Be Realistic, Expect Miracles: US Airways Flight 1549 And The Spirit of Service

It is being called the "Miracle on the Hudson." On Thursday, January 15, 2009, US Airways Flight 1549 crashed into the Hudson River minutes after takeoff from New York City's LaGuardia Airport. After being crippled by a collision with a flock of birds, the plane carrying 155 passengers went down literally just feet from the Manhattan skyline. Miraculously, all passengers and crew members survived.

While commercial jet crashes, fortunately, are rare; surviving a major airline accident like what happened with US Airways Flight 1549 is even rarer. Luck and good fortune were obviously at work in this particular case. So was the unquestioned expertise of the pilot, Chesley B. "Sully" Sullenberger, who rightly so has become a national hero, co-pilot Jeffrey Skiles, and their crew for how they handled the abrupt and unusual landing and evacuation. There also was the expertise displayed by those who quickly came to the victims' rescue via nearby Coast Guard vessels, tour boats, and commuter ferries.

To be sure, this was an unforgettable, life-and-death experience like no other. And the level of expertise and professional readiness of everyone involved in the entire rescue effort cannot be overlooked or minimized. This said, the real-life drama of and lessons learned from US Airways Flight 1549 go well beyond strict professionalism and first responder experience per se. The actions that began with Captain Sullenberger and his crew, and that continued with everyone, including passengers, who played a part in ensuring that all people safely departed the plane and were rescued, signal and underscore that something else was at work too. And although this "something else" may be viewed as part of the "Miracle" that unfolded on the Hudson, I submit that it is also a manifestation of something more practical and realistic--the elevation of the human spirit at work in the service of others.

Think about it for a minute. Unlike the horrific "Black Friday" experience at a New York Wal-Mart store this past holiday season, when an employee was trampled to death as thousands of people rushed through the doors at the opening of the store, a potential catastrophe (and loss of human life) was averted on the Hudson River by the actions of people caring for and helping other people in need, even at the risk of their own safety and welfare. And over and over again, from the plight of US Airways Flight 1549, we hear stories of civility and heroism that go well beyond the "call of duty."

As the aircraft began to sink in the Hudson River's frigid gray current, witnesses described a scene of level-headed "teamwork" to evacuate the weak and injured, including an infant and an elderly woman in a wheel-chair. Moreover, as passengers scrambled for the exits, they did so in as calm a way as humanly possible under the circumstances, even carrying the helpless and forsaking their own fear so that everyone filed quickly and safely through the exit doors and out onto the wings and the emergency chutes. And all this was accomplished under extremely harsh conditions, since most passengers were not properly dressed for the "occasion" and fled without their life jackets. A few even fell into 36-degree water, which meant that they would not be able to last long in the cold due to hypothermia.

However, fellow passengers, who effectively were "strangers," displayed unselfish acts of courage by being willing to risk their own lives to "fish" their fallen comrades out of the water! And I'm not yet talking about the bravery exhibited by the plane's pilot and crew, or the first responders and other emergency personnel who came to the aid of the stranded passengers! No, once again, I'm talking about "ordinary" people helping other "ordinary" people under circumstances that simply boggle the mind. I read about one passenger, for example, who, although soaked and shivering from having been in the river, turned her attention to a fellow passenger who had suffered a deep gash in her leg and was bleeding heavily. With the obvious propensity for chaos all around her, this truly "volunteer" aid worker observed that the most amazing thing was that she saw no pushing, no shoving; only help and compassion. Now how is this for a practical example of the "spirit of service?!"

There is no question that the rescue of US Airways Flight 1549 has already inspired millions of people around the world. Moreover, as I have already pointed out, there was no shortage of heroes on the Hudson. Captain Sullenberger, a former fighter pilot, went up and down the listing, drifting craft--twice--to make sure that everyone got out before he did the same. And those aboard the Coast Guard vessels, tour boats, and commuter ferries worked hard and fast to rescue the people from the jetliner, even giving them their gloves, jackets, and coats for warmth and to prevent hypothermia. A couple of New City police detectives selflessly entered the plane to rescue some passengers who were still inside, while their police scuba diver colleagues dropped from a helicopter high above to pull some passengers from the icy cold water. If the accident itself was hard to imagine, again, so was the result: Besides one victim with two broken legs, there were no other reports of serious injuries and all 155 people on board were pulled to safety.

