In times of collective tragedy, it’s easy to see how we’re all connected. But when the dust settles and we return to the day-to-day struggles in our own lives, that’s when our sense of connection can fall apart.

In my experience, personal difficulties—even successes—can work to alienate me from others.  There’s an interior monologue running through my mind; and it’s all about me.

I’m not sure what the magic ingredient is that could keep us all keenly aware of one another, filled with compassion and a willingness to extend a hand. I wish tragedy wasn’t the connective tissue that bound us together.

What I do know is that turning my focus outward always brings about a feeling of tenderness toward the people around me. All I have to do is look closely at the faces I see each day, listen carefully to the words being spoken, observe the beauty of nature around me, and suddenly, I ‘m back in the fold of humanity again.

While disaster brings people together, it’s a sad truth. The remarkable thing would be the sight of strangers rallying to one another’s side when the sun was shining, and there was absolutely no trouble in sight.