Today's MOZEN: A Dead Boy on a Beach in Turkey

Words and photo by F loBuono

It's horrifying. There is simply no other way to describe it. So much so, that it can be difficult to wrap our minds around it. The image of a three year-old Syrian boy's body washed up on the shore of a Turkish resort beach takes my breath away. Literally. When I first saw it, I took a sudden, deep breath, gulped, and then put my hand to cover my open mouth as if to keep the horror of what I was seeing from escaping.

The dark-haired, fully clothed boy lies at the waters edge, face down in the sand. Another nameless victim. A man in a blue and orange vest, some type of official, stands above him taking notes. Apparently, he drowned like so many others who are fleeing the carnage in Syria. Reportedly three, the young boy was obviously too young to even glimpse an understanding of the conflict that had ripped his world apart.

The image is so disturbing because the boy looks so innocent. He is, after all, just a child. The problem is that it can be so upsetting we tend to numb our feelings towards those type of images. We rationalize: Yes, it's terrible. But, it's so far away. It's their problem. So, why should I care? They've been doing it to themselves for thousands of years. Yeah, I feel bad, but what can I do about it?

Well, yes, it IS far away. It is "their" problem. Yes, they do seem to be forever in conflict. And, it IS so big as to seem overwhelming. So, what can/should we do about it?

Well, lots!

First, we can't just look away. We have to allow that photo to enter into our souls. We need to understand it at its essence. We need to see it for the evil that it is and understand that we can combat evil with every breath we take. This is the Mindfulness that connects us to everyone and everything in the world.

Now, before you say this is a bunch of esoteric, tree-hugging bull shit, hear me out.

We are, indeed, too small, too "insignificant" to think that we alone can save the Syrians. We must leave that to the diplomats and angels among us. However, collectively, we can make all the difference. But, first, we must make a decision: what type of world do we want to live in? Because there is a choice. And, we affect that choice in very practical ways - like supporting candidates whose platform supports a broader vision of world peace. Or, do we support candidates who favor an "America First", win-at-all-cost mentality? In today's political season there are clear choices. We are NOT powerless! VOTE.

There are also simple things that we can do that contribute to the vision of a better world. The best one is to practice kindness and compassion on a daily basis. We simply need to be better to ourselves and others. We need to be connected - MINDFUL. Young boys washing up dead in Turkey is the result of much broader influences that are affected by ALL of us. And, please don't mistake kindness and compassion for weakness. They are not the same. It takes great courage and practice to be Mindful. I know. I work at it everyday. I have a ferocious temper that takes advantage of me from time to time. In fact, it has/does get me into trouble. But, I am aware of it and challenge myself everyday to make it better. I attempt to do this by catching myself in moments when my temper flairs (awareness) and to defray my anger by practicing small acts of kindness. THIS is mindfulness. Add this to the world and, gradually, it becomes a better place.

The migrant crisis happening in Europe may seem distant -too distant to care too much about. But, that would be a mistake. The world is too small now, too connected. If not for the immediacy of the internet we would not have seen that photo so quickly, if at all. We cannot, and should not, look away, thinking it's not our problem. Because it IS. It may not seem so in a direct sense, but it is. And, if we don't do something about it, it will be. We have already been stung here by young, angry, disaffected young men, fueled by the same rhetoric and division that is tearing Syria apart.

Begin today. Be connected. Be involved. Be kind. Be compassionate. Be involved. Be strong. And, DON'T be afraid to love one another. Perhaps, if we practice thi long enough, and hard enough, we won't have to be shocked by photos of dead boys on the beach in Turkey.