From Collective Loss to Individual Healing: Uniting in Compassion and Embracing the New Normal
An AMP film to guide us on how to navigate the challenges of tragic loss, disasters, and immense life-change.
Peace Overtures Today is a weekly newsletter dedicated to guiding individuals on their personal quest for inner peace. Each week, I share a movie that helped me discover balance. It’s a process of awareness and healing that leads to sparks of joy. I’m sincerely grateful to have you here with me.
Collective grief in the U.S. continues to intensify, as events unfold that captivate the attention and emotions of the entire nation. Think of how transformative 9/11 was on our country and how it changed who we are as a culture. The profound impact of the pandemic in 2020 has left us in a wake of immense change and reactivity that continues to resonate. The scale of loss, including lives, businesses, and jobs, has been overwhelming. Furthermore, we are witnessing a series of significant events, such as mass shootings, extreme weather disasters, and ongoing conflicts, that continue to shape our lives. In addition, there has been a growing awareness of crimes against humanity and significant unkind incidents revealed. We’re certainly living in times of immense grief and change.
Although I am not an expert in the field of grief, I use AMP films to increase my understanding and personal growth. These movies come to me, and I incorporate resonance belief statements and insights from books and other expert resources into my sessions. Through this integration, I uncover deeper meanings in the films, which enhances my learning and benefits my clients as well. Each AMP film serves as a teacher, providing guidance while elevating awareness. In this post, the film We Are Marshall (2006) serves as our teacher today on how to navigate the challenges of tragic loss, disasters, and life-change.
We Are Marshall is an American biographical sports drama film. It depicts the aftermath of the 1970 plane crash that killed 75 people of the Marshall University Thundering Herd football team and its supporters, located in Huntington, WV. Matthew McConaughey portrays Jack Lengyel, the energetic, compassionate coach of inexperienced players who come together and try to keep the football program alive.
While watching We Are Marshall (2006), pay attention to the following five key points that can enhance your understanding of grief and the healing power of coming together:
1) Look for The Helpers
Fred Rogers, host of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, is widely recognized for encouraging people to seek out the good, or "the helpers," in the aftermath of a tragic event. His kind and inspirational quote comforts many in the face of tragedy:
“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” To this day, especially in times of disaster, I remember my mother’s words and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers – so many caring people in this world.”
It was from this inspiring quote, that helped Fred Guttenberg write his book: Find The Helpers: What 9/11 and Parkland Taught Me About Recovery, Purpose, and Hope.
He writes,
“We cannot get trapped by moments and by what happened to us. Ultimately, we have to find ways to move froward from tragic moments, as well as from estate and joyful moments. In fact, it is in the aftermath of some of this country’s worst times that American heroes and leaders have emerged.”
Mr. Guttenberg has firsthand experience with profound loss. Following the tragic murder of his 14-year-old daughter Jaime in the Parkland school shooting on February 14, 2018, he embarked on a public journey.
In this AMP session, I have incorporated several resonance statements from his book. I highly recommend exploring his story and the invaluable wisdom he has gained regarding compassion amidst immense grief.
In We Are Marshall, there are several instances of people stepping up to help. In an early scene, pay attention to Coach Lengyel's motivation to contact the school president, driven by his love for his family.
“When I heard about what had happened, your situation, the only thing I could think about was the four of them. I thought about how much they mean to me and about how bad it would hurt. Well, if I was to lose them. Then I thought about the team and a school and a town that’s gotta be hurting really bad. And I thought hell, maybe I can help. So I called you”
2) Seek The New Normal
In the movie We Are Marshall, the university's Board of Governors consider the devastating loss to the school and conclude that canceling the football program is the most suitable decision. However, the students hold a different perspective and express their dissent through the chant "We Are Marshall." They recognize the importance of restarting the team as a crucial step in shaping the future "new normal" they aspire to achieve. They are eager to commence the rebuilding process without delay. As you navigate your own journey toward a new normal, here are some tips to consider:
Surrender to the unknown
Take it one day at a time
Don’t resist the change
Stay curious
Step into inspired action
3) Recognize The Significance of Rituals in Facilitating the Grieving Process
Many of us try to avoid the overwhelming pain of grief by immersing ourselves in our work, sports, or numerous other distractions. However, this often leads to emotional freezing in the body and delays the healing process.
Rituals and ceremonies play a significant role in the healing journey. When we gather together and pay tribute to the loss, it can be transformative for everyone involved.
