Making the Darkness Conscious

One does not become enlightened
by imagining figures of light,
but by making the darkness conscious.

Carl Jung

Of Note: I missed my sister Marie's Texas sunset pictures so found this one from her trip to Galveston this summer. As it turns out, Galveston may get hit in the impending landfall of Hurricane Ike which is barreling across the Gulf. As to this quote by Jung, one could argue that it would be better to leave well enough alone as far as darkness is concerned. But at a deeper level, this is paradoxically just what goes on when one becomes enlightened.

Today's Weather Report: It was the usual, cool and cloudy, at first but has blossomed into a fall-tinged, sunny day. Fall has a feeling to it that no other season does--must have to do with the angle of the sun.

The Fate of All Peoples

The Fate of All Peoples and Nations is Determined by the
Values which Govern Their Decisions

The human and world crisis of today is basically spiritual, testing the character and intention of all men and women. This provides opportunity to reappraise the values we accept as a personal standard of behavior. The world of the future depends on what what one of us chooses to do today.

These values include:
A Love of Truth--essential for a just, inclusive and progressive society;
A Sense of Justice--recognition of the rights and needs of all;
A Spirit of Cooperation--based on active goodwill and the principle of right human relationships;
A Sense of Personal Responsibility--for group, community and national affairs;
Serving the Common Good--through the sacrifice of selfishness; Only what is good for all is good for each one.

These are spiritual values, inspiring the conscience and the consciousness of those who serve to create a better way of life.

Lucis Trust
www.lucistrust.org



Of Note: This Lucis Trust quote probably dates from the 1940's or 1950's. It is as true today as then--but maybe even more so as Humanity nears an important cusp in its collective development of consciousness. You might wonder how these ostrich ferns fit into this theme. They reminded me of the cross currents of consciousness seemingly going in different directions but ultimately--and successfully--all finding the light.

Today's Weather Report: Cool rain yesterday and more rain today. On top of the rain we got last week, we are doing very well in that department. I looked at my garden diary from last year and found that September 2007 was a very rainy month. In fact, it rained most every day. Sounds like Seattle. We've got a little deer hanging around ready to feed on the garden remnants when we're not looking. At this time of year, that's just fine.

Bringing Sunshine to Others

THOSE WHO BRING SUNSHINE TO OTHERS
CANNOT KEEP IT FROM THEMSELVES.

Sir James Barrie

Of Note: If everything is energy and light, then this apple is energy and light as well. In that sense it could be thought of as sunshine itself--part of a continuum really from the less dense to the more dense. At least it's something to think about.

Today's Weather Report: It was below 40 degrees this morning and might be time to start bringing the plants in from the porch. The porch plants don't seem to mind 40 and above, but below 40 they start frowning, especially the cacti. It's no small thing to bring in all those plants, and every year they get heavier.

The Most Favorable Light

Make it a practice to judge persons
and things in the most favorable
light at all times, in all circumstances.

St. Vincent De Paul

Of Note: Just think, if we all did this, it would change the world.

Today Weather Report: Well, we put on long pants and several layers today for the first time in many months. Although it's in the 60's, no sun makes for a chilly day.

Slowing Down

Slow down and take the time to really see.
Take a moment to see what is going on around
you right now, right where you are.
You may have missed something wonderful?

J. Michael Thomas


Of Note: This picture is full of surprises if one takes time to look.

Today's Weather Report: Yesterday after a huge downpour the temps dropped 10 degrees, almost instantly. We went from muggy and humid to pleasantly cool with a little breeze. Just like today. Perfect.

Be Kind

BE KIND,
FOR EVERYONE YOU
MEET IS FIGHTING
A GREAT BATTLE.

Philo of Alexandria

Of Note: On the journey of life, the battles that we face are numerous and varied but the fact of battles does not change. That apparently is part of this Earthly existence. Inertia, movement, rhythm is the nature of the cyclical beast. The real lesson is how do we respond? Until we are consciously love and compassion, the cycles will continue, over and over again.

Today's Weather Report: Well, this is different. 80 degrees and 80% humidity on September 2nd. This must be the weather we didn't have in July. That makes it shorts and tank tops time.

Daily Hug Quota

We need four hugs a day for survival.
We need eight hugs a day for maintenance.
We need twelve hugs a day for growth.

Virginia Satir
Chicken Soup for the Soul


Of Note: On this hot day, it looks like our dog Shara could use some hugs herself.

Today's Weather Report: Speaking of hot, I can't remember another September 1st that had 90 degree temps. I asked Jim if he remembered anything like this. It's his birthday so would know. He says not. Tomorrow storms are predicted but still show the high temps. That could spell trouble.