There are all kinds of secrets, waiting for one to find them out, if one has the eyes to see.
Since the previous new moon, I have had the opportunity of stumbling upon remnants of the Berlin Wall (above).
The information board (below) might do a better job of explaining it than me.
Words cannot express the turmoil in my heart. I hope for calm as the winds howl.
Dory in Finding Nemo said: “Just keep swimming, just keep swimming.”
The below photos show a method of brewing coffee, known as siphon.
Greetings, earthlings. Once again, your moon has disappeared from the night sky, and thus it is an occasion to write to you.
Since the previous new moon, I have been touring various locations where earthlings gather, colloquially termed “watering holes”.
Observing your hidden resentment, and open conflict, I am reminded of one of the proverbs from your ancient sages from China:
“君子和而不同，小人同而不和。”
Allow me to present a few sketches of human behaviour, that I have dreamt about. Perhaps this might entertain you until the next new moon.
Another lunar cycle finds her rhythm. The old brown leaves fall off the tree, and new green buds appear on stems.
I have been attending so-called “town-hall discussions”, in various industries; and cherishing precious moments with friends, and (chosen) family.
I would like to present a haiku from a friend:
no one said the road was easy; but no one said it was not joyful
Many things have happened since the previous new moon, planet-dwellers.
Someone in my chosen family told me: “Simplify your life. And then simplify again. Happiness follows.”
When I think about it, some things are best left unsaid and un-announced to the wider public. Everyone will be happier that way.
What news can I then bring you on this new lunar cycle, my fellow esteemed gaia-naut?
I know! Let me check the logs on my camera, (a beauty from the digital-camera manufacturers of the 2010s.)
I met someone who runs workshops on Guided Journalling. She shared a prompt with me: “What would be the sweetest and kindest thing that someone can say to you?”
Uh... I have to admit I have to think a bit, for that one.
I know! Why don't I look up what others have already said about me?
I feel shy though.
Here's something from J, a poet:
Thank you for your gentle, kindly presence and the warmth you bring to every space you enter.
Thank you, J.
And, from O, a restauranteur:
You play the piano so beautifully.
Aw, you're gonna make me blush. Thank you, O.
Okay, I think that's enough.
I saw a few fascinating birds. Words cannot do them justice. Neither can photos nor videos, for that matter; the form is not the same as the substance. But, oh, what wonder!
And, on a more than one occasion, a butterfly has floated past me, like a visitor from a far-away planet. I recall a humorous quip: “Life is like being stuck in a traffic jam, and moments of beauty are like the butterfly that floats past your windscreen as you stew inside your car: rare but much-needed.”
It's been a season of grief and loss.
But kind souls are holding space for me to soothe this pain, in community. Feelings of gratefulness and gladness wash over me.
Some nice things that have helped me to navigate surges of sadness and other emotions:
I have provided some hospitality to visitors from southern Germany, as best as my weak mind and feeble body could.
With the help of a few wonderful and illustrious women, I managed to serve them with salad, and lentil soup, and pizza, all of which were vegan or at least vegetarian.
It has been whirlwind of conferences, since the last new moon.
I attempt to distill my experiences into a Venn diagram below.
I took away a quote (attributed to John C. Maxwell):
Everything rises and falls on leadership.
And what does healthy, effective leadership look like?