In the movie, observe the coaches' frustration over losing games. Coach Lengyel emphasizes that winning is no longer the priority; it is about playing the game to facilitate healing for the school and the community. Each football game becomes a sacred ceremony that unites them and heals them in unexpected ways.
There is immense wisdom in how our fellow humans have faced past tragedy and loss. By reflecting on their experiences, we can learn and grow. This AMP session on We Are Marshall can serve as a resource for your healing journey if you are ready.
4) Be Patient With The Healing Process
I begin my journey to balance back in the late 90s. What I’ve learned is that it takes time and patience when rediscovering your new normal. Over the years, I’ve acquired various techniques that may assist you as well. Take what resonates with you and disregard the rest.
Allow the emotion of anger, fear, frustrations, and sadness to be released from the body.
Incorporate a daily practice that keeps you balanced and centered. I have found that practices like morning meditation, yoga, walking in nature, or working out in the gym greatly contribute to my well-being and help the body release the old emotion.
Remember to breathe consciously throughout the day. I’ve found that deep breathing can be particularly restorative, especially during moments of intense stress and emotion.
As our minds continue to spin and ruminate, we build stress throughout our physical body. To calm the mind and release this stress, Yoga Nidra works for me. I learned this technique from Rod Stryker and I really like it. Check it out and see what you think:
Engage in activities or entertainment that bring you solace. For me, music in all its forms helps me experience and release emotions.
Allow yourself the time needed for the fog of grief to gradually lift. Be patient with the healing process and embrace each day with love and compassion, both today and in the days to come.
Finally, see your journey similar to walking a labyrinth like the one depicted below. Recognize that it is not a linear path. The process of healing unfolds in ebbs and flows, ultimately leading you back to your center once more.
5) Be A Spark of Compassion
In these transformative times, there is a profound yearning for kindness in all its forms. Throughout the movie, observe those who respond with kindness amidst reactivity and pain. As we navigate immense changes, it is crucial for individuals to recognize compassion as a healing spark and wield it as a powerful tool.
I have created an Alignment Session centered around the song "Purple Rain" by Prince. Consider this session as a prayer that can be extended to any distressing situation in your life, your loved ones, the political division in our country, and the daily tragedies we witness.
This music session includes statements to align with:
Compassion for yourself
Compassion for the healing process
Compassion for the times we are living in
Willingness to be a spark of compassionate action for others
Before beginning the Alignment Music, ensure you have done the Intention Session first (see below). This allows you to receive the benefits of the Alignment Music on your terms and at your own pace. While listening to the song “Purple Rain”, consciously inhale compassion and allow it to permeate your entire being. Fill yourself with this compassionate energy and then direct the metaphorical Purple Rain to wherever it is needed. This is your way of sending healing and being a catalyst for compassion, both for yourself and for humanity.
The AMP film We Are Marshall showcases the power of resilience, compassion, and unity in the face of immense loss. It reminds us that coming together, supporting one another, and embracing change are essential in navigating our own paths to a new normal. Let us draw inspiration from the film's lessons and strive to be sparks of healing and compassion in our own lives and communities. Together, we can overcome challenges and build a brighter future.
If you haven’t done the Intention Session, we’ve provided it below. It’s essentially telling your mind and body you want the resonance benefits of this film on your timing, only what you need, and with grace and ease. Once completed then you’re ready to benefit from any of our AMP films, music, and TV sessions.
The Intention Session
Getting started on aligning with this movie session and the included music is easy. All you have to do is review these statements and do the modality at the end. Once you’ve completed these, you’re ready to benefit from any Alignment Movie Process (AMP) movie sessions you choose. This includes any movie referred to in our books and blogs.
Say These Statements Out Loud and Then Do Modalities At The End
I allow the changes in my timing and only integrate what I’m ready to.
I have faith that I’ll receive the benefits I desire.
I’m patient with myself as I make my changes.
I let go of feeling I’m too busy to take the time to read these books and watch these movies
I let go of having to understand how these Alignment Process movie sessions work, allowing me to get the full benefits on my terms and in my timing.
Modalities:
Please do all three of the following actions to integrate this intension session. All three activities are a good habit to embrace prior to beginning an AP movie session.
Nod your head up in down as you would when saying yes.
Drink some water
Slow rhythmic breathing through your nose
You’re now ready to watch your AMP film We Are Marshall and get the benefits from the Purple Rain music session.
A beautiful reflection of the grief process. Thank you David!