On 9/11, we all learned valuable lessons.
“Tragedy is a hell of a teacher. It’s much too strict, but it’s a hell of a teacher.” – Harlan Coben
8:46 am EST: Flight 11 crashes into the North Tower (1 WTC).
9:03 am EST: Flight 175 crashes into the South Tower (2 WTC).
9:37 am EST: Flight 77 crashes into the western side of the Pentagon.
10:03 am EST: Flight 93 crashes into a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.
We will remember the events that transpired on September 11th, 2001 forever be. And, the day will go down in history as a marked point of significant change – one that opened up many new possible directions for the fate of humanity.
As the anniversary of 9/11 passes, people share stories that well up buried emotions of fear, anger, and tension from within. How do these feelings still affect our everyday lives? How can we use these events and the strong emotions that go with them to ultimately transform the future? What can we do to commemorate these events from a positive perspective?
Here are three lessons tragic events like 9/11 teach us about ourselves, and how we can light a pathway toward true freedom in the future.
The Lesson of Perspective
Take a moment to ask yourself “How do I see the future? What can I focus on to be the love this world so desperately needs to journey from fear and pain to peace and freedom?”
“Even though nothing changes, perspective changes everything.”
The past has passed, and the future is what we make it. If we continue to focus on that simmering barbaric anger there will be more anger toward us. If we take on an “eye for an eye” mentality, we will all surely be blind to a possible vision of peace. The power of perspective gives us the chance to change the future, and it’s up to us individually to choose to make a reality from that perspective. See and act on that perspective starting with your thoughts. Let it find its way into your words, and eventually into your actions. Even though nothing changes, perspective changes everything.
The Lesson of Forgiveness
The events of 9/11 will forever be in the minds of those who experienced it, but these are events that only shape us to be who we are right now. The choice to grow into a compassionate human being is ours to make. There were surely a series of events in the lives of the responsible terrorists that lead them to believe what they were doing was righteous. What authority are we given to pass judgement on the people responsible for these heinous crimes? The answer is none. Souls were placed within our bodies to experience and grow wiser, to return to Source and bolster its strength. Let us all forgive for the acts that do not come from the soul, knowing that forgiveness from within provides a chance for peace that stretches outward.
The Lesson of Love
Love is normally directed toward those who also love. The thought of loving those who show aggression is almost unheard of. The lesson here is that those who show aggression are the ones who need love the most. If a well was dry, would you neglect it of water? Our souls seek only love, and therefore, those who are deprived of love are the ones who need it most. As Mother Teresa said, “I have found the paradox, that if you love until it hurts, there can be no more hurt, only more love.”
Begin with a declaration to yourself. Make the statement: “Today and every day in the future I will start with myself, seeing from a true perspective of love, peace, and forgiveness. I will let go of the past and move only into a future that can be if I choose it.”
No matter what may occur, we all have a choice to learn again…
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