Look for the Helpers

Nature gives us endless rhythm and harmony in any circumstance, not only when we are on a joyous path, but even in the depth of despair we will see true greatness of beauty of strength, beauty of patience, and beauty of sacrifice. Above the borderline of nationality, everybody must feel a deep appreciation in the depth of our hearts, not only our senses will develop more energetically…but our feeling will become as clear as full moonlight.

                                                           Chiura Obat

he picture above is by Chiura Obata, one of my favorite artists. Chiura Obata was a Japanese American artist teaching in Berkeley California in the 1940’s. After the bombing of Pearl Harbor Japanese citizens were rounded up and sent to internment camps. Innocent citizens became the face of an enemy threatening our life and values, not unlike how the new immigrants are being targeted now. While at the internment camp Obata developed an art school for his fellow detainees and painted over 200 brilliant paintings. He used art to his lift the spirits of his people reminding them of the beauty of their culture and applying the natural world to their wounds.

 When Fred Rogers, of Mr. Rogers Neighborhood, was asked what parents should tell their children to do in times of chaos and danger he said, “look for the helpers”. That idea has stayed with me. It is so simple, but so profound and useful. As a prolific consumer of biographies through print and media I have sought the guidance of helpers all my life. Learning how other people have navigated the challenges in their lives has been guiding me throughout my own challenges and provided me with wise uncles, aunts, grandmothers and grandfathers. I found Victor Frankel in the fields of Auschwitz, Monet at his sick bed, numerous brilliant chefs who rose to greatness when facing their greatest failures, the Dalai Lama and other brave Tibetans who travelled to safety in the dead of night, and so many others. Their greatness was not forged in times of ease and comfort. They came into their full flower when faced with great adversity. Chiura Obata used beauty and art to help his people remember what is good about humanity, to lift their spirits and bring hope in the midst of cruelty. Do not underestimate the power of beauty.

 We are now facing a time of great adversity.  I am searching for the helpers, finding comfort and hope in the lives of heroes from the past who also lived through treacherous times. If we simple citizens feel inspired we can even become one of these heroes, bringing our unique talents to humanity and offering them as a gift to generations in the future. Thank you heroes, you give me abundant hope that love will prevail.