The intensity of the summer heat is giving way to the seemingly schizoid diversity of heat and chill composing the fall weather. Any one day may bring on the necessity of the heater and the air conditioner. The flip flop is one that is often difficult for which to prepare. Just a few days ago the fog was so thick that the morning sunlight provided only the glow in the fog, limiting visibility to only the room in which I was seated. The symbolism was suddenly striking. We become so accustomed to having what we presume to be a clear view of the landscape on which we dwell that we forget that the view of that scape is one interpreted through the vision that is generated in the mind of the beholder. There are moments in our lives when we are somewhat “blinded” to the broader perspective of our surroundings. The “habit” of looking “out there” to define our purpose, and therefore our action, becomes interrupted when we are left with the vision of only what is within our smaller space. History, both our experienced and that recorded, becomes more visible as we look deeper within the narrow surroundings. Actions taken, and reasons why serve to enlighten what we reasonably assume will be presented as opportunities when this “foggy” day dissipates. The limits of this now notorious pandemic that have been thrown upon those most vulnerable (age, health, and habits), have come upon us like the dense fog in the morning sky. Some have chosen to interpret the events as having been contrived and therefore worthy of being ignored. Navigating the fog, however, requires far greater skill than pretending it does not exist! Others feel suddenly thrown into the well-lighted presence of self where the light of past and present illuminate “self” so seemingly well one presumes that all depends on that “self” that protrudes so prominently. Thrilled with the circumstances or not, the events of late have presented us with the opportunity to get a closer look at our presumptions, to experience self and those closest to us in a different light that opens the doorway to an even richer experiences once the fog has lifted (as surely it will). The best treatment for the plague of ignorance, that can be terminal, is the embrace of knowledge that inspires us to action and is fed by the expression of gratitude.
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