Reflection

The temperature dropped again by one degree, a little below the mid-40's fahrenheit.  Air is clear and light is bright this day.  The life energy is at a point of stillness and grace.  We need more grace in the world.

The thing about attending to life - whether it be in the form of things very practical and concrete, or not - is that it carries its own mystery.  Whether in the presence of others, or all alone there is something special about having a space/time to simply be and to find balance in the stillness of being.

One might think there are few opportunities to get to this place of experiencing a feeling of alignment, balance.  Yet the opportunities are plentiful if awareness can be cultivated to notice what is happening in every moment, every movement in the course of a day.  Having the capacity to take the imperfect in life and turn it into perfection for that moment - is like performing magic.  

Most days, this practice of being, awareness, bringing balance in thought and action is possible.  And there is a feeling of calm that can be created, even as the stresses and strains of life arise.  There is a way to get to the center of the storm. It's not selfish to do this;  it makes for a better day and better relations with others - time and again, this has proven to be so.

Thinking about disasters like the ones visited upon cities in war time, thinking of tragedies like the deaths of young people whose lives are marred by the brutality of police - these are moments when the awareness cannot bring balance.  This is because the chaos of so many different energies are at work, creating the antithesis to peace.  And, these are the conditions that create the openings for compassion in action to pour into the world.  First, a prayer, an awareness of being a part of something much larger than one, and then recognition of a role to play.  

The balance can only come from collective awareness of the role, and a collective expression of will directed at moving toward healing the trauma of conflict.  That will is the blessiing because if it turns into action directed at stopping the violence, then the harm for others ends.  There is a chance for a consciousness shift.  There is a way for meaning to enter one's life - beyond taking care of food and shelter for oneself.  This is the blessing, when we recognize the precious nature of life and the opportunity to affirm it.

As one sits in quiet and allows the day to open, the movements of the day begin to rustle.