Shared reading: Living in the Present Moment

Quote of the day by James Joyce: ‘There is not past, no future; everything flows…’: Lessons on importance of living in present from famous author – The Economic Times https://m.economictimes.com/magazines/panache/quote-of-the-day-by-james-joyce-there-is-not-past-no-future-everything-flows-lessons-on-importance-of-living-in-present-from-famous-author/articleshow/129188926.cms

Whatever Does It Mean? – Glass Shattering

Upon my arrival at the cafe this morning, one of the baristas shared that she was moving a glass bottle when it suddenly shattered. Being the type person I am, I told her that I would investigate what possible meaning that event might have. The following is what I found….

One might would think glass shattering would be a bad omen. Yet despite the cut she received on her hand, it would seem the barista has perhaps hit upon good fortune.

  • Necessary Change or Transition – It could be a sign that there is necessary change or transition occurring in a person’s life. I think the key word there is “necessary”….While change can bring about an uncomfortable feeling at times, it is a necessary component in all of our lives. Transition is a part of all of nature and nowhere more evident than the changing of seasons that is soon upon us. Let us embrace the changes that are ultimately bound to occur in life.
  • Impending Good Luck – Definitely a good omen by this measure. While I wouldn’t consider it a lucky as finding a heads-up penny or feather, it’s not for me to say.
  • Releasing Negative Energy – This is the one I like better than the others. I think we each one can feel a fair amount of stored up negative energy. And from time-to-time, it helps to release some of this energy. While I can think of creative ways to accomplish this, say through exercise or creative writing, I can easily see how symbolic shattering glass might be.

Is It or Isnt’ It? – It very well could be both…

I like to apply the above thought experiment to a real-life situation.

Let’s suppose you’re out and about and think you see someone you know. From your point of view, it’s not real obvious as to whether or not it’s this person…or not.

You can then use Schrodinger’s Cat experiment to solve your quandry:

  • It IS indeed to the person you believe it to be. Then you’ll decide whether or not you want to make an attempt to interact with them.
  • It ISN’T the person you believe it to be, therefore decreasing the likelihood you’ll interact with them.

I like to call it a “perspective of the mind.” I can go forward thinking that it really was that person and deal with all the thoughts and images that conjures up. Or I can, at the same time, think it was just someone who resembled that person and the meeting was inconsequential.

Either way, the sighting can produce a combination of thoughts and emotions that are necessary for growth.

If you’d like to explore this concept further: https://youtu.be/vYlZoKIfZcM?si=m1-9wz8R2K96HHIX

David Lee

Lenten Reflection for March 6th

Psalm 107: 28 Then they cry out to the LORD in their trouble,
And He brings them out of their distresses.
29 He calms the storm,
So that its waves are still.

We are reminded in today’s reading that there is One who is with us in the tempest of the storms that we experience in life. He is the Good Shepherd and leads us to still waters.

We must remember that there is one who has all power and we can turn to Him in any circumstances. We often forget this fact when all around us are screaming and panicking…we forget the one who looks at calm and distress as if they were one in the same.

So as we go about our days, let us remember there is ALWAYS one we can call on for guidance, wisdom, and strength to face whatever lies ahead and to give us the peace that passes all understanding.

David Lee