A collision of the generations

These last several weeks have been chock full of family and friendly connections. Last night, we hosted a welcome-home/congrats party for our son, with our closest friends, after spending time with family the weekend before. These folks have become our west coast family. Many common threads intertwine us. It's a blessing and a gift to have discovered each other, and I'm overjoyed that our web continues to grow.

It was the first party to enjoy the new garden. I got to show it off, and I realized that I must really be putting down my roots here, finally. Not that it's been easy, but this garden makes a statement for me and to me. It is symbolic in what elements it contains. My "Best of California" Garden has 2 aspects to it: a drought-tolerant , tough scrubbiness that's also airy and light; plus a lush, tropical shady feminine fullness. Lots of textures and colorful flowers, loved by all flying creatures. It's great to be able to support nature with my efforts, which are also pleasing to the humans (and dogs) in the crowd. Butterfly bush, Desert Willow, wild sage, manzanita, sugar bush, jasmine (3 kinds!), succulents, bamboo, Princess Flower, to name a few enticing items in my garden. It's been a fun process where I've learned alot, and have made some new connections. I don't think my husband realizes how happy this space makes me!

During one of the many stimulating conversations that I savor from last night, the visiting sister of a friend mentioned an encounter with Locality Astrology. From what I understand, when one superimposes his/her Natal Chart upon a Chart of the World, one can discover the best place to live, where s/he will blossom the most. This knowledge motivated this woman and her husband to move across the world. How many of us are ready to do that? What if circumstances mean that you will end up in a place that isn't quite ideal, how will that affect you? It's intriguing and could be a real tool for self-development.

All these events mark my place in the world right now: I feel keenly the pull of my child and my parents, which gets me feeling a bit uncertain, and asking questions about how I can best contribute to the world for this next phase of my life. I'm making my way through this thing called life, hopefully revealing more and more of my soul to myself and the world. I take to my heart many sad things in the world; the cracks, the closed places, the dead and dark places. I'm just searching for a way of healing. A novel approach that will allow me to be an effective guide to others into their own hearts and souls.

As my own journey continues, my son's journey is superimposed upon me and my husband. Our families of origin also superimpose themselves upon us. I've noticed that as we age, the body's limitations become crystal clear. Our weakened defenses break down, forcing us to pause and take a break. Or, certain body parts don't work as well as they used to, so pain or discomfort is a more constant presence. Things take longer to heal, and may not heal completely. I'm experiencing this within my own body, and seeing how the process further affects my parents' generation. This realization can be a difficult and painful part of life.

It brings to my mind snippets of information I heard the last few days regarding the state of Washington allowing euthanasia. Very powerful and risky. Frankly, I'm not black and white on that issue. Lots of conflicting emotions and questions. Life and death decisions are grave and serious, and are not taken lightly by the people involved, no matter what the talking heads are spewing. Would our country actually take over this decision-making process? Really? Believing that it's for our own good? Or, would the government get out of the way and allow the states to form their own accords, based on their uniqueness? What works for someone in Vermont, might not be the way for someone else in Texas, for example. Areas draw certain kinds of people to them: the rough and tough gritty New Yorker, the no-nonsense New Englander, the laid back and relaxed West Coaster, the friendly and conservative Midwesterner. Certain values are held up more highly than others, depending upon where one lives. When most folks are given the choice as to whether or not to do the right thing, they take the higher road.

These experiences are a reminder that we are here for but one go-round. We'd better make it good, and have no regrets upon death. Otherwise, some belief systems posit that we come back again to further hone the rough edges. Another facet of the soul is polished, which can be hard work, yet contain many rewards. There has to be a reward for the suffering and pain, lest our lives become empty and embittered. No matter where you are in your generational pull, promise that you will be as open-minded and open-hearted as you can be in the moment.

Go Forth, and May the Force be with You.