When times are hard, it can be hard to find how to help those around us. There’s no right answer because multiple cultures show support in different ways. Through my research, I also find that commonalities in support also resonate with finding perseverance for yourself in hard times.
“The Power of Showing Up”
You might want to do everything or feel like you’re not needed. By just showing up by paying a visit, making a call or text, you instill trust in your relationships. Seeking help when you’re close will be easier if you’re together. In support, a first step is to just listen. What does the other person actually need?
“When Words Fall Short”
Many cultures experience loss with food, light, and dance. What may look like a celebration is a way for people to get together. Special foods are made to honor others, while dances often represent untold stories. Lights shine brightly through forms of candles and incense. While everyone is different, you and your loved ones can come together for traditions or spiritual activities.
“Cheering from the Sidelines”
It’s not honest to say we can fix everything in the next minute. It’s important to give others and yourself time to process. Collecting resources or thinking about what’s next isn’t always natural. So, cut yourself some slack if you can’t get to there immediately.
“The Art of Im-Perfect”
Just like we can’t stretch time, we also can’t stretch ourselves to be the best rock. Giving others time can also mean giving yourself space. It’s natural to feel separate, but many cultures also value how shared experiences make them closer. You’re not alone. We can appreciate our different identities while still coming together for those rituals.
“Family First, Don’t Forget Yourself, or in Reverse”
Western culture tends to highlight the individual and what you can do. We already found that you’re not perfect, so maybe the Eastern sphere is right about putting others first. Oftentimes, your values may consist of a balance of both. When struggling, grounding yourself in what you find important in context will help you and your loved ones move forward.
“Not Going Back”
There’s no way back where you came from, but you can go back to those who you played with in Kindergarten or met in college. Trusting yourself and others will generate ideas for how to move forward. From Switzerland to South Asia, I found that all cultures reflect a collective support to bond them closer together. In thinking how you can affect your friend, to how this isn’t the end for you, building stronger connections will make your web traditions, values, and resources worth the wait.
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