Even if we are not directly in harm's way, we may be affected by the smoky haze and the choking air: sight and breath are hampered, unable to see clearly or breathe easily.
 | |
| A localized perspective: distant fires affect local conditions San Francisco Bay Area, October 2017 (Photo credit: Curbed San Francisco) |
For long weeks in October 2017, December 2017, and August 2018, apocalyptic fires blazed throughout larges areas of California (Tubbs/Santa Rosa, Thomas/Montecito, Carr/Redding and Mendocino/Napa). The blue skies across several counties and states became muted, grayish and subdued. Life changed.
Flying to Sacramento in mid-August, I noticed a brown-tinged blanket that covered the region. But when I arrived at Auburn in the Sierra foothills, friends mentioned how nice it was to actually see blue skies again.
A matter of perspective: for me, a recent arrival to the area, I was having problems adjusting to the smoky air, but for my friends who had experienced the worst of the firestorm, the conditions were getting better.
Flying to Sacramento in mid-August, I noticed a brown-tinged blanket that covered the region. But when I arrived at Auburn in the Sierra foothills, friends mentioned how nice it was to actually see blue skies again.
A matter of perspective: for me, a recent arrival to the area, I was having problems adjusting to the smoky air, but for my friends who had experienced the worst of the firestorm, the conditions were getting better.
 |
| Moving outward: gaining a wider perspective Southern California wildfires from space, December 2017 (Photo credit: SF Gate) |
I wonder:
- How often do I only see, hear, and understand from my perspective?
- Do I realize that outside conditions may affect my limited and personalized views?
- Am I willing to accept that others may be going through a much different experience than what I may be seeing or understanding?
 |
| Showing appreciation: days when we see clearly (Photo credit: Montvill Patch) |
Slowing down and noticing when our perceptions are unclear will help us gain appreciation for those times when we are able to see clearly. Our bodies often give signals when we are uncomfortable: that sinking feeling in the pit of the stomach; the restlessness of our minds; the racing of the heart... As we listen deeply to what others are experiencing, let us test our perceptions by noticing our physical responses; asking questions of others and ourselves; and sitting quietly. Maybe we will gain clarity when we seek what is beyond the haze and filters of the firestorms within.
As we move from limited to wider perspectives, may we learn to appreciate those times when we see more clearly!
As we move from limited to wider perspectives, may we learn to appreciate those times when we see more clearly!
 |
| Larry Gardepie
(click on link for website)
|
No comments:
Post a Comment