The current state of what is happening in our world at the moment is far from pleasant. An issue that has been weighing heavily on my heart is the divide that continues to happen. Whilst we all want to believe that we have good intentions and that we are coming from a place of kindness and compassion for one another, at times it feels to be the contrary, myself included. The amount of divide that is playing out is a pandemic. Connections are being dismantled, abuse being hurled due to lack of understanding, insidious name calling over a difference of opinion, comparisons of trauma all whilst suicide rates are escalating.

Of late I have witnessed dialogue in regards to the comparison of our current situation in Australia to Afghanistan. Let’s make no mistake these issues have been presenting themselves for many years. The fact that it has been splashed all over our social media means that innately we seem to pay more attention. Third world issues have always been prevalent. I visited and volunteered in Cambodia for many years. Most of the population doesn’t have access to health care. Children die from common ailments such as a fever or gastro. On rare occasions when they are able to seek medical attention it is usually after waiting for days, on a floor in a space that is less than hygienic. I have witnessed this. Yet when I wait at my doctor for over an hour I get frustrated that I wasn’t seen on time. I have an expectation that the doctor surgery will have a clean space and that any contaminated products will be dispersed according to the 1^st world country that I am currently living in. Does this make me selfish and ungrateful? Perhaps it does? If we apply this principle to what we are currently experiencing in relation to what is happening in Afghanistan compared to Australia, it isn’t just. We can almost apply this to all of our 1^st world commodities. There is genuine fear and turmoil due to loss of perceived freedoms. To be empathetic, have an awareness and understanding without negating one experience over the other is an aspect to be considered. Otherwise we are only adding to the trauma.

There has been a lot of comparison that protestors were selfish and that their understanding of true freedom cannot be compared. No it cannot be compared; we don’t live in a third world country. Hopefully we will never know. It is all good and well to have an opinion and opposing view and one in which to we are all entitled to. However what isn’t helpful is telling someone that they should simply be grateful that the situation in Australia is not the same as the one in Afghanistan. This has a fall on effect and only compounds the mental health crisis we are already experiencing. Whilst this issue has been raised due to recent protests of freedom, there are so many complexities to navigate. Are we are able to find the courage to take a deeper look inside our own moral high ground and compass for humanity? For when we are in a place of discernment and humility, it is then that the narrative that is presented is unable to waiver the truth of a united collective and restoration begins.

With a splash of mermaid magic and let unicorns lead your way.

HUGE LOVE

Sonia xxo