August 21st, 2018 will forever be remembered as one of the scariest days and one of the most horrific in the lives of many in Trinidad and Tobago and by extension Venezuela, Grenada, St Lucia and all the other countries that felt the impact of the 7.3 earthquake at 5.31pm.
As such this post is dedicated to valuing life and celebrating blessings! Everything else that happened during the day seems pale in comparison and the dominant emotion was being thankful but not just thankful (I am always thankful), rather it was being extra thankful for life, for protection and for blessings! In addition to the 5.9 aftershock that was a painful reminder of yesterday, there have been 31 other aftershocks (as of 5pm this evening). https://www.facebook.com/TTWeatherCenter/posts/1955132281173479. I maintain that here in Trinidad we are truly blessed!
Thankfully they either weren’t felt or as is the case of the 5.9 aftershock were not as scary as the 7.3 magnitude earthquake we experienced yesterday.
The truth is that experiencing this 7.3 earthquake was one of the scariest realities! It was strong and it was unlike anything any of us had ever experienced and while we are mindful of infrastructural damage across the affected areas, in Trinidad and Tobago at least, we are grateful that there have been no fatalities as a result. What exactly should you do in the event of an earthquake? Here is some information that may be of help to you: http://www.odpm.gov.tt/node/18
Buildings were moving throughout the island and this is a fact that can be attested to by many. At the time of the earthquake I was speaking to my Mom (we were both on different parts of the island- she was South West while I was on the North West) and she was experiencing the same things I was. Just when it seemed like it was about to stop it became stronger and it felt like things would just begin crumbling (thankfully it did not!) Thankfully we remembered prayers and began to pray and this in itself would have been something many across the island and the other islands would have remembered. Honestly I don’t know if anything else would have gotten us through those moments. In particular we were chanting Mantras. As I said, “Mummy chant mantras,” she said, “Yes, Swamiji said to chant mantras.”
Though we experienced problems with calls either not going through or being delayed across the telephone networks interruptions did not last for long. The good news about social media is that many posted to say they were safe and Facebook was abuzz with activity. Videos were shared from media houses and concerned citizens who were all thankful for life (and some still in a state of shock). As more news comes to hand can tell that yes, there has been a lot of infrastructural damage but thankfully there were no loss of lives.
Here are some images shared by Trinidad Express Newspapers https://www.facebook.com/pg/ExpressNewspapers/photos/?tab=album&album_id=10155736033095814
In addition to this many learned that the Devil’s Woodyard Mud Volcano in New Grant erupted shortly after the 7.3 magnitude earthquake (http://www.looptt.com/content/devils-woodyard-mud-volcano-erupts-again), making this the second eruption for the year.
If anything these series of events would have renewed the call for everyone to be more prayerful and to keep praying!
Many would have wondered why our Sadguru, His Holiness Param Pujya Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji opted to visit Trinidad in July and why He opted to spend Guru Purnima here. As I said to one devotee from India earlier, “Hopefully now many understand why Appaji was here for Guru Purnima and why Maha Shiva Yaga.” As I also said, “By Appaji’s Grace we are all safe.”
While here in July His Holiness Param Pujya Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji asked that we chant ‘Shivaaya Rudraaya Namaha’ as part of the spiritual build up for Maha Shiva Rudra Yaga but also for peace and protection not just for Trinidad but for the world. This began and it has intensified as many more have started chanting. If you remember my last post, I spoke of the energy and the power of the Mantra that could be felt when chanting. In case you missed it here is the link for easy access:
https://rachaelathomasj.com/2018/08/18/celebrating-appajis-blessings-for-all-datta-devotees
Our Sadguru, Our Appaji His Holiness Param Pujya Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji saved us! He does so much for us that we really must continue our Humble Prostrations to His Lotus Feet! His Love for us does not waver, He is most compassionate, all Merciful and He always takes care of us and protects us! Appaji thank you so, so much! No amount of words could truly express how grateful we are to you!
Appaji has done so much for us and we all love Him. Let us unite and let us heed our Master’s call with greater determination!
For those who still need to get the mantra here is the link you can check on Soundcloud:
For those who are not aware the official launch of the mantra will be held at the Sri Dattatreya Yoga Centre on Saturday (25th August) between the hours of 4pm to 6pm. Please see the official invitation below:
Celebrating Existence 