Beryl, Hurricane Beryl…
The aftermath of Hurricane Beryl in Jamaica, weaving together personal observations with philosophical ponderings on disaster, suffering, and community resilience. I reflect on the disparity between my own fortunate experience and the widespread devastation, prompting a call for unifying leadership and a spirit of self-reliance in the face of adversity.
I saw videos and photos that didn’t look like Jamaica. Though this has happened here before, I was a child when Hurricane Gilbert arrived on the island. I remember it well, but back then I couldn’t grasp the true gravity of the situation.
Seeing the destruction left by Beryl, even though it wasn’t at full force, is mind-boggling. It also induces concern and empathy for those who suffered.
Many hardworking people who invested heavily in successful businesses, some small but employing over 100 people, are now enduring the aftermath of the destruction.
I’ve always known and considered myself one of the most privileged people on the planet. My problems are tedious but minor; I call them professional growing pains, which ultimately affect my personal experience. However, I haven’t known true suffering, only frustration.
But I digress…
What Jamaica needs now is a powerful and inspiring speech from the highest level of leadership. A speech that is both philosophical and practical. People will need the government and political parties to unify and speak honestly.
Acceptance is key. We need to accept our current situation, the destruction, and trust that we can move forward and rebuild. Over the years, I’ve learned that people need to know they’re not alone. They don’t necessarily need others to understand or tell them what to do. They need to know they’re supported, that there’s a shoulder to lean on. They need time to recoup, reorganize, and find motivation through patience.
One of my favorite places, Jake’s Hotel, was severely damaged. My hometown, Mandeville in the Parish of Manchester, Jamaica, was also battered, as I understand it, along with many other places. I imagine the despair, loneliness, and low spirits being felt across these areas, perhaps the entire island.
Where I am located in Kingston, there’s not much activity. We haven’t lost power, water, or had any damage. What we humans call a disaster is a natural occurrence. Unfortunately, humans are the variables who experience negative consequences. However, we are not enemies of nature, nor are we being punished by a higher power. Nature is not our enemy.
In matters of country, society, government, leadership, and citizens, we don’t ask what can be done for us. We ask what we can do for ourselves, and what we can do for our country. (Obviously paraphrasing JFK here.) Because that’s what needs to happen.
Acceptance of what is beyond our control: The acknowledgment of the devastation caused by Hurricane Beryl and the helplessness in the face of nature’s fury. This aligns with the Stoic concept of Amor Fati, the love of fate, which emphasizes accepting what is outside our control.
Focus on what we can control: While the hurricane’s impact cannot be controlled, there is importance in individual and collective action in rebuilding. This reflects the Stoic emphasis on virtue and acting in accordance with reason.
Importance of community: Emphasize the need for social support and unity during challenging times. Stoicism values social connections and fulfilling our roles within society.
Finding strength in adversity: Acknowledgement of the hardship finds a source of motivation in resilience and rebuilding. This aligns with the Stoic idea of perseverance and finding virtue in difficult circumstances.
A perspective on dealing with crisis through a Stoic lens, emphasizing acceptance, action, and communal support.
— A note.
