FootprintsintheWind.com

The only way to change our culture is to interact with it. Every interaction, however small, moves the culture. Which way is best? Converse.

:- Doug.

Not simply back and forth, give and take: all flows in all directions, making and sharing. Even skin and hands are permeable, no barriers.

:- Doug.

No world view is final. Therefore…

:- Doug.

We will not all agree. Let us converse with those who are open. Perhaps a change for good only needs 38 1/3%.

:- Doug.

What has been the history of inversion?

:- Doug.

This they call God
these call universe
those by another name
is free creative
gathering the winds
needs not go through any inter
vening space to get you there

:- Doug.

This holy principle
is free
to change the way things are

:- Doug.

Not as they should be
Not as they were promised
Not as they must be
About these things
Cry aloud

:- Doug.

Elder is not an honorific: it is a job description.

:- Doug.

Are we a free people or not? Are we tied by our chasing after Dollars and numbers or do we give justice and compassion as we wish?

:- Doug.

Grieve, grieve for the grandchildren
They are dying before our eyes
Even while playing, so cry

:- Doug.

Elders notice.

:- Doug.

What if you’re an elder? What can you do about it?

:- Doug.

Spiritual eldering

:- Doug.

Footprints in the Wind^sm # 1741

Expect people to dismiss. Expect people to get nervous, to fight it. Expect people to ridicule. Care when people do not react, are not disturbed. Reach out: expect your hand to be slapped. Hard. Do not stop if it is not. Or if it is. Do not be attached to either as your stopping point. It is a valuable gift. Whether and how it is received is not your concern. You have come only to give it.

Please pass it on.

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Elders already are developing this consciousness. This consciousness is grounded in justice and compassion, implicit in the panoramic view.

:- Doug.

Numbness, enculturation, weariness, ennui, resignation, satiety, consumerism, playlessness, tearlessness, imaginationlessness: symptoms of the disease of our age.

:- Doug.

An alternative consciousness, introduced as an infection, may be sufficient right being and doing of the elder.

:- Doug.

We may not get there, nor in my lifetime, nor in 300 years. So? Results are never a good test for life. Push and pull even if we cannot see the needle move. Sometimes we just have to do what’s right.

:- Doug.

We help families in crisis get help to pay for care in a nursing home or at home.

:- Doug.

Many people do not fear death so much as the pain and struggle of dying. This is the job of hospice—and all of us.

:- Doug.

Our job as lawyers is not to fight just because we can, but to work toward what for our clients is the best we can.

:- Doug.

This too has been taken from you
no, you elder have no power
unless
we call your words
and imagination
invitation
to the generations

:- Doug.