Einstein 15: Understanding Everything
Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better. – Albert Einstein Some years ago, I spent a month at Dorland Mountain Arts, a creative space without electricity [marvelous!]. During a walk in the Temecula, California hills, fire ants climbed onto my shoes and up my legs, biting and burning all the way. After handling that situation, I was admiring the white clouds and bright blue sky when the narrow path turned. Fortunately, I looked down just before stepping off the mountain. My nature walks ended when advised to be noisy to avoid surprising bears and to carry an air horn as well as make myself look as big as possible should a mountain lion approach. I loved Dorland, the people and world around it. I grew as a human being and hope to return one day. Because on Earth [here’s a fascinating photo], predation is essential, I wonder if Einstein meant that to ‘look deep into nature’ should remind that life requires care and attention. Life here offers real dangers to body, mind, heart and spirit. That said, and in negotiating the world’s hazards, Anthony D’Angelo offers heartwarming advice, “Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine.” May 1st is May Day, a great time to find a maypole, dance in the sunshine and enjoy spring’s first flowers, especially in this post’s video. Shop “Shasta Daisies,” this week’s Featured Art. Blessings & best wishes What kind of flower are you? Take this QUIZ. ***** Deadliest Quiz In considering Einstein’s advice to “look deep into nature,” keep in mind it can be both delightful and deadly. How many human lives are lost each year to these animals? Be careful! Alligators Kill 1, 15, 50 people per year Sharks kill 5, 50, 100 people per year Ants kill 10, 20, 30, 40 people per year Deer kill 17, 38, 65, 130 people per year Humans kill 475,00 other humans per year. Mosquitoes kill twice as many. Elephants, Hippopotami, Wolves, even Horses kill quite a few people each year. Here are the top 24 deadliest animals to humans [including quiz answers].
Einstein #5: Embracing Widening Circles
Our task must be to free ourselves by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature and its beauty. – Albert Einstein Imagine freeing ourselves as Einstein recommends. I was searching for information about embracing all of creation when these words from Dostoevsky’s The Brothers Karamazov presented, “Love all God’s creation, both the whole and every grain of sand. Love every leaf, every ray of light. Love the animals, love the plants, love each separate thing. If thou love each thing thou wilt perceive the mystery of God in all.” The novel’s 41st Chapter contains thought-provoking conversations about Prayer, Love, Contact with Other Worlds and Hell Fire. True, the world contains enmity, ill will, animosity, indifference, apathy and hatred, the shadows that ensnarl and shrivel human potential. On the bright side, imagine lives liberated and blossoming in widening circles of affection, friendship, tenderness and love … one person and a step at a time. Choices. Here are more for the coming week. Tomorrow, Sunday is National Sticky Bun Day Wednesday is Tortilla Chip Day and Thursday celebrates Pistachio Nuts. Best of all, Friday, Feb 26 is “Tell A Fairy Tale” day. Here are Fairy Tales from Around The World, including “The Golem of Prague” read by Leonard Nimoy [Star Trek’s Mister Spock.] Enjoy! ***** The largest, edible pancake weighed over three tons and measured 49 feet across. The highest toss of a pancake is 31 feet above the ground. The Opus Restaurant in Manchester, England sells single pancakes for $200. They’re served with a jelly named Dom Perignon and are made with Madagascan vanilla pods and 23-carat, edible gold leaf. Read more Pancake Surprises.
Path to Joy: 2nd of 12 – Money
What are the two quickest ways to double your money? Answer: Fold it in half. You can also watch your money in a mirror. Question 2: Where can you always find money? Answer: In the dictionary. Here’s more money humor: Joe says, “I hate paying income tax.” Mary says, “You should be a good citizen and pay with a smile. Joe answers, “I’d like to, but they insist on money.” Read more Funny Money Jokes. Welcome to Succeed and Soar’s Path to Joy: Money, adapted from The Treasure Chest’s “The Twelve Rules of Happiness.” Of the 2nd Path, much has been said, including: The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. Bible, I Timothy 6:10 The lack of money is the root of all evil. – Mark Twain [This quote is also attributed to George Bernard Shaw] A man in debt is so far a slave. – Ralph Waldo Emerson A penny saved is a penny earned. – Benjamin Franklin Check out these 18 Money Management Tips to Improve Finances This Post’s Featured Art, “Money,” A Visual Meditation. A man who both spends and saves money is the happiest. Samuel Johnson What I like best about the picture. The moon. Why? While I like the sun, the flowers and their roots, the moon is special because it’s new and growing toward full. I like the silver rays radiating from the moon as it lights the dark times. What does this picture teach? THE SEEDS: Some are flying away from the flowers. Some land nearby and are developing their own roots. This teaches me that letting go can be as beneficial – even necessary – as holding things close. THE FLOWER AND SEEDLING ROOTS: They teach that anchors are important and that sources of nourishment and enrichment are sometimes hidden. NIGHT AND DAY: Both times can be meaningful and productive, literally and symbolically. They are parts of the whole. How can these insights lead to joy? With money, how it’s obtained and dispersed can be paths to joy. Money can be spent-sent out into the world to buy things that improve life. In saving and keeping money close, it can grow within easy reach. The picture reminds that those who both spend and save can be happiest. NOTE These ‘Paths to Joy’ are adapted from The Treasure Chest, an old book I found years ago. Page 117 contained “The Twelve Rules of Happiness.” Of special delight is using paints markers and ink to illustrate meditations inspired by this wisdom. The technique is adapted from the book Visual Journaling, Going Deeper Than Words, by Barbara Ganim and Susan Fox. Shop Sandra’s OnLine Art Gallery