Tariki , a power that transcends theological distinctions, avails us of these moments. In the endless uncertainties of contemporary life, tariki confers upon us a flexibility of spirit, an energy to feel joy, and the respite of peace. When I wake up in the middle of the night, I often find myself asking what it was that has kept me going up to now, that has kept me alive. Anxiety and restlessness, self-hate and unfocused anger, apathy and resignation mark our days. Our daily lives are a simmering stew of these ingredients and sometimes I am impressed, in a rueful way, that I have kept going all these decades.
Human beings are really very tough.
And then there are the larger crises that each of us faces in the course of our lives. These are events that overturn our whole world. We succumb to life-threatening illnesses. We lose our reputation, social standing, and work in a single blow. Our children suffer blows in their own lives and we find there is nothing we can do to alleviate their pain.