Investing Your Humanity

A little friendship, a little sympathy,
a little sociability, a little human toil
is needed in every nook and corner.

Therefore, search and see if there is not some
place where you may invest your humanity.

~Albert Schweitzer

Of Note: Just think, if everyone served as Dr. Schweitzer suggested, the world would change overnight. No one would be out too much because implementing his suggestions is basically free. What really stymies us is inertia and the hopeless feeling that one person can't make a significant difference. Thing is, we might just have to get over looking for immediate results. The emanations of love spread through service are invisible and long lasting--having faith in that concept would free us to joyfully give and leave the results to take care of themselves.

Today's Weather Report: Yesterday it was in the 50's Fahrenheit but chilly because it was damp. Today it is just plain chilly because the temperature dropped to the low 30's. On the way into town, it started to snow--or maybe that was sleet. Whatever it was, it thankfully stopped within a few minutes because I did not relish driving on potentially slippery roads. Good news! The old 1937 dump truck parked in our pole barn was fixed today by the local implement mechanic and should be running after the battery is charged. Its conversion from a 6 to a 12 volt electrical system was stymied two years ago when the repairman at the time moved out of town. The dump truck was great for hauling things around, and we've missed having it running.

Sacrifice as the Best Possible Business Policy

Sacrifice is the very door to affluence.
It is by giving that we receive.
Self-sacrifice is, therefore, not a duty,
but the best possible business policy.

~Dr. A. S. Raleigh
Science of Motion and Number

Of Note: Dr. Raleigh has a good point. If we accepted his thought, gone would be the previous concept of sacrifice as dry and dreary. You know, the self-flagration stuff. Instead, sacrifice would come to mean a joyful giving--the ultimate act of love.

Today's Weather Report: Clouds welcomed us this morning but the sun peeked out later in the day. Around noon it was 39 degrees Fahrenheit, but it probably got into the low 40's before the sun went down. It is getting dark early now, starting at about 6:30 pm. Before the winter solstice in December, it will be dark by 4:30 pm. No kidding. That contrasts with the summer when we have light until almost 10:00 pm. Winter hibernation has real meaning both for humans and animals in the far northwoods of Wisconsin!

Big Change, Small Steps

BIG CHANGE STARTS WITH SMALL STEPS.

~ Anonymous

Of Note: Back when I was 34, I got braces at the suggestion of a friend who was a dentist. Some folks asked why I would bother with it--as if it was too late in my life for change. Slowly over four years the crooked teeth came into alignment and to this day a retainer, applied weekly, keeps them in place. It was my first experience with the truism: "If you don't start down the path, then you will never arrive." With braces, the end could be seen from the beginning. Admittedly, it is much more frightening when this is not the case. It might be reassuring to think of change simply as movement forward, taken one baby step at a time. The important thing is to get moving.

Today's Weather Report: Oh, glorious sun, how I love it when you shine! Particularly after a VERY gloomy day the day before. It was in the forties today, and the colorful fall leaves glistened in the light. The swamp-loving tamarack trees are golden and will soon loose all their needles. At first sight, the trees look like sickly fir trees, until one realizes the yellow needles are a natural part of the northern Wisconsin landscape in the fall.

Standing Where You Are

DO WHAT YOU CAN
WITH WHAT YOU HAVE
WHERE YOU ARE.

~ Theodore Roosevelt

Of Note: Taking a stand has many connotations. Spiritually it can mean standing at the center without deviation, a steadfastness of mind as it were. An outcome of this would be a calm, centered attitude toward whatever comes our way. Even though this might not seem possible at the moment, such unwavering standing is part of our evolutionary future. Starting to picture such a possibility will one day aid in producing the projected outcome because energy inevitably follows thought.

