Natural disasters often have a devastating impact on communities. This was evident with the passage of DANA through Spain, especially in Valencia, Catalonia, and Andalusia. These tragedies bring profound grief as the losses can be multiple, including human lives, animals, material goods, homes, businesses, and jobs, among others
Despite the pain and loss experienced, especially in Valencia, we have also witnessed remarkable solidarity. People have come together to help: some walking with cleaning supplies, others loading cars with clothing, blankets, diapers, water, food, and other essential items. Everyone has stepped up and offered their best selves.
People from all over Spain have come to Valencia to help, regardless of age, city, culture, or economic status. Those unable to travel have made donations or offered assistance from where they are.
The ICLOBY Foundation, for instance, has extended a helping hand to those in mourning. We have carried out several initiatives, including a special radio program on “Acércate Radio,” offering a space for meditation, words of support, and the message that no one is alone. We know that shared pain is easier to bear. At this stage, grief has not fully begun; the population is still in shock, unable to comprehend what has happened. Everything has unfolded so quickly.
We also held live sessions on Instagram and YouTube focused on mindfulness, dedicating them to the people of the Valencian community.
Events like DANA, the pandemic, or the volcanic eruption in the Canary Islands remind us that death can come at any moment, without warning. We must be prepared to die and not assume there will always be more time or that death only happens to others. We need to stop avoiding the topic of death, sidelining or delaying it. We must prepare for death and learn how to accompany others through the process.
Throughout our lives, we will inevitably have to accompany someone through this journey—grandparents, parents, family members, friends, children, and, of course, ourselves when the time comes. Why not start preparing now?
Without intending to promote, we offer two highly relevant courses: one on Awareness and Social Leadership and another on Accompaniment and Grief, which many medical professionals attend.
Bhutan is often said to be the happiest country in the world because its wealth is measured not by GDP (Gross Domestic Product) but by GNH (Gross National Happiness). What makes Bhutan happy? The population meditates twice a day on death. This practice helps them value the gift of each new day filled with possibilities and fosters a sense of gratitude. Even when someone is not feeling their best, they are still grateful for their current state because things could always be worse. This approach helps people focus on what truly matters, letting go of trivial issues. If someone offends you and it’s your last day, would you waste time feeling upset? Or, if that person were to die tonight, wouldn’t you feel compassion and forgive them?
We are born with a limited amount of time. Let us use it wisely and joyfully, doing things that bring us peace and fulfillment. Let us live in the present as the gift it is, helping others wholeheartedly, and giving the best of ourselves.
Thank you to all the kind and compassionate individuals. Our hearts are filled with gratitude and hope.
Dr. Luján Comas
Icloby Foundation President