When television sets played and replayed the horrible events of Tuesday, Sept. 11, the whole world was watching. For most of us, it was more than watching -- it was a significant trauma that radiated across the nation and the world. We had this sense that this couldn't really be happening.

This weekend we are watching significant traumas all over the globe. I am struck by how distanced we are by reports of earthquakes, suicide bombings, fighting--the horror of life and death. Current world events may have political and economic consequences for me in the long run but are unlikely to change my day to day life, Still I feel vulnerable, jumpy, sometimes tearful. I give vague answers to specific questions. The helplessness I feel initiates denial-a sure sign of stress.

When this feeling of being on a roller coaster begins to overtake me I am ultimately heartened by a quote by Mahatma Ghandi,

"When I despair, I remember that all through history the way of truth and love has always won. There have been tyrants and murderers and for a time they seem invincible, but in the end, they always fall - think of it, ALWAYS"

This week Jews and Christians celebrated religious holidays that remind us that there is deliverance for those who go through the fire-whatever it may be. Perhaps if we adopt the "truth and love has always won" message we can continue to consciously or unconsciously not only participate in our own healing, but that of the world.

For more on "Lessons I've Learned" visit the weekly message archives at my web site, http://www.rondagates.com, to read the February 21, 1999, newsletter that generated the most feedback since I began this column.