Today's Weather Report: My Mom assured me tonight that lakes overcome by drought eventually refill. It does not seem possible at the moment that our lake will ever recover, but I will take her word for it. The rain today may inch us closer to that eventuality. Like I have said many time before, bring it on. Last night our two resident deer came very close to the house to munch on some of the last green vegetation in the garden. At this point it does not matter because the green will be done shortly anyway. In the spring, I would have been out there shooing them off but now they can eat what they want to fatten up for the long winter ahead. I noticed that the baby no longer has spots so it can no longer officially be called a bambi.

Reach High

Reach high, for stars
lie hidden in your soul.
Dream deep, for every
dream precedes the goal.

~ Pamella Vaull Starr

Of Note: I have a special affinity for TheHungerSite.com and post a link to it on the right. Under six different categories, a person is able to donate to the specific cause for FREE just by clicking in the brightly colored box on each of the six pages. Just think, with one click we can impact hunger in the world, or breast cancer detection, or rain forest devastation, or literacy, or animal welfare. Plus, the site is full of information about the initiatives--but only asks for the click. Want to start one of those 28 day habits mentioned here so many times? This is a simple and easy one with which to begin.

Today's Weather Report: Although drippy because of the heavy rain yesterday, the sun was out today and a jacket was unnecessary--meaning it was about 40 or so, though I never officially looked. We were busy readying the place for a special guest--Jim's chemistry teacher from high school, who just happens to be a nun. What a delightful visit we've had since her arrival at 3 pm. Interestingly, she is the influence behind his decision to pursue an undergraduate engineering degree--a story she heard for the first time tonight. We all shook our heads in amazement at the influence people can have on others without even knowing it.

All is Energy

Much of the true revelations since the time of the Christ
has come to the world along the line of science.

The presentation, for instance, of material substance
as essentially only a form of energy was as great
a revelation as any given by the Christ or the Buddha.

Who shall say that the statement "God is Love" is
of more value than the statement "All is Energy"?

~A. A. Bailey

Of Note: As we speak, a brave group of scientists is bringing to the world the idea that the universe is electrical in nature--meaning positive and negative energies shape what we see. That might not sound like earth-shattering news but mainstream science postulates that the space is not influenced by electrical charge. To make up for phenomenon that can't be explained by a non-electrical model, the Big Bang, Black Holes and the like are mathematically invented and then accepted by astrophysicists around the globe. Soon, hypotheses are seeping into the lay media as incontrovertible truth when in actuality nothing has been proven. On the other hand, when electrical engineers and plasma physicists see photos beamed from the Hubble telescope, they say to themselves, "We've seen this same thing in our lab, it looks just like Birkeland currents" or whatever. Their explanations are straightforward and based on proven physical laws. Many predict that within the next 5 to 10 years the evidence will be so overwhelming that the electric universe model will be the accepted standard. This knowledge will accelerate the understanding that all beings are electrically One without beginning or end. As above, so below. Check out www.thunderbolts.info for more information on this fascinating subject.

Today's Weather Report: It's in the thirties today, just a little above freezing. The rain has stopped but the clouds persist. Nothing could be done for the flat little roof on the Taj Mahal; so, a professional will be called in to fix the problem. Without a question, when it is raining as much inside as out, the time has come. I don't usually mention sports, but a momentous day is coming up on November 1st: for the first time ever, all four professional leagues (NBA, NFL, NHL and MLB) will be playing games on the same day. If you or someone you love is interested, check out Inhistoric.com for more such tidbits.

Transcending Barriers

The sharing of knowledge, ideas and values
is the noblest way to transcend barriers.

In this sense, globalization is the architect
which constructs academic
bridges across geophysical landscapes.

