide attention now focused on a very deep hole in the ground all seem to beg for a greater meaning.

I believe in the concept of Tikkun Olam - Hebrew for "fix the world" - and we teach this to our children. I can't help but think that the lesson for us all in the return of these men to the rest of the planet lies in us figuring out how to use their inspiration to fix our own corner of the world.

Your turn: Thoughts?

23 comments:

Kelly Linhares said...

I love the human spirit and it's ability to bad together in these times. It's unfortunate that it takes a national tragedy to bring out the "fixer" in us. We should focus on fixing without the encouragement of a crisis.

Anonymous said...

It is a poignant reminder of the value of human life in the Now, in this very moment. Not only the lives of the 33 miners, but the inherent worth of each one of us.

You, I... we can impact the lives of those around us. Family, friends and those we meet in passing. Doing the right thing at the right time for the right reason knows no season, no boundary.

Life is now.

Kristen said...

I've been thinking the same thing! What I wouldnt give to have been there in the camp for the last several months, just observing and writing.

Hilary said...

So true. Thankfully all 33 are out now.

Jean said...

Most often that not, we need the nudge - or a hard knock on the head - to do something.
'When it happens, we fix it.'

Glennis said...

What a positive story this has been! What a great departure from the political nastiness of late.

Catherine said...

The human race can do great things when we are up against it. How to keep that spirit when things are going well is the problem. I posted about the miners on my blog yesterday, it brought up thoughts of my own mining ancestors and relatives.

Kay said...

I love that the world stopped and watched in aww and intrigue for something that could be considered nothing more than a mere miracle.

Amazing, isn't it? and so glad to see the news resorted to a happy, hopeful ending.

safe travels.

Alexia said...

An amazing and wonderful ending - but I'd also like to remember the 3 rescue men who went down to assist the miners into their capsule (and who helped the last guy?)

In my view, 36 heroes, not 33.

These men were doing their part to help "Repair the world"

Arohanui

Somewhere round about said...

When something affects us, we want to pass that moment on/ to include others/ to tell the story again

This is one such time. I agree. As individuals we really can't afford to move on without engaging our brains at this week and hopefully for a while to come.

fredamans said...

I don't know these men, but watching on the news at 11 the other night, I found myself crying when the first guy was brought up. A first right? Usually the ground gets closed up and people put memorials up. Lucky doesn't sum it up, and worldly moral support is expected.

Anonymous said...

Awaiting this story in print - all 33 brave chapters of it!

Glennis said...

I love the fact that so many people came together to help rescue these guys. It's a real testimony to the common good of humanity.

Ankita Sarkar said...

I was writing a comment, when it ran to the length of a short post. So I posted it on my blog.
http://ggloudspeaker.blogspot.com/2010/10/chile-inspires-chile-teaches.html

OJ Gonzalez-Cazares said...

stopping from Goddess and I see why you were awarded yesterday - this post is thought provoking; I believe the Chileans gave us a sample of team work, solidarity, hope, perseverance and at the same time, of huge projection for the country- who doesn't know the brand "Chile" by now? good things happen to those who act good.

Everyday Goddess said...

Excellent, I agree! I'm a bit late getting back here, but I'm glad you heard about my weekly award for you!

Anonymous said...

Very well written. I work with miners every day and always have the "what if" floating around in the back of my head. Thankfully this story had a happy ending. I agree that we shouldn't just let that be the end of it.

Sueann said...

That putting aside differences and coming together...we can solve many things. Perform miraculous tasks that will enrich society in general.
Congrats on your POTW award!
Hugs
SueAnn

Hilary said...

The times they are a changin'....

Steve Gravano said...

Collaboration, cooperation, compromise and a bit of humor. But do we ever learn form the macros of life?

Dianne said...

just as it was here in NY right after 9/11, or how it was in my family after my sister died - I wish I knew how to hang on to that feeling of 'we're all in this together'

congrats on POTW

peace

Anonymous said...

It's an amazing display of how digital communications really brought people together, and of how the human spirit, faith and determination - and teamwork - kept the little band of 33 alive and well until they could be rescued.

Land of shimp said...

Indeed, it took a global community's knowledge and efforts to help free those men, and the world rejoiced with the people of Chile.

Examples of what we are capable of, as a world, at our best.

I liked your post, and I love the thought behind it.