Yes, be realistic and expect miracles, I say! By relating and being directed to something more than yourself, it is possible (and realistic) to manifest the human spirit at work and, as my mentor, Viktor Frankl, would say, turn an apparently meaningless suffering into a genuine human achievement. This is what occurred on the Hudson River on January 15th, when human beings demonstrated that they can--and will--rise above their predicament even against the odds. Moreover, the capacity to "extend beyond yourself," referred to as self-transcendence in Logotherapy, according to Dr. Frankl, is another one of our unique traits as human beings and is the essence of our human-ness (Note: I'll be describing more about this concept, which is one of the core principles introduced in my book, Prisoners of Our Thoughts, in a future post).

For now, let me also say that when we work directly for the good of others, that is, the "spirit of service," meaning deepens in ways that reward us beyond measure. Whenever we go beyond satisfying our own personal needs, we enter the realm of what Frankl called "ultimate meaning." Some call it connection to a higher self, to God, to our own spirit, to universal consciousness, to love, to the collective good. No matter what it's called, it is deep meaning and it transforms our lives. In this connection, I'm sure that everyone associated with the "Miracle on the Hudson," even many of us who were fortunate to observe it from afar, will discover deep meaning from the experience. We certainly now have the opportunity to do so. And by being realistic and expecting miracles, many more will notice that their lives, indeed, have been transformed! Black Friday or Miracle on the Hudson; what kind of human being are you? Do you have the "Spirit of Service?"

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You can find out more about Dr. Alex Pattakos, author of the international bestselling book, Prisoners of Our Thoughts, in his HuffPost Bio and at http://www.prisonersofourthoughts.com. See also his "Dr. Meaning" Channel on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/DrMeaning. You can contact Alex at: [e-mail].

Comments

[mamacat]

Perhaps one of the many reasons that we are so thrilled to see a "good" outcome to a passenger jet crashing is that after the last eight years, we have come to expect incompetency and disaster. When someone actually does the right thing, and people's lives are saved, it almost seems like a miracle. This is the world we live in.

[Alex Pattakos - Huffpost Blogger]

Thanks for sharing your perspective on this incredible "story." I'm sure that the reason you cite has something to do with the "thrill" of seeing a good, seemingly miraculous, outcome for many people. At the same time, let me "push back" on you and suggest that we, individually and collectively, should never let others, no matter who they may be, influence our thinking and behavior to such an extent--that is, to "come to expect incompetency and disaster." If we don't believe that the world we live in can be changed for the better, then we are in very bad shape! And, as I write in my book by the same title, we become "prisoners of our thoughts!"

[lewes17266]

Thank you for this essay.

When I saw that airplane floating and all those souls standing on its wings I was shocked. I cannot wait to get to know this extraordinary man "Sully" more intimately. He will be giving interviews soon. I wonder how he will characterize it all, as a miracle or something else? I am thankful for this happy ending.

[Alex Pattakos - Huffpost Blogger]

Thank YOU for reading my post. It's already apparent that Captain Sully does not view his actions as being "extra" ordinary, which says a great about his character. Sometimes modesty is the best policy! Miracle or not, he's definitely extraordinary! And I hope that this "happy ending" proves also to be a "happy beginning!"

[debbekennedy]

Great reflective writing at a time when we are all being called to renew our spirit of service.
I do believe in miracles!

Debbe

[Alex Pattakos - Huffpost Blogger]

Thanks, Debbe, for the kind words. I am glad to know that you believe in miracles! Wouldn't it be fascinating if history some day describes the current time as a "Renaissance?!"

[LittleLiberal]

Thank you for this post. I hadn't heard these details before.

Right after the incident, I was a little bothered by people calling it a "miracle." In fact, it was people doing their jobs expertly and people helping one another that made everyone safe, not just divine intervention (although I'm sure there was some of that, too). These folks deserve more credit, and I think you just gave it to them. Well done!

[Alex Pattakos - Huffpost Blogger]

Thank YOU! The amazing thing is that the incident involved, as you point out, people helping one another without thinking about "who" gets the "credit!" This is one of the reasons why I made the case that people, not just those who were professionally trained, exercised their innate, distinctly human capacity to "extend beyond themselves" (i.e., self-transcendence) in the service of others. Now if some want to call this a "miracle," that's fine with me; on the other hand, I firmly believe that we all have this capacity and need to exercise it more. Thanks again for your kind and insightful comment.

[Jason Mannino - Huffpost Blogger]

Beatiful work! Was Viktor Frank really your mentor?!? He is a profound inspiration to me!

Thanks!
Jason

[Alex Pattakos - Huffpost Blogger]

Thanks, Jason, for your comment! I'm glad to hear that Dr. Frankl is an inspiration to you. In fact, I noticed that you quoted him in your most recent post AND even referenced Captain Sully! Yes, I am blessed to have had Viktor Frankl as a mentor. I hope that you (and everyone else for that matter!) read my book, "Prisoners of Our Thoughts," which was written at Dr. Frankl's personal urging. Besides my mission to advance Viktor Frankl's life and legacy (I am still in regular contact with the Frankl family, who have always supported my meaning-centered work), the message in "Prisoners of Our Thoughts" is intended to bring Frankl's System of Logotherapy in a very practical, easy-to-understand way to the "masses" in the 21st Century.