~Her Highness Shiekha
Mozah Bint Nasser Al-Missned

Of Note: Next month Qatar is hosting the World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE.) 1000 world renowned experts and decision-makers will converge to map out challenges and solutions, tools and practices in the field of education. The organizers, including the Qatar Foundation chaired by the Sheikha, promise a unique global and a multidisciplinary approach. The event will culminate in presentation of the WISE Awards 2009 to the "six most significant achievements that have contributed to improving pluralism, sustainability and innovation in the field of education." Although sustainability and innovation have been common themes these days in many fields, pluralism has not been. As used by the foundation, pluralism is defined as "creating education for respect and understanding, increased access and equalities in a globalized education." It is based on the principle expressed above by Her Highness. Not many would look to the Middle East for dynamic movement in the all important area of education. But we may be in for a surprise. To find out more, click on www.wise-qatar.org.

Today's Weather Report: How often have we seen a 100% chance of rain in the forecast? Not often, I would guess. Today is the day, though-and it IS raining so the prediction came true at our house. Bring it on. We will also get to see if the leak is fixed at the Taj Mahal cabin that I worked on two days ago. This leak is the last one and has been persistent. If water is still coming in, more drastic measures will have to be taken but maybe not until the spring. At 40 degrees Fahrenheit which it is today, caulk and the like will no longer work.

A Long Time

WHAT A LONG TIME IT CAN
TAKE TO BECOME THE PERSON
ONE HAS ALWAYS BEEN.

~Parker Palmer
Center for Courage and Renewal

Of Note: The evolution of consciousness takes a long time. I mean a really long time. That's where the concept of reincarnation comes into play. Ageless wisdom teaches that it is the soul evolving over eons of time rather than a personality, which changes from lifetime to lifetime. The personality is only a vehicle for the soul--a means of expression as it were. Over millions of years it "tries on" every imaginable combination until ultimately, having tried them all, no longer craves the human experience. Personalities with souls at this juncture often stand out as servers of Humanity. Look around, read the news. Appreciate their sacrifice, for their suffering has been great.

Today's Weather Report: The weather forecasters originally said today was to be a carbon copy of yesterday. Well, it wasn't. Sunday's blowing winds brought clouds right behind it, and rain looked immanent all day. So far, we haven't been graced with any precipitation but that could change at any moment. That's AOK with us, bring on the rain. We need every drop in our drought-stricken area.

Smiling as Peace Work

If in our daily work we can smile,
not only we, but everyone will profit from it.
This is the most basic kind of peace work.

~Thich Nhat Hanh
Buddhist Teacher

Of Note: Not all of us can be Hillary Clinton, who as Secretary of State is responsible for "Big Picture" peacemaking throughout the world. Many of us just go about our daily lives feeling essentially helpless when it comes to Peace on Earth. This Buddhist teacher certainly has a good suggestion, doesn't he? Smiling--it's free, simple, and we all can do it, often. It's a no excuse kind of solution. And what's more, studies has shown it's infectious and raises the good hormones in our bodies. So what are we waiting for? This is our chance to start changing the world right where we are. This quote came to us via www.64-days.org which provides 64 daily practices in non-violence. On day 64 we read: "Today, rejoice in the work that you have done. Celebrate the journey that you have made with countless others who believe that every individual can move the world in the direction of peace with their non-violent choices and actions."

Today's Weather Report: It was supposed to be in the 50's today, but I bet it got up into the low 60's Fahrenheit. I had a jacket on when working outside but was uncomfortably warm. The wind was blowing to beat the band until 2:00 pm when it suddenly died down. Before that, all the chimes around the house were singing. It was amazing that with 4 different chimes, the tune was so melodious, soulfully melodious.

The Glowing Kingdom of Our Love

Extend the boundaries of the
glowing kingdom of your love,
gradually include your family,
your neighbors, your community,
your country, all countries
-- all sentient creatures.

~Paramahansa Yogananda

Of Note: Ageless wisdom suggests an evening review of one's daily thoughts and actions. Part of this activity includes making specific plans for improvement the next day. Mr. Yogananda's advise would fit well into such a process. Extending the boundaries of our "glowing kingdom of love" might start out as an "as if" exercise of the imagination but if practiced regularly would definitely change us. And, just think, as our mind changed, so would the world--one person at a time.

