Well, this has turned out to be a rather dark week for many. So, cocking a snook at Eskom's "load-shedding (which is probably the least of the issues), let's be light-spreading in what little ways we can. (And remember that the little ways are often more effective, simply because they're easier and so we actually do them!)
This morning's mostly overcast sunrise here in the Tsitsikamma reminded me of how, rather than obscuring the light, clouds actually show off the light — in its best light, so to speak. And how my personal experience of life has increasingly shown this to be true of our metaphoric clouds as well, even when we can't see it at the time.
So, here's to us seeing more light shedding into our lives, spreading...
And perhaps it's also good to remember that everybody, fundamentally, just wants to feel safe and secure, content and comfortable, loved and respected, and, regardless of what they may think or how they may act, really just wants to live a peaceful life.
And also that many of us have grown up being conditioned by the mistaken belief that fighting is an effective way to get what we want.
I keep coming back to the thought that if we could reach and teach all our kids more of the things that are truly important in life, like integrity, self-respect, and empathy, we would resolve many of our human-created problems on earth.
So I was delighted to discover that Carmen Clews published a book with the intention of doing just that, called Planting Seeds for Life – "an educational book with lesson plans for teaching wonderful values such as gratitude, forgiveness and compassion. It is a comprehensive and inspiring resource ideal for educators, parents, youth workers and everyone wanting tools to make a difference in young lives."
You can discover more about Planting Seeds for Life at yogaaa.co.za/tag/carmen-clews, and I also highly recommend Carmen's delightful book and animation set, The Magic Mat and Its Little Secret at magicmatsecret.com "a magical tool for developing happy, relaxed, loving and healthy children. Fun physical stretching and relaxation techniques."