No doubt you were as moved as we were by stories of loss, survival, and rebuilding in earthquake- and tsunami-stricken Japan.
This story illustrates the incredible efforts to re-establish social networks and communities in the challenging setting of evacuee shelters set up in school gyms.
A sense of community is a crucial underpinning to life in the world’s Longevity Hot Spots. That’s why Akea identifies Connection, meaning a strong sense of social community and friendship, as one of the pillars of the BluePrint for Life. But how do you rebuild community when circumstances are stressful and harsh—and with only the most basic materials on hand?
These amazing people show how it can be done…
Living selflessly. In a shelter in a junior high school gym, two dentists volunteer their services, treating about 15 patients a day. Their offices were washed away and won’t be rebuilt for many months, they tell the reporter. So why not practice what they know for the good of others? Fellow evacuees serve as their staff members. One day a week, a barber and evacuee gives free haircuts. Other volunteer services include bicycle repair, a shuttle service between shelters, and free laundry washing, drying, and folding.
Clinging to routines. At the start of the story, the reporter notes that one potential interviewee isn’t available because he’s out walking his dog. Following personal routines helps preserve social order. Another example: Following Japanese tradition, the evacuees remove their shoes at the outer gymnasium doorway and put on disposable socks. But they also remove those socks at the inner doors to the actual gym, to prevent bringing any dirt inside.
In this way, the evacuees preserve an important and community tradition. They also respect other members of this makeshift community by keeping everyone’s areas clean.
Creating barriers, to a degree. Building a community implies some proximity between people. But it’s important to define a sense of personal space, too. For that reason, evacuees have worked together to construct
What are the social rules we follow each day? What small respects do we pay each other? How can we be more empathetic? And are we doing all we can not only to strengthen our own social networks, but to help people around us strengthen theirs?
That story from Japan is breathtaking. It can teach us so much, not only in terms of gratitude, but also in terms of empathy. After you’ve read it, we’d love for you to comment here with your impressions.