Today's Weather Report: Today the last daffodil and crocus bulbs went into the ground with several of the cats "helping." This is by far the latest I have planted bulbs but thankfully digging was not a problem. It was in the 40's Fahrenheit, and no jacket was required. The sun kept peeking out from behind the clouds as if it couldn't make up its mind whether to go or stay. Tomorrow, it is supposed to be in the 50's, and we are going to try caulking a couple of leaks at the Taj Mahal. I say "try" because the caulk may or may not work at that temperature. Guess we will find out.

Let's Send Poverty to Museums

Make people believe that
we can send poverty to museums.
When I talk to people about it,
they laugh and say it's impossible.

But when you don't believe something,
you can't achieve it.
You have to imagine and make
that imagination achievable.

~Muhammad Yunus

Of Note: Most folks had never heard of Muhammad Yunus before he won the Nobel Peace Prize a few years back. His contribution to the world was a belief in a poverty-free society and his translation of this belief into action through the creation of a micro-credit bank. Micro-credit provides small loans to the poor, sometimes as little as $50, to start a business or other enterprise. Yunus opened the first Grameen Bank in his home country of Bangladesh. From these humble beginnings, the bank now has a staff of 28,000, 8 million borrowers and 2,600 branches, including a program in New York City. The new ability to borrow has particularly impacted disadvantaged women around the world. Amazingly, $100 million flows through monthly and any dividends are returned to the borrowers who own the bank. When asked in TIME magazine this week if microloans have been hard hit by the recession, Yunus replied: "We use very local money that is going to the local poor, so there is no way the hit taken by the financial centers of the world could be transmitted to us. We are OK."

Today's Weather Report: Partly sunny and cool--what you could call a typical October day. Yesterday it rained a wee bit, but not enough to put a dent in the lake level, which has not moved all summer. Only a few places in the United States are on the official government drought map but northern Wisconsin is one of them. Fisherman used to be able to fish from the pier and catch all they wanted in about 15 minutes. Now any fishing experience on this lake takes a boat because the water has all but disappeared from under the pier.

Anybody Can Serve

Everybody can be great
because anybody can serve.
You don't have to have a
college degree to serve.

You only need a heart full of grace,
and a soul generated by love.

~Martin Luther King

Of Note: MLK is giving us in three short sentences the formula for moving onward and upward on our evolutionary journey. What he does not say is physical service is only the outcome of service on the mental level, the home of the soul. Thus, a mind ignited by the heart serves. This concept of service may be a new one, but it makes practical sense for when the head and heart combine all things become possible.

Today's Weather Report: Yesterdays snows departed leaving a gorgeous, sunny albeit cold day in its place. Now more snow clouds have rolled in. Yesterday before turning off the waterworks, we watched a flock of robins frolic in one of the pools. I have never seen so many robins together, and they were a joy to watch for the short time they were flying through. Jim said they were gathering in order to migrate--I'll have to take his word on this since he is studying and gathering such data for his new book.

Breathing

THE WHOLE UNIVERSE IS
BREATHING AS OUR BREATH.

WE LIMIT THE PROCESS BY OUR
ASSUMPTION THAT WE ARE
DOING THE BREATHING.

~Pir Vilayat Inayat Khan
Alchemical Wisdom

Of Note: If we ever wanted to actually see the breath of God, all we have to do is watch the clouds form and move across the sky. In fact, the whole weather process reflects the mighty inhalations and exhalations of the Divine. Maybe that is why we are so awestruck by presentations that add the radiance of light to the swirling movement of clouds.

