In the northern regions of Iraq, a few miles outside of Slemani, a structured blend of cloth, plastic and wood houses 47 families, whose homes and dreams became shattered by a sharp manifestation of human greed that swung through Baghdad a few years ago. A few thousand miles west, a less sharpened manifestation of human greed is gradually shattering minds and dreams of individuals in modern day society. Although both the experience and cause of suffering of these two settings is along different dimensions, a closer look unveils patterns and themes reminding us once more of the universality of humanity and our unity.
Staring calmly into a face is a rich and layered experience. In times of suffering, hope and sorrow both seem to take control of the brush, alternating painted smiles on our faces with moist strokes around the eyes. A choice was made here to welcome us with a smile, radiating warmth and serenity. Contrast this to the overcast faces radiating cold and anxiety in subways and trams of our materially dominated modern societies.
Contrast prevails within the microcosm of the refugee camp too. Symbolized by these glimpses of deserted pieces of cloth, also here everyday life sees vividly colored moments alternate with gray overcast ones. Hope and hopelessness balance on the same thin thread.
The absence of overwhelming materialistic impulses gives spaces to the mind to spend more time reflecting and dreaming. Perhaps not a coincidence that one can sense more life within these minds than one tends to encounter in some of the minds that wander our modern day society.
Beyond the layer of materialistic development separating us from the minds in these camps, we all breath the same spirit and share similar needs, dreams and fears. There where some of us find recreation in swinging birds across the screens of our mobile devices, these young minds find recreation in catching birds and swinging them into freedom again.
The horizon of the refugee camp pictures the skyline of the developing city of Slemani. Above the improvised construction on the right side of the picture rises what is going to become Slemani’s first five star hotel. A prospect that unlikely will alleviate the suffering of the minds in this camp.
However, even in the shadow of hopelessness one can always perceive hope. A few awake minds from the same developing city bring weekly visits to the camp, to volunteer, but more so, to share our universal love for life.
Allow your mind soak up a few more glimpses from life in this camp of internally displaced people, then return to your daily life with a calm sense of gratitude.
