Their is a field ...


Out beyond ideas of wrong-doing and right-doing,
there is a field.
I'll meet you there.

Rumi
(Sufi Mystic 1207-1273 A.D.)
translation by Coleman Barks

September 11, 2001, was like any other morning for me.  I got up, got dressed for work, and drove downtown.  I like my mornings quiet, so as usual, I had not listened to the television nor had I had the radio on.  It was a beautiful fall day.  As I walked to my office from the parking garage, there was a man on the sidewalk giving away doughnuts as the new doughnut shop had just opened.  I laughed and told him I couldn't start my day by breaking my diet!

Everything seemed normal as I rode the elevator up to my floor, but when I entered the suite of offices, I instantly knew something was wrong.  The offices were strangely silent.  Not seeing any one, I wandered into the break room and found others gathered around the television.  They told me that an air craft had strayed and hit one of the towers in New York.  As we stood there, we watched another air craft strike the towers again.  The horror unfolded before our unbelieving eyes.

The president of our agency called from Chicago telling us to evacuate our office as no one knew the extent of the horrendous tragedies that continued to be broadcasted with speculation of a terrorist plot.  As my office mates left for their homes, I told my boss that I wanted to stay.  I did not want to return to my empty condo and witness these heart breaking moments alone.  She was of the same thought and so together we settled in front of the television praying and crying as we continued to become overwhelmed by the destruction that followed.

Hours later, emotionally exhausted, I made my way home.  I stopped for gas still not knowing how the next few days might unfold.  I grabbed some milk and a few other items to tide me over.  Who knew what might happen?

Upon arriving home, I checked my computer and felt relief to find that my energy worker friends had already started a schedule for participation similar to a 'prayer chain'.  At least I felt as though I were helping by sending energy, love, and light during an impossible situation that rendered so many helpless.

I felt like a child building a fort in front of my television where I ended up spending the remainder of the day and evening.  I kept my cell phone charged and anxiously awaited telephone calls from my four adult children to validate their safety.  Otherwise, I spent the day and evening in prayerful seclusion.

In the days that followed, my community like other communities across the United States pulled together.  Random acts of kindness were noticeably present and heroism was blatantly reported.  I realized, however, that I was becoming mesmerized by the horrific and graphic televised reporting.  The phrase 'evil doers' seemed to trigger and arouse a mentality that I wanted no part of.

I continued to participate in an energy vigil networking across the land.  I attended a few gatherings with like minded people only to turn away when conversations were laced with hatred and revenge.  I was deeply disappointed to observe some spiritually evolved individuals unravel before my very eyes using anger to intensify the raw feelings of others.

In the days, weeks, and months that followed, most everyone experienced an emotional roller coaster ride.  It was a time that has been etched in my mind, never to be forgotten.  I cannot even begin to imagine the loss, horror, or never ending grief that others suffered.  I can only pray that no one, that no country, will ever experience such catastrophe again.

Spiritually, I respect the holiness of all life whether human being, animal or plant.  Judgement is not mine to give and I strive to not be misled by hatred or violence.  No, I do not understand the workings of the world, so all I can do is establish peace within myself and hope for others to do the same.

As Rumi says, "Out beyond ideas of wrong-doing and right-doing, there is a field.  I'll meet you there."