If you visited Lucid Confusion
yesterday ... you may have noticed that the usual header image had been replaced with
an image of a construction crane. This was done at my request by
Jann, the artist and
designer of this site, until we determined what buildings were actually reflected above.
My concern? Perhaps the buildings were the twin towers of the World Trade Center.
In an effort to honor those lives lost,
altered, and changed by the tragedy of the
past two days, I felt removing the image was prudent. However, Jann and I looked at
tourist photos of the WTC and compared them to the images in this design ... and I am
secure in replacing the construction crane with the original images. These towers are
different. My sincere thanks to dear friend
Jann for her expeditious
efforts on my behalf.
Many people in the world do not like
the United States. Whether the reasons be religious, political, economic or cultural,
there are those who relish the recent wounds to our nation. There are dangers in
assuming a role as the world's cop. As Americans, we can debate whether that is an
assignment we wish to have, but one thing I am sure of, we are the world's
philanthropist.
When tragedy strikes anywhere,
we are there with aid. Medical, logistical, financial — requiring engineers,
scientists, or grunt labor, Americans are always willing to help others in times of
need. It isn't something we have to do, it simply comes naturally. The compassion
ethic is found in the heart of nearly all our citizens.
For the first time in a long, long
while, America is in need of assistance from the rest of the world. We may not need
help to clean up the after effects, we may not require assistance with temporary
shelter, food or potable water. We could use some of that compassion. Americans are
people too. We bleed, our bones crack and our hearts break. America will recover,
there is no doubt, our citizenry is resilient. But a hand on the shoulder, as we dust
ourselves off, will assure us there is compassion elsewhere too.
Looking within. I read something
that reminded me to search for answers inside myself. Ultimately, all change, all
development, all improvement must come from within. Cliche perhaps, but true, no one is
responsible for my happiness but me. It is all born of love, love of myself. I cannot
share love, compassion, zest or joy with others if the emotions are not first emanating
from my own spirit.
No profundity here, but we are all
our own little universe. Each cell of our body depends on our soul to keep it alive,
much as we depend on our environment to provide life giving sustenance. The mind keeps
the body alive by learning, and triggering what is required. But, the mind is just
another organ. It will not function to its utmost without a zeal for life, a love of
self that comes from within.
While I may write about depression
or frustration or the seeming unfairness of living, your mind is preoccupied because
you're worrying about how to pay the next electric bill. We are each the center of
these little universes, searching for spiritual satisfaction. As we begin to allay
the fear that is within and replace it with inherent love of self, the natural happiness
that follows enables connection with others.
We become compassionate, charitable,
mindful of our friend's need for the same connection. To give love we must first have
it within. We have to know it, understand it, nurture it. To receive love we must first
have a warmth and graciousness of spirit to accept the sharing. It is a merger of sorts,
a combining of the dreams of life. Yes, I read something. It isn't new, merely a
reminder. All the answers I seek are already within. Simple, right?
The knowledge is there. Remembering
where to find the wisdom is key. It seems I forget every day.
