An attitude of gratitude

This  year's Autumn Equinox will occur two weeks from today at 8:30 am. We hope, weather permitting, to be able to celebrate by burning the pile of brush, largely buckthorn and storm-downed branches, that's been accumulated since the feast of Lughnasadh on August 1. The leaf-covered branches that I've trimmed off of the downed oak tree will then replace the current brush pile and provide shelter for whoever until Spring.

female ruby-throated hummingbird

Photo by J. Harrington

We still have some female ruby-throated hummingbirds coming to the feeders, but the numbers and frequency of visits seem to be dwindling. Downy woodpeckers approve because that means more sugar water for them. Come Winter, woodpeckers get suet instead of sugar water, for obvious reasons. Not  that I want to rush my favorite season, but Winter will also bring relief from the nightly routine of bringing the feeders in from the deck railing so the bear(s) don't get tempted to visit.

Election day is eight weeks from today. Early voting in Minnesota begins in eleven or ten days, I think. We requested absentee ballots for both the primary and the general election so it's time to start watching for the arrival of ballots in a week or so. With the number of absentee, mail-in ballots expected to be cast this COVID-19 year, I wonder if the dust will have settled by Thanksgiving Day. One of my major Christmas wishes is that any "Blue Wave" 🌊 is created by so many votes for Democrats that it becomes a "Blue Tsunami" 🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊. I certainly wish mainstream Democrats were more progressive, but readily concede they're more honest and  competent than Republicans.

Recent reports that the Greenland ice sheet has melted past the point of no return, combined with the current regime's efforts to pull the US out of the Paris Agreement, which, of itself, is reported to be inadequate, are all disheartening. Climate breakdown is every bit as much a hoax asCOVID-19, which is to say, not at all. "Trumpsters" are as competent at governing as they are at small boat handling. We deserve better. Despite all the chaos and madness and assorted stupidity we have to cope with, I'm trying to adjust my attitude to include more gratitude for whatever good is still occurring. It doesn't make the world at large any  better, but I feel better and that's a start on making the rest of the world better. I just wish that wasn't so hard to remember these days.

Desiderata

GO PLACIDLY amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons.

Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexatious to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter, for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment, it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.

Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here.

And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be. And whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

By Max Ehrmann © 1927
Original text

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