Did you watch this - Children of the Tsunami? It was broadcast on BBC about a week ago. I don't mean to start up a campaign, like 'Let's not forget this sad sad disaster' just because I'm Japanese. Not at all. I'm utterly against any unwanted attempt by someone to get other people to do stuff like making donations and listening any religious convictions, or even circular e-mails with charity petitions and unfunny jokes. They get the same treatment as spam. These things have to come from you, you know...
The reason I'm talking about this wonderfully produced documentary is because the kids in this film reminded me of something all of us (well, probably just me...) have lost. They don't wallow in their own emotions and self-pity, at least on the conscious level. There's one kid who says, "My four-year-old brother stopped talking after the earthquake". Of course they are very wounded inside, but just watch, if you are interested, how they talk about their horrifying and traumatic experience with uncomplicated and clear words without any exaggeration. They are almost detached from their muddy emotions.
They are in stark contrast to the adults who are full of anger, sadness, dismay, anguish, frustration, pain, fear, and worry. They visibly and understandably show these emotions with tears and loud voice. Not the kids. Their amazing ability and capacity to accept, adapt, forgive, and to just get on with the reality - not just with some of the kids but all of them - is striking.
"There's nothing you can do", they say. "I feel angry", they say without tears or raging voice. "We just have to put up with it".... "So...I just accept it" with a sad smile. It struck me that words said with direct, honest, and quiet voice are powerful and convincing. I'm just wondering at which point in my life I lost this art of speaking.
Yet another easy 10-minute meal :)
Ingredients (for 1 person):
100g - 150g (depending on your appetite) linguine
100g smoked salmon, roughly chopped
100g baby spinach
100g cherry tomatoes, roughly chopped
2 tablespoon crème fraîche
While cooking pasta, cook the spinach with a tablespoon of water for 2 minutes. Mix the spinach with the rest of the ingredients. Season the mixture. Drain the pasta when cooked and stir in the salmon mixture. Eat!