This past week has left a profound weight on the Australian spirit. The devastating terrorist attack at Bondi has plunged the nation into a state of collective sorrow and disbelief. For many, including columnist Nat Locke, the relentless consumption of news and harrowing firsthand accounts has been emotionally draining, leaving a sense of profound sadness and a feeling of helplessness.
The Heroes Who Stood in the Path of Terror
In the midst of such horror, experts and everyday voices alike suggest focusing on the glimmers of light—the helpers and the heroes. The footage of Ahmed Al Ahmed confronting and disarming the shooter with breathtaking courage has become a symbol of selfless valour. His actions, taken with little regard for his own safety, are nothing short of awe-inspiring.
He was not alone in his bravery. The image of a Bondi lifeguard sprinting barefoot towards the chaos remains etched in memory. Individuals like Boris and Sofia Gurman, who attempted to intervene and tragically became the first victims, and Reuven Morrison, who threw a brick at an attacker and paid with his life, demonstrated extraordinary courage in the face of unfathomable evil.
A Community's Unbreakable Spirit
Once the initial chaos subsided, the true character of the community shone through. The response was nothing short of phenomenal. Australians lined up in massive queues to donate blood, while fundraising efforts were overwhelmed by the sheer volume of donations. An outpouring of grief, love, and support flowed from every corner of the country, demonstrating a powerful unity against the divisive aims of terrorism.
Yet, life, with all its strange contrasts, continues. As Christmas approaches, elves still get into mischief on shelves and Santa poses for photos. Families across Australia are holding their loved ones a little tighter, finding a renewed appreciation for the moments they once took for granted.
Savoring the Simple Things: An Antidote to Fear
In such a heavy week, Locke argues for consciously seeking out and savouring small pockets of joy and beauty—the very essence of our shared humanity. To combat the drain of doomscrolling, she finds solace in unlikely places, like YouTube videos from a woman living in the polar night on Svalbard, near the North Pole.
Her personal list of savoured moments is a testament to everyday resilience and pleasure. It includes:
- The triumph of keeping a poinsettia alive for over a week.
- The simple delight of a perfectly filled fruit mince pie or a big, soft burrata.
- The stunning colour of the water at Rottnest.
- The minor victory of removing a stain from white pants.
- The essential relief of air conditioning on a hot day.
- The innocent chaos of tiny kids in reindeer antlers singing off-key carols.
- The shared smile with a stranger over a pair of great socks.
These fragments—from Emma Thompson's acting to the smell of cut grass, from dogs playing in snow to a buttery croissant—form a mosaic of normalcy and hope.
The core aim of terrorism is to sow fear and division. Locke posits that the most powerful antidote is the deliberate cultivation and sharing of joy and love. As we move through Christmas and beyond, our collective task is to spread these forces as liberally as we can, holding onto the humanity that connects us all.
