Zoe, Thank you for this reminder, especially after the shock and horror of the US election yesterday. There's not a better time to be reminded that what we each can do, must do, is to seek to be kind to each other, caring for each other and for the planet. Like the hummingbird flying back and forth, dropping one drop of water at a time on the fire that's consuming the animals' world, if we all just do what we can, it will be better. Onward!
Dear Kate, thank you for your comment. In the grand scope of things, it's that being kind that reverberates for me. I suppose it's small enough I can encompass it. These large world events feel overwhelming.
Years ago I had a friend, who when our dogs died, talked about them "going over the Rainbow Bridge." When I asked her where this came from, she referred me to a children's book in her library.
In mythology, the Rainbow Bridge is what leads from Midgard, the land of humans, to Valhalla, the city of the Norse gods. My pal's book was a sort of Disneyfied concept of this.
We're not in that belief system of Norse gods and Valhalla but I do find that concept of the Rainbow Bridge meaningful. Death is a radical shift. It's crossing a bridge of some variety between states of being. And I think when it comes our turn to cross that bridge, it's the kindnesses and the memory of acting with integrity that we may be able to carry with us. Who knows?
For the usual reason--far too busy for my own good--I left reading your post until today. I am so glad I did because it is a ray of hope given the recent calamity. Thanks, Zoe for offering a way to navigate through the greed and exploitation.
Thanks, Marlet! Serendipity in this case with the timing of the post.
Small good things in our lives.
I just came in from talking with a neighbour who is doing some heavy digging in one area of my garden to get rid of buttercups. It was so sweet because he was trying to lower the price he charged and bill me for less hours than he worked. I was negotiating to put the price per hour up. We both compromised. It's my smile for the day. This neighbour and his wife have been so kind.
Sending you a hug and wishes for a gentle day with maybe a nice cup of tea!
Today is November 6 and I am having a difficult time finding reason and acceptance of people who perpetuated that election win down south.
The challenge to living in a respectful, intelligent, caring way within this chaos is a challenge that I accept. Thank you so much, Zoe, for sharing this essay.
Just perfect. I can’t imagine there would be a pithier way to say all this. I am not a Buddhist ( not an “ist” in general) but loving kindness and right living come to mind.
Thanks, Diana! Lovingkindness has always been a very resonant word for me. Appreciate you chiiming in! And yes, right living is in there for sure.
Zoe, Thank you for this reminder, especially after the shock and horror of the US election yesterday. There's not a better time to be reminded that what we each can do, must do, is to seek to be kind to each other, caring for each other and for the planet. Like the hummingbird flying back and forth, dropping one drop of water at a time on the fire that's consuming the animals' world, if we all just do what we can, it will be better. Onward!
Dear Kate, thank you for your comment. In the grand scope of things, it's that being kind that reverberates for me. I suppose it's small enough I can encompass it. These large world events feel overwhelming.
Years ago I had a friend, who when our dogs died, talked about them "going over the Rainbow Bridge." When I asked her where this came from, she referred me to a children's book in her library.
In mythology, the Rainbow Bridge is what leads from Midgard, the land of humans, to Valhalla, the city of the Norse gods. My pal's book was a sort of Disneyfied concept of this.
We're not in that belief system of Norse gods and Valhalla but I do find that concept of the Rainbow Bridge meaningful. Death is a radical shift. It's crossing a bridge of some variety between states of being. And I think when it comes our turn to cross that bridge, it's the kindnesses and the memory of acting with integrity that we may be able to carry with us. Who knows?
For the usual reason--far too busy for my own good--I left reading your post until today. I am so glad I did because it is a ray of hope given the recent calamity. Thanks, Zoe for offering a way to navigate through the greed and exploitation.
Thanks, Marlet! Serendipity in this case with the timing of the post.
Small good things in our lives.
I just came in from talking with a neighbour who is doing some heavy digging in one area of my garden to get rid of buttercups. It was so sweet because he was trying to lower the price he charged and bill me for less hours than he worked. I was negotiating to put the price per hour up. We both compromised. It's my smile for the day. This neighbour and his wife have been so kind.
Sending you a hug and wishes for a gentle day with maybe a nice cup of tea!
Today is November 6 and I am having a difficult time finding reason and acceptance of people who perpetuated that election win down south.
The challenge to living in a respectful, intelligent, caring way within this chaos is a challenge that I accept. Thank you so much, Zoe, for sharing this essay.
Thanks, dear Leslie. I was so acutely miserable this afternoon that I prescribed some time in the garden to myself. Dug up buttercup. It helped.
I think I was surprised by the results of the election. Which in retrospect--
Well, bless us all! We need itl
Just perfect. I can’t imagine there would be a pithier way to say all this. I am not a Buddhist ( not an “ist” in general) but loving kindness and right living come to mind.