An opportunity for change

We're living through extraordinary times of change, with economic uncertainty, climate change, social unrest and political upheavals never far from our news screens.  But chaos is nothing new - we always face uncertain times. Nothing stays the same for long and there is little we can rely, on external to ourselves, as constant.

But as the yin-yang symbol in Chinese philosophy reminds us,the opposite is always enfolded in the other, thus  within the darkness there is always the seed of light, and vice-versa.  Out of chaos and uncertainty something is always being born.

The seasons are constant reminders of the ebb and flow of life.  Looking out on my garden - an unusual snowy panorama for the UK in November -  I'm aware that much is taking place in the ground that I cannot see.  Roots and new growth are there if not visible, while Autumn's decay has been cut down and composted for next year's blooms and produce.  So too our experiences, however difficult and painful, can be transmuted into the rich matter of wisdom.  New life can be born out of old.

We are continually in a state of evolution.  In each moment there is an opportunity to change ourselves in some way.  We need courage to adapt to a changing world, and vision to make it a better one.  The crises we face are a wake-up call to a saner way of living.  That path begins with us turning inwards and connecting with the source of all life.  Only then can we hope for a better future.