On a recent tour through the Southwest, we encountered rugged beauty: how geological upheaval created plateaus; how wind and water carved out mesas, buttes, hoodoos, and canyons. We also saw how humanity has reshaped its environment with structures like dams, lakes, and canals -- storing and diverting water for recreation and survival.
Returning home, I have been reflecting on beauty, upheaval, diversion, and survival.
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| What do you dam up or store internally? (Photo: Lake Powell, Larry Gardepie, May 2022) |
These post-pandemic musings have tended to focus on:
- How upheaval happens so quickly;
- How we divert attention away from Topics Unpleasant; and,
- How survival is Wired Within.
When faced with momentous events, we sometimes encounter paradoxes: for instance, how small we seem in the grandeur of the universe and yet how precious life is. The Both-And of All speaks to us of our Worth and Value.
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| Where do you feel small and unseen? (Photo: Lake Powell, Larry Gardepie, May 2022) |
As unexpected events unfold, I recall a phrase a friend often says: "Life happens." For me, these two words have helped me to maintain a balance between reaction and response: that is, keeping a focus on the preciousness of life, relationships and understanding invites me to pause, take a breath, and decide on a better course of action.
Rather than upheaval, diversion, and self-survival, I can retain focus on the beauty of that moment and seek what is best for all concerned.
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| What is precious in your life? (Photo credit: Cronin Family, May 2021) |
Dialogue is also precious: it allows Moments Unclear to become clarified -- by noticing the upheaval and the wearing down; by asking questions to understand; and by allowing defended energy to be redirected, self- or other-violent thoughts to be channeled to non-violence, and systemic justice to be restored.
As you continue to explore and re-normalize your life, may you discover what is precious in your life!
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| Larry Gardepie (click on link for website) |
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