My heart goes out to the people of Japan. In 1970 I was a member of a hula troupe and we performed at The Narugo Hotel in Nagoya for three months. After landing in Tokyo, our troupe boarded the 'bullet train' to Sendai (the northern capital of Japan). Then we rode by car for a couple of hours until we reached our hotel. The people at the hotel and the President of the hotel, President Kumagai and his wife Mama San greeted us with broad and welcoming smiles. They bowed deeply and we bowed in return. We were taken to a room in the hotel where we were treated with a special dinner of sukiyaki made and served the authentic Japanese way. We were instructed every step of the way about how to proceed with adding each ingredient into the bowl of hot soup. What struck me the most was the genteel, polite and respectful way in which the people treated us. I felt so much aloha in Japan. I loved the people and never forgot their hospitality. When it was time to return home even though I was homesick, I was sad to leave the country.

When the earthquake and tsunami hit Japan, I was taken back in time when I was there many years ago. My memories of northern Japan (Sendai, Narita and Nagoya) came back to me crystal clear. It was as if I had just been there. I remembered the beauty of the countryside with it's deep green color. The numerous fishing boats with their fishing nets dotted the ocean ports. The humility of the people was astounding. They spoke with low voices not calling attention to themselves. At one point during my experience in Japan, I contemplated staying there. I have been riveted to the television even though others may have had their fill of the news coverage. I had lived through a disaster, Hurricane Iniki on the island of Kauai that hit on September 11, 1992. This was a level 4 hurricane that leveled the entire island. I lost my home. For five days I was in shock. I thought I was going to die along with many other people. I'll never forget that sinking and helpless feeling. This is another reason why my heart goes out to the people of Japan. When you've lived through a disaster you carry a deep sense of compassion for others during times of need. Please pray for the Japanese people and their country. Whatever happened there could just as easily happen anywhere else. Have compassion, integrity and love. Visualize engulfing the country with positive energies and with white light. You may also visualize different colors of light such as violet for protection (the light of forgiveness), green for healing, blue for calmness and pink for love. We're all in this life together. Whatever happened in Japan could just as well happen to us.

Text REDCROSS to 90999 or go online to donate $10 or more for Japan. May God bless everyone!

Deidre Glendon MEd is the author of The Healing Light, Trouble in Paradise and Light of Forgiveness. A death experience that profoundly changed her life led her to help people with intuitive insights. Her tips on inner peace have helped many to find happiness and forgiveness in their lives. Just click on the books for more tips.