These are strange times. For those of us who have been around for a half a century or more, these are very strange times indeed. Following the second World War we knew a foundation of stability and abundance in life that could be assumed. They were golden times. To be certain there were chilling events; the Cuban Missile Crisis, the assassination of an American president, the dark and tragic events of the 1960’s. But these were ripples in a calm pond, dampened by an assured embankment.

In the 1980’s a squall began to rise in this country, its origin undefined by a seminal incident or event. But the wind has grown to a gale, and our pond of stability froths with turbulent waves eroding the once firm shore of our wellbeing. Constant drama and events further dramatized by sources competing for our attention inundate us daily, hourly, in every moment. How destabilizing that can be. Can be, because we have a choice.

Throughout history the thoughts of the enlightened, the wise, and those forged by life’s events, have provided solace and guidance in such times. They cause us to step back from the edge, steady us, and to see again from our hearts. It is a time to seek that wisdom, to choose stability in ourselves, and to act from love.