Today's Weather Report: We awoke to snow this morning, and it lasted all day. Nothing "stuck" because it was 33 degrees Fahrenheit--just one degree over freezing. Turning off the waterworks that run through our huge flower garden was on my agenda today--snow or not. So, I bundled up and went to it. Four hours later, and having changed clothes and boots twice, I was done. In past years, this was a 10 minute job. However, this past spring we changed the whole system, and this presented interesting challenges today. But, I cannot grouse because on Saturday Jim ran a marathon in the snow with 35 mph winds at 29 degrees. He was between miles 21 and 22 when the organizers closed the race because people were dropping like flies, including the volunteers. It was his first marathon in 15 years, and the worst conditions he had ever experienced in a race. Even at that, Jim smiled on Sunday knowing he had done what he could under weather conditions that kept me in the house all day.

The First Day in This Body

So far as past error are concerned,
forget them and start afresh,
as if it was your first day in this body.

But so far as your present contacts
are concerned, be kind to them,
as if it were the last day in this body.

~Paul Branton

Of Note: Using the creative imagination by pretending "As If" is one of the most potent psychological tools available to humanity. It sounds too easy, doesn't it? But if we make a change using the "As If" technique and do it for 28 days in a row, most any habit will be changed for good.

Today's Weather Report: Even though it was unseasonably warm last week, this morning brought the first snow showers with 10 - 15 mph winds at 29 degrees. I noted all of this because Jim was running a marathon under those conditions today. The guys at our house from Chicago say it is brutal outside so the two younger men went up to Ashland to see if Jim needed a ride home. My husband is tough--his favorite runs are in the winter through the snow. He has even run at 30 below just to say he's done it. But his usual run is six miles a day--running 26 miles today without the appropriate attire may be a different story. We will know in a few hours. (Just in: a friend called from Ashland and said the winds are 35 mph, and he could hardly walk upright. He has no idea how anyone could run a marathon today. Sure glad the two young men went to get Jim.)

Simple Prescription for Changing the World

CHANGE THE STORY AND YOU CHANGE PERCEPTION.
CHANGE PERCEPTION AND YOU CHANGE THE WORLD.

~ Jean Houston

Of Note: If we wanted a prescription for changing the world, this would be it in two simple sentences. "Energy follows thought" is an ageless wisdom axiom and a fundamental universal law. But even without knowing or believing this law, the activity of "changing our minds" is something everyone has done at one time or another. It has a powerful psychological effect on the person doing the changing. What might not be readily seen is its equally powerful effect on the surrounding environment. If enough people coupled a mind change with love, then indeed the world might change overnight.

Today's Weather Report: Wow, the sun came out today, and it got warm. I caught up on all my outdoor jobs that had languished during the preceding days of overcast skies and rain. The neighbor called yesterday to report that he had seen a pack of 12 or 13 wolves pass from his yard to ours the evening before. That is real news. When we raised bison, a wolf ate one of the newborns, but that was a lone wolf. A pack of 12 might keep us indoors at night.

Where You Stand

You cannot run away from weakness;
You must sometimes fight or perish.
And if that be so, why not now,
and where you stand?

~Robert Louis Stevenson

Of Note: To stand with ourselves in the face of weakness can be a scary prospect. Because of that, often we find others to stand with who have the same weakness so ours is not so glaringly obvious. We can even get uppity that the character "pimple" is somehow a strength. That, however, may be the first sign that the weakness has gotten the better of us. What to do with some faulty attribute that has gotten very comfortable in our being? Simply ask a new higher way of being to move in and take its place. After all, Love and its transformative companion Light are always happy to set up shop when invited in.

Today's Weather Report: This was a perfect French Apply Pie making day because the cold rain made outdoor activities challenging if not impossible--at least the ones I had on my list. Two apple pies were the product of having to stay indoors in the warmth of the house. Jim ran for an hour and a half preparing for the marathon on Saturday but came in cold, drenched and fairly miserable. For a while today, the forecast for Saturday included the first snow of the season but by afternoon it had been changed to simply overcast skies. Our family from Chicago who will be fishing here will appreciate that also.

Do All the Good You Can

Do all the good you can,
by all the means you can,
in all the places you can,
to all the people you can,
as long as ever you can.

