Navigating Life’s Turbulence: Reflections on a Recent Airline Incident and the Fragility of Life

My good friend always tells me to check the news when I’m working from home. We've been this way since the July 7, 2005, London bombings. The night before, we had met up to celebrate my MA exhibition at the Slade School of Fine Art and London winning the bid to host the 2012 Olympics. As we hugged and parted ways, I remember telling her I would forward any valuable career advice gleaned from my visit to the career office.

On the morning of the 7th, I decided to spend time crafting my CV instead. I would have taken the tube to Russell Square, UCL career office. That decision, as mundane as it seemed at the time, kept me from being caught in the bombings that took so many lives and altered countless others. It was a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the unpredictability of fate. Ever since I’ve been acutely aware of how small choices can have monumental consequences.

Yet, I must admit, I’m not very good at heeding advice to keep in touch with the 24-hour news cycle. There’s just so much bad news that it feels like a cyclone that affects my concentration and productivity. Whenever I do catch up, I feel compelled to take some action—whether it’s pausing to think about the event and the people involved, contacting family members, or crafting a response like I’m doing now. Yesterday was one of those days I didn’t check the news. Instead, I found out about the recent Singapore Airlines extreme turbulence incident on Twitter. The platform’s recent black layout made the news feel all the more ominous. When I saw "Singapore Airlines" trending, I clicked without thinking. For some reason, I thought it would be good news because I have positive associations with Singapore.

In 2019, I traveled to Australia to conduct an interview with Peter Singer about his time in Oxford, the Oxford Group, and Animal Rights. I always joked that my stopover in Singapore was the best part of my journey. Once I landed in Australia, jet lag hit me hard and stayed with me for months. Singapore was fresh on my mind because I recently watched a MasterChef episode filmed there. It brought back memories of the sights, sounds, and food I encountered. Little did I know, this time, Singapore would be associated with something much more troubling.

The word "turbulence" has been on my mind since yesterday. In all my travels, I’ve never felt the threat of crashing or death when experiencing turbulence. I’ve always thought of it as a mild disturbance—a moment when nature meets human technology. Although I have cultivated a habit of keeping my seat belt on at all times, in my arrogance, I believed that nature would always succumb to man’s engineering marvels, and I would be fine. However, seeing the images and watching video clips of the recent incident made me confront the true power of nature.

The flight from London to Singapore hit severe turbulence over Myanmar, resulting in the tragic death of Geoffrey Ralph Kitchen, a 73-year-old British man, and injuring 30 passengers and crew members. Severe turbulence in aviation refers to severe and unpredictable air movement that can cause significant disruptions to the flight path. Severe turbulence can result in objects becoming airborne within the cabin, passengers and crew being thrown from their seats, and structural damage to the aircraft.

Global statistics on turbulence incidents reveal the broader impact. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), turbulence-related accidents account for around 65% of all weather-related incidents in aviation. Between 1980 and 2008, there were 234 turbulence accidents worldwide, resulting in 298 serious injuries and 3 fatalities (source: IATA). These numbers remind us that, despite our technological advances, we remain vulnerable to nature’s whims. Reflecting on the recent tragedy, my thoughts are with the family of Geoffrey Ralph Kitchen, and with those who were injured. Such news is a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the suddenness with which it can change. The pain and trauma that the passengers and their families are going through is saddening. Let's hope everyone receives the care and support they need during this difficult time and after the news cycle moves on.

Turbulence trails across the sky,

A dance of fear, where dreams may die,

Yet trials bloom, amidst the strife,

Held in check by love,

We embrace dear life.

In our daily lives, we encounter various forms of turbulence—unexpected challenges, sudden changes, and moments of chaos. These can be as mild as a disagreement with a friend or as severe as losing a job or experiencing a traumatic event. Just as pilots navigate through air turbulence, we must navigate through life’s turbulence. We brace ourselves, adjust our course, and keep moving forward. The fragility of life becomes evident in these moments of turbulence. They remind us that, despite our plans and preparations, we are not in complete control. This realization can be both humbling and frightening. It brings to mind the fleeting nature of our existence and the importance of cherishing every moment.

Language, too, plays a significant role in how we perceive and cope with turbulence. The words we use to describe our experiences can shape our understanding and response. The term "turbulence" itself, while often associated with discomfort and danger, also suggests movement and change. It’s a reminder that nothing is static, and life is a continuous flow of experiences. Memory, like language, helps us make sense of turbulence. Our memories of past experiences inform how we respond to present challenges. They provide a sense of continuity and context, helping us to navigate through the ups and downs. However, memory can also be selective and unreliable, influenced by emotions and time. It shapes our narrative but can also distort it.

As I reflect on the recent events, I’m reminded of the importance of staying informed and connected, even when the news is overwhelming. It’s crucial to find the right balance between staying aware of the world’s turbulence and protecting our mental well-being. Checking the news might feel like opening a door to chaos, but it also keeps us grounded in reality and connected to the larger human experience.

In the end, life’s turbulence teaches us resilience. It challenges us to adapt, to find meaning in the chaos, and to appreciate the calm moments. Whether we’re navigating through literal or metaphorical turbulence, we learn to brace ourselves, hold on tight, and keep moving forward, knowing that calm skies are just beyond the horizon. As the Yoruba proverb goes, "Ilé ?ba tó?j??, ?wà ló bùsi" – "The king's palace that has collapsed only enhances its beauty." This reminds us that even in the aftermath of turbulence, there is potential for growth and renewal.

So, how do you navigate through your own life's turbulence, and what strategies do you find most effective in maintaining your balance amidst the chaos? Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.