A Solstice Vow

Today the year tips over into the next phase, and we can listen for messages from inside and outside, make connections that point our way forward and backward in time. It's also the last solstice of the decade, therefore we can choose to mark the passage of longer paths. So what are the messages I am hearing? Inside, I am tipping over into a new phase where I am no longer a young man and instead am definitely at the point where I have to accept elder status, (despite still being in pretty good shape, okay?) and negotiate and forge a new identity as a man of patience, willing to let others have a voice, gentle with myself and understanding that all is not lost, that the ways of life are crooked. Meanwhile, our Earth is in danger of tipping over into a dangerous phase that may mean extinction of planetary ecosystems that have sustained life for as long as our ancestors have walked, and our modern culture veers towards an apocalyptic global struggle between the forces of superstitious authoritarianism and science-centered liberal democracy. What is the proper stance, how should we manifest our part in this struggle? I believe that all the paths are valid, but for me, the American system of democracy still holds out the best hope we have. As a people, we have developed and forged vast reserves of wisdom that have just begun to be untapped, and the wisdom continues to grow as new immigrants and new cultures add their voices to what is already here. When I see the seven candidates up on the stage, vowing to join forces in the name of progress, I feel hope, not despair. Yes, our next president has a massive job to right our path, to undo the destruction of norms and reestablish our leadership. But it's amazing what change and renewal a voting cycle can bring, sweeping the corrupt old guard out the door. Let's vow to do everything possible to make that happen as we let the sun rise on a better tomorrow.