Patience and Faith

These are tough times indeed. The reason I have not written on "Peace & Health" for over three weeks is because I have been very preoccupied with the precarious situation in which I find myself economically and therefore socially. I have felt quite low, disconnected from others and unsure of my self-identity lately. I have been more aware of finding the patience to go with the flow that is not in my control, and have faith that things will not always be this way, that they get better someday soon.

But, through it all, I have learned an immense amount from those with whom I am connected despite the limitations. For instance, my angelic friend Megan tells me how fascinating these times are and what an opportunity we each have to explore and experience new ways of living. That puts such a positive spin on things! It validates how I truly feel which is quite happy and content within the more narrow world I am living within. Within the boundaries I have set up, I am staying physically healthy, mentally active, and finding it is possible by degree to "drop out" of the materialistic, consumeristic dictates of society. As my other red-haired friend Leslye says, "Simplicity is freedom!"

I am driving less, spending less, and have cut off cable TV, memberships to public TV and radio, my gym, and eventually my subscription to The New York Times and cell phone. I am asking friends and family to please stop inviting me to do things as I don't have an extra cent to spend. Instead, come and visit me! I'll always have the essentials, like delicious coffee, healthy snacks, good music, thoughtful conversation and laughs. Hopefully this is temporary. I am holding onto as much of the American Dream as I can right now. But my grip on this expensive lifestyle rope keeps slipping and I am dropping down, down, down. It gets easier as I loosen my grasp and little by little let go of all the stuff.

I know I am not alone. Many of my friends and acquaintances are experiencing a similar vibe. Our government is dysfunctional and actually detrimental. A lot of people are out of work and it is affecting more and more of us in this country. Things are falling apart--institutions, infrastructure, common courtesy. Megan suggests that it can mean a rebirth when the social order is forced into making changes. This is one positive outcome certainly.

In view of Peace & Health, I have found it is necessary more than ever to find ways to experience life as a fascinating adventure no matter what the circumstances, and to act from kindness towards others because we really are "all in it together." Patience and faith are not easy to maintain, but I am finding this challenge, well, fascinating!

Please let me know how I can help any of you out there, and be in touch as it will help me stay connected. Peace-out!