“Toughness is in the soul and spirit, not in muscles and an immature mind.” -Alex Karras
This past weekend, I taught a yoga workshop in Slidell, Louisiana. Slidell-ers are some of the friendliest, warmest people I’ve ever met. Southern hospitality to the extreme. And these people have been through more than I ever imagined. Slidell was right smack in the eye of Hurricane Katrina when it barreled into the Gulf Coast in 2005. The region is still dotted with downed trees, bent signs, and cement slabs on which once stood post offices, schools, homes, and stores.
Needless to say, many a soul was scarred by the wrath of Katrina’s massive storm surge and fierce winds. And God knows if it’s one and done. Every summer, Mother Nature goes bowling, the Gulf her alley, the structures dotting the coast, her pins. Seems like such a careless way to describe it, but staring at a once proud 100 year old oak tree whose clock stopped forever on August 29, 2005 (see above photo), that was the image in my mind.
Following are 3 lessons I learned from these people who endured the almost apocalyptic destruction at the eye of Hurricane Katrina:
1. Faith
“When you have come to the edge of all light that you know and are about to drop off into the darkness of the unknown, faith is knowing one of two things will happen: there will be something solid to stand on, or you will be taught to fly.” -Patrick Overton
Sometimes in the grind of daily living and amidst our striving for personal gain, we forget there is something greater. Most of the Slidell-ers I met spoke in some way of their faith and devotion to a greater power. While we hope to never to face 125 mph sustained winds and a 20 foot storm surge reaching the second story of our home, should we happen to stare Mother Nature in the eyes, we can choose to walk away feeling defeated… or feeling humbled. It’s up to the individual.
2. Appetite
“The deeper that sorrow carves into your being the more joy you can contain. Is not the cup that holds your wine the very cup that was burned in the potter’s oven?” Kahlil Gibran
The struggles wrought by Hurricane Katrina seemed to whet Slidell-ers appetite rather than sour their perspective. They have some of the strongest, most vibrant souls, and a hunger for life, grits, daiquiris (to-go), family, college football, and all that makes the world go round. I sensed that after all these people have been through, they had a little more space in their hearts and bellies for the good times and delicious treats life has to offer.
3. Humor
“So many tangles in life are ultimately hopeless that we have no appropriate sword other than laughter.” ~Gordon W. Allport
Slidell-ers were very quick to laugh at my terrible jokes. Maybe it was the daiquiris, but really I think it’s their life experience. After seeing her post-Katrina-affected home flooded at best, and ripped to shreds at worst, one could only be angry, resentful, and sad for so long before getting on with life. I have a chapter in my upcoming book which says that we best treat difficult moments with laughter as we treat bland food with salt. Again, it’s an individual decision. Laughter and tears are two sides of the same coin.
- Jesus Is Waiting Al Green
- Can’t Stand Losing You The Police
- Whatever You Like T.I.
- Blackman Redemption Bob Marley
- Nowhere Man Beatles
- Personal Jesus Depeche Mode
- Black Pearl Jam
- Lucille B.B. King
- One Way Out The Allman Brothers Band
- The 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin’ Groovy) Simon & Garfunkel
- Many Rivers to Cross Jimmy Cliff
by David Romanelli (Yeah Dave)
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