Back in the beginning of August, Cleveland and its surrounding suburbs were hit by a series of F1 tornadoes, we do not get tornados around here so this wasn’t really expected. Leaving a path of power outages for days, some places no running water, no Wi-Fi, Internet, or cell service. In an instant trees were uprooted, trampolines were thrown around, and a few homes, cars, and business were completely destroyed.
Yet, amidst the chaos we were fortunate; there were no injuries or deaths reported. Not even any pets were reported to be harmed. Not only that but a remarkable story unfolded —a story of a community coming together, bound by kindness and compassion, to help others. Often in recent times I can not go on Facebook and my community FB pages, it has become a hot bed of mean, nasty comments, and drama on the local FB pages. I mute them and rarely go on Facebook. But that week, in the beginning of August was a great thing to see the city come together with love, compassion, and kindness.
Kindness is a powerful healer. When we extend a helping hand, offer a comforting word, or simply share a smile, we create ripples of positive energy that spread far beyond the immediate act. Compassion builds bridges, mends broken spirits, and fosters resilience. It reminds us that we are not alone, even in the face of overwhelming challenges.
The tornadoes that hit outside of Cleveland on Tuesday, August 6 were kind of rare since we really don’t get storms like that. We get thunderstorms that they interrupt TV shows for to give a play by play of rain, lightening, and thunder but this time that didn’t happen. This storm came out of nowhere. Kids were outside playing, people were walking, kids were riding bikes all over town. I picked up my youngest from her friend’s house and driving home when the sky turned black and heavy clouds came rolling in off the lake, our phones started to alert and the radio sent out an alert for a tornado warning and to seek shelter then another alert came on saying rotation has been seen over my city’s name. Then the rain and wind picked up and we flew home and grabbed the dogs and went into the basement. (Probably not the best idea in hindsight, however I had a dumbass teenager at home that would not get her butt into the basement after I called her and said to grab the dogs and go in the basement, she kept saying we are fine, we never get tornados here…. HUGE EYE ROLL) Listen to your mom kids!!!
In the immediate aftermath, the power outage plunged our city and the surrounding cities into darkness. For many, this meant not just a loss of electricity, but also a loss of connection and a sense of security. Without power, daily routines were disrupted, food supplies were at risk.
But even in the darkest of times, the human spirit shines brightest. As the news of the tornados spread, so did the response from the community. Neighbors reached out to one another, offering shelter, food, an outlet to charge a phone, and support. Local businesses opened their doors, providing charging stations and cool spaces for those without power.
In my city I witnessed countless acts of kindness. Families who had lost so much still found ways to give. Churches, community centers, and schools became hubs of relief efforts. Social media platforms, often seen as sources of division, became vital tools for organizing help and sharing resources.
The aftermath of the tornadoes revealed something profound about our community: in times of crisis, our capacity for kindness and compassion knows no bounds. It is in these moments of adversity that we discover the true strength of our bonds and the depth of our empathy.
Lessons in Compassion
The tornadoes that struck Cleveland were a reminder of nature’s unpredictability and our own vulnerability. But they also provided us with invaluable lessons in compassion.
Here are a few takeaways from this experience:
1. Every Act Matters: No act of kindness is too small. Whether it’s sharing a meal, offering a phone charger, or just listening, every gesture counts and contributes to the collective healing process.
2. Strength in Unity: When we come together as a community, we are stronger. Collaboration and mutual support are key to overcoming adversity.
3. The Power of Presence: Sometimes, just being there for someone is enough. In times of crisis, our presence can provide comfort and reassurance to those who are struggling.
4. Resilience Through Compassion: Kindness and compassion are not just acts; they are sources of strength. They help us build resilience, recover from trauma, and move forward with hope.
As Cleveland and its suburbs have recovered from the tornadoes, let us carry forward the spirit of compassion that emerged in the storm’s wake. Let us remember that our greatest strength lies in our ability to care for one another, to lift each other up, and to rebuild not just our homes, but our sense of community and connection.
The power of kindness is transformative. It heals wounds, bridges divides, and creates a foundation for a brighter, more compassionate future. In the face of adversity, let us choose to be the light, spreading kindness and compassion wherever we go. Together, we can weather any storm and emerge stronger than ever before.
Nikki Lanigan
Nikki Lanigan is a yoga, HIIT, and Barre instructor, she is also a Holistic Health Coach through Institute of Integrative Nutrition. Nikki is trained in Yoga Shred, Yoga Psychology, meditation, chakra balancing, and EFT/Tapping. She has done trainings with Sadie Nardini and Ashley Turner. She got her 200 hour yoga teacher training in 2017 at the Carrie Treister School Of Yoga. Nikki takes a holistic view of health, helping her students and clients reach a place of self-love not just through movement, but with mindset and lifestyle guidance as well. Nikki is also show prep writer for The McVay Media Show Prep and host of the podcast Fit, Fun, and Frazzled. Connect with Nikki on Instagram. www.instagram.com/nikkilanigan.yogaandwellness www.instagram.com/fitfunandfrazzledpodcast