~ John Wesley

Of Note: This gives another meaning to "can do," does it not? The word can is derived from the Old English word "to know." A kind of knowing called intelligence is defined by ageless wisdom as "Love in Action." Mankind has yet to use the loving intelligence or knowing that is inherent in his divine makeup. The message above might be a formula to kick-start this transformative activity. Indeed, if practiced by enough people, it could usher in the new age.

Today's Weather Report: Not much to report that's different in this regard. It is cloudy and damp with cool temperatures like the last several days. These conditions will persist the whole week if the forecasters have it right. Jim is preparing for a marathon this weekend in Ashland, and this is perfect training weather. As a matter of fact, he said he has never run a marathon under perfect conditions, and this Saturday may be the first time. My thought: "We will see what we shall see" as my Mother always used to say.

The World is a Mountain

THIS WORLD IS A MOUNTAIN,
IN WHICH YOUR WORKS ARE
ECHOED BACK TO YOU.

~Jelaluddin Rumi

Of Note: There is no way getting away from karma, until we reach a very high level of evolution that is. The laws are the same whether for an individual, a nation or humanity as a whole. What goes around literally comes around. Many times, however, the return takes its time, and we have forgotten its origin. Evolution of consciousness brings a quicker sometimes startling response to daily habits of thought--all the better to connect cause and effect. Simple really.

Today's Weather Report: More rain with temps in the 40's all day. I can't say it ever rained hard, but hope the misting added up since we need the precipitation badly. I planted daffodil bulbs today because they arrived yesterday in the mail. The flower bed was all ready for the arrival so it went quickly. Thanks heavens because my fingers were frozen by the time I was done with the project The heated floors in the house and garage have been on a few days now, and the cats have chosen their favorite spots for the winter. Of course, the king of the cats gets the choicest location in the kitchen so he can watch the daily activities. This inspiring, iphone shot was sent to me today by Marie as she vacations out west.

Man Functioning as a Soul

When man functions as a soul, he heals.
He stimulates and vitalizes;
He transmits the spiritual forces of the universe;
And all harmful emanations and all destructive
forces find in the human kingdom a barrier.

Evil and its effects are largely dependent
upon humanity for a functioning channel.
Humanity's function is to transmit loving
force to the lower kingdom's in nature.

~ Master Djwhal Khul


Of Note: The circle symbolizes the safeguarding barrier between Humanity and the lower kingdom in nature. The Hierarchy, of which Master DK is a part, currently stands in our place in this circle of love. In the future, mankind will step up to the plate and assume its predestined position. Until then, we can thank those Brothers of Humanity for their sustaining energy.

Today's Weather Report: Rain, which started last evening, fell all day. We need it badly so bring it on. Thankfully, all the fruit was harvested yesterday as it would have been impossible today.

Mending That Within Our Reach

OURS IS NOT THE TASK OF FIXING
THE ENTIRE WORLD AT ONCE,
BUT OF STRETCHING OUT TO MEND
THE PART OF THE WORLD THAT
IS WITHIN OUR REACH.

~Clarissa Pinkola Estes

Of Note: Many get themselves in an uproar about the state of the world without realizing that the uproar may have a detrimental effect on their own immediate environment. Our emanations should smell like sweet perfume and not rotting garbage. Humanity tends more toward the latter than the former, and this makes it awfully difficult for those who want to help us. Might we wake up every day and set the intention to be as flowers, in full bloom and perfume?

Today's Weather Report: Another morning in the low 30's Fahrenheit, another day in the 60's. It was clear most of the day but the clouds are now rolling in. Today was fruit harvest day which yielded about 2 bushels of apples from one little tree and 25 or 30 pounds of grapes. Also I picked all the hops and will give them to a friend who brews beer. Next year I may construct an arbor for the grapes, but to date, an old farming implement is all that holds the vines. The two plants have gotten so large, the implement is barely visible and the vines trail on the ground where it seems the best grape clusters grow.