And, Jason, I want to thank YOU for your meaningful work!

[dryrock]

Dr. P. My heart is full from reading your perspective on this incident. Too often these events get superficial analysis. Your insight helped me understand, as one who viewed it from afar, the gravity of this event and the significance of the action taken by all on the plane. I agree there were many 'heros' on the scene - and that this potential resides in all of us.

[Alex Pattakos - Huffpost Blogger]

Wow! Your comment really has touched me at a heart level too! Thank you so much for not only reading my post but also for sharing your perspective on it. Bravo to all the many "heroes" out there!

[Dr. Judith Rich - Huffpost Blogger]

Alex,

Wonderful post! Inspiring just to read your take on it and bring forward the awareness of that "something greater" being at work in this story.

I love that you point out to your readers that each of us has an opportunity to rise above the circumstances of our lives and call forth the true spirit of our humanity. We were intended to be servants, heroes, if you will. It's our highest calling.

In my post this week I also talk about "Servant Leadership". It's what Frankl refers to as "ultimate meaning". When our concerns are with bringing our fellow humans to their own greatness so that we all may share the benefits, when others around us are growing and achieving their dreams, we know goodness is being served.

I so enjoy reading your posts. You always take it to a new level and leave the reader inspired.

Many thanks,
Judith

[Alex Pattakos - Huffpost Blogger]

Thank YOU for helping to "call forth the true spirit of our humanity!' I read your post on "Servant Leadership," which is a concept and approach that I've always admired, espoused, and try my best to put into practice. Thank you also for your continuing support and "partnership" on the road! I enjoy reading your meaningful contributions as well!

[Russell Bishop - Huffpost Blogger]

Hi Alex:

not only do I love your work and the light-filled way you offer new glimpses into the world of meaning, I also love the conversations that your work inspires. Seeing other HP contributors interacting with you and your work also brings the vision we are holding for the Living section into greater reality.

You are a Blessing!

[Alex Pattakos - Huffpost Blogger]

Hi Russell,

Thank you so much for your very kind words! As you well know, one of my goals is to encourage interaction with/between HP contributors so that we may all learn from each other and advance the proposition of "Living with Meaning." I'm pleased that you see this work as being in alignment with the vision for the Living section.

[Dr. Cara Barker - Huffpost Blogger]

You have done it again, Alex. I love how beautifully you express what we call "The Work." The Spirit of Service seems to be what you live.

Way to be a Wayshower!

Bravo,
Cara

[Alex Pattakos - Huffpost Blogger]

Thank you, Dr. Cara, for your encouraging and inspiring words! Your "review" means a great deal to me. Being a "Wayshower," as you well know since you are one too, is not always appreciated. We are at the dawn of a new era, and it is about time that we start practicing what we preach by manifesting the "Spirit of Service!" Thanks again!

[Ed and Deb Shapiro - Huffpost Blogger]

Bravo Alex- you have touched on an extremely important subject and expressed it so well.

'Expect A Miracle'- I have that on my desk and can see it as I write to you.

Big Love,

Ed

[Alex Pattakos - Huffpost Blogger]

What can I say, Ed?! The fact that you have "Expect a Miracle" on your desk says it all! With love and blessings, Alex

[willowsbasket]

Dear Alex,

Thank you for such a moving article. What you have said in this article and the way you have said it couldn't be better. I would like to see your article on the front page of every newspaper!

Thank you,

Willow

[Alex Pattakos - Huffpost Blogger]

Dear Willow,
Thank YOU for the wonderful review of my article. I'm blushing! Actually, I, too, would love to see this article on the front page of every newspaper! Let's begin by sending a copy of the article to each reader's local newspaper. And, of course, if it gets published, please let us know!

[Anne Naylor - Huffpost Blogger]

Dear Alex,

How inspiring to read about the Spirit of Service and the meaning such acts afford ordinary people. What I love is how the Spirit of Service is available to each one of us. We can all assume and derive greater meaning in our lives through awakening to the Spirit of Service, however it may call to us.

Stories like this one you have told warm my heart.

Thank you!

Blessings to you,
Anne

[Alex Pattakos - Huffpost Blogger]

Thanks, Anne, for your very kind comments. I especially like that you've emphasized "how the Spirit of Service is available to each one of us." Let the "awakening" process begin! Blessings to you as well, Alex