We have entered August, and the phrase August Action appeals to me right now. California is still under its heatwave, as is the Southwest in general, and devastating summer fires are still bursting in the Northern Hemisphere. There's plenty of government upheaval, policy shifts and cancelled programs, along with generally disturbing warnings about food, health, safety (and of course, finances) in various parts of the country. And, America is still at war. On the other hand, as I parked my car on the curb the other afternoon, this fiery flower captivated my attention. Note the clear turquoise sky, and greenery all around.
The next day, someone unexpectedly sent me these yellow flower pictures from their yard, with the simple caption "Competition"! I voted for the star. The Natural world remains, nurtured by human hands and tools.
These are my reminders of the living world, of human discovery and creativity, even if threat and uncertainty loom. Come alive! Alive is movement, alive is action, alive is creation. This week i am inspired by a series of news from friends. Despite plaguing age issues, one friend wrote summer had renewed her. She climbs the hill to her vegetable and flower garden everyday to plant, weed, water and harvest both food and beauty--the food will be given to the local community; the beauty heals her heart. Another friend revealed that she has channeled years of art to initiate a website-gallery selling her paintings, lovely and delicate miniatures. This same week, another friend emailed me pictures of a subdivision/environmental housing project that he envisioned years ago, and now has fueled him with action. The construction pictures of the framed buildings, frame his joy as well. Yet another friend sent me the files of his newly completed book project, asking for my comments and support. All of these announcements arrived as July was ending and August begins.
We are not stuck. We are alive. You are a contribution to the Whole. What action is calling you as August begins? Don't judge it or yourself. Just take that step in front of you. (Susan Nettleton)
for poetry: https://poets.org/poem/summer-day https://www.thehealingpoems.com/a-nation-reimagined.html https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/57673/to-be-of-use