Sunday Musings – August 5, 2018
Today dawns sunny and warm I have cleaned all the porch furniture which now stands ready to receive anyone who stops by; all those who may just need to sit and watch the grass grow, and watch the birds and other critters living their life journey, sometimes with a bit of nourishment from my garden. In fact, the parsley has completely given its life for some animal or animals.
Sometimes, it is necessary for me to spend time porch sitting and reminding myself that the world has a rhythm all its own which is either supported or adversely affected by the action of us humans. I, of course, must do my part to do all I can to live in rhythm with the universe while also accepting my inability to control the action of others.
Carbon emissions, plastic products and much else including the over use of sand, disrupts the rhythm of the universe. It also seems to me that the hot air of those of us who strand ready to judge and degrade others may do more to directly and indirectly harm this rhythm than anything else we do. I suspect that this hot air is systematic of our day-to-day relationship with ourselves, each other and the rest of the universe. If we are unable to respect ourselves and others I do not have much hope that we can respect the rest of the universe.
I made a resolve this year to actively support only those political candidates who are running a positive campaign which honors what I choose to refer to as the sacredness of all creatures and Mother Earth. I do not want to support or endorse those who are engaging in a negative campaign. This morning I read a letter to the editor supportive a political appointee whose has some opinions I seriously question. Yet, I carefully read the letter which was a very positive statement based on personal experience. There was not one negative comment about anyone else in this letter. This one, seemingly genuine opinion, may not be enough to gain my support for the appointment of this person, but I will now allow for the fact that I need to know more about this appointee before making a decision.
It seems relatively easy for most of us to say what we are against. For this human, it is much more difficult and requires a lot more time and effort to do my homework and articulate a positive alternative. For example, I can find no evidence that using punishment as a response to criminal activity has a long term positive result. Yet, there are people who are not able to consider the rights and needs of others. Some of those can and will change. Some may have brains which are incapable of change. These later one may need to be in a safe, secure, sacred place until we find a treatment which allow them to live in the wider community without violating the safety of others.
I heard and read that humans are quickly using up the world-wide supply of sand. One might respond by outlawing the use of cement which is dependent on sand. Yet, a more positive solution is to support those who are looking for alternative to the current recipe for cement or for substitutes. Some creative person might find a way to use desert sand which is generally too rounded to use in making cement. One needs jagged edges such as is found on beaches or in the ocean to ensure that the sand bonds with the other ingredients. Some others are exploring alternatives types of housing materials and working in environment other than tall buildings.
This morning a friend reminded me that many years ago I had suggested she focus on “being grateful for where I am in my journey and all that led me to this place in my journey. I carry these words of wisdom with me...(which) guided me through some of the toughest and best of life’s journey.” I do not recall saying those words to her but today she is often the one who, by example, serves as my teacher in reminding me to live in this place of gratitude.
For today I recommit myself to focusing on exploring positive solutions and not criticizing others.
Written August 5, 2018
Today dawns sunny and warm I have cleaned all the porch furniture which now stands ready to receive anyone who stops by; all those who may just need to sit and watch the grass grow, and watch the birds and other critters living their life journey, sometimes with a bit of nourishment from my garden. In fact, the parsley has completely given its life for some animal or animals.
Sometimes, it is necessary for me to spend time porch sitting and reminding myself that the world has a rhythm all its own which is either supported or adversely affected by the action of us humans. I, of course, must do my part to do all I can to live in rhythm with the universe while also accepting my inability to control the action of others.
Carbon emissions, plastic products and much else including the over use of sand, disrupts the rhythm of the universe. It also seems to me that the hot air of those of us who strand ready to judge and degrade others may do more to directly and indirectly harm this rhythm than anything else we do. I suspect that this hot air is systematic of our day-to-day relationship with ourselves, each other and the rest of the universe. If we are unable to respect ourselves and others I do not have much hope that we can respect the rest of the universe.
I made a resolve this year to actively support only those political candidates who are running a positive campaign which honors what I choose to refer to as the sacredness of all creatures and Mother Earth. I do not want to support or endorse those who are engaging in a negative campaign. This morning I read a letter to the editor supportive a political appointee whose has some opinions I seriously question. Yet, I carefully read the letter which was a very positive statement based on personal experience. There was not one negative comment about anyone else in this letter. This one, seemingly genuine opinion, may not be enough to gain my support for the appointment of this person, but I will now allow for the fact that I need to know more about this appointee before making a decision.
It seems relatively easy for most of us to say what we are against. For this human, it is much more difficult and requires a lot more time and effort to do my homework and articulate a positive alternative. For example, I can find no evidence that using punishment as a response to criminal activity has a long term positive result. Yet, there are people who are not able to consider the rights and needs of others. Some of those can and will change. Some may have brains which are incapable of change. These later one may need to be in a safe, secure, sacred place until we find a treatment which allow them to live in the wider community without violating the safety of others.
I heard and read that humans are quickly using up the world-wide supply of sand. One might respond by outlawing the use of cement which is dependent on sand. Yet, a more positive solution is to support those who are looking for alternative to the current recipe for cement or for substitutes. Some creative person might find a way to use desert sand which is generally too rounded to use in making cement. One needs jagged edges such as is found on beaches or in the ocean to ensure that the sand bonds with the other ingredients. Some others are exploring alternatives types of housing materials and working in environment other than tall buildings.
This morning a friend reminded me that many years ago I had suggested she focus on “being grateful for where I am in my journey and all that led me to this place in my journey. I carry these words of wisdom with me...(which) guided me through some of the toughest and best of life’s journey.” I do not recall saying those words to her but today she is often the one who, by example, serves as my teacher in reminding me to live in this place of gratitude.
For today I recommit myself to focusing on exploring positive solutions and not criticizing others.
Written August 5, 2018
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