Disaster, in the world or in our lives, can stun us and make us reel. But the best way to move forward is to take action. There are two kinds we can do:

1. Outer action. Donate to charities that have low administrative overhead – check out Charity Navigator to choose what’s best. Or call them to see if there’s any help you can give. If the disaster is local – or anywhere nearby – consider actually going in person. Yes, you can do this!
2. Inner action. No matter what you do outwardly, this is just as important. Mostly, don’t shut down. Open your heart. Let whatever feelings emerge that need to.

A meditation teacher of mine, Barbara Dilley, once said (paraphrased): “To be fully alive and present in the world is to live with a tender and broken heart.” You might say this means being vulnerable, because we truly let things affect us – but there’s more power there than shutting down.

Encounter what you find. And while you need not retraumatize yourself by watching footage over and over on the news, send love and prayers to those in need. In one sense or another, they’ll feel it.