For nature, as we know, is at once without and within us. Art is the mirror at the interface. So too is ritual; so also myth. These, too, “bring out the grand lines of nature,” and in doing so, re-establish us in our own deep truth, which is one with that of all being.
– Joseph Campbell, The Inner Reaches of Outer Space, p. 132
Westacre Day minus 30
Alex has been puzzling over Roger’s kitchen cabinets today. He can’t quite work out how the legs and the plinth are supposed to fit on. But the wall is now flat enough for actual kitchen building to begin. Hey, did you notice? I’m talking about actual furniture here, not just pipes and partitions. It’s a milestone.
When you’re working away at a large project, it can seem overwhelming. A tall mountain, a heavy burden, an endless task. But really, every tiny thing you do – even this, having a rest and reading this post – is part of the adventure. Everything you do weaves a thread of colour into the great tapestry. Some colours are dull, others vibrant. But each is exactly where it belongs. Celebrate the larger pattern you are weaving with every tiny thread.
Westacre Day minus 31
Alex never makes a song and dance of his birthday, but this one was particularly low key. He took his dad to the eye hospital, where the diagnosis was very hopeful. Then they went shopping at B&Q and bought a router and sheets of formica to serve as a kitchen splash back. Some snoozing may have been involved as well.
Hilde, in London, called Alex for his birthday and then went to work to write a depressing report. Only 8 days to go.
There are times when the history between two communities is just too painful to bear, and they clash violently. Tonight, I won’t think about which side I’m on. I send a prayer of protection to all who find themselves in the line of fire. A prayer that unites all Druids and has the potential to unite all existences:
“Grant, O Spirit, thy protection;
and in protection, strength;
and in strength, understanding;
and in understanding, knowledge;
and in knowledge, the knowledge of justice;
and in the knowledge of justice, the love of it;
and in the love of it, the love of all existences;
and in the love of all existences
the love of Spirit, and all goodness.”
Westacre Day minus 32
Alex took the whole wall down again and replaced the compression joints (remember how much he hates them) with soldered joints and then re-built the wall around them. He’s much happier now.
Roger finished the big partition and loaded his trailer with more stuff for the dump.
Hilde had a stressful day at work. No rest for the wicked, even in their last 10 days.
When you feel tired and stressed, remember what you love about what you are doing. The more love and passion you give to your everyday life, the more joy you will find. If you don’t love anything about what you are doing, urgently find something else to do!
Westacre Day minus 33
Alex and Hilde concentrated on getting the kitchen ready to have its furniture installed. This involved finishing off some plumbing into the adjoining bathroom so the partition wall can be finished. Alex spent hours doing that today, and then took it all back out again because he wants to make absolutely sure there will be no leaks inside the partition. Ever the perfectionist.
Hilde has mixed three more buckets of plaster and filled holes in the kitchen wall where the electrician ran his wires. Roger has attached plaster board to the main partition, giving the final shape to his bedroom.
The world needs you right now. It needs all of us to be the best we can be. So fill your life with all the passion you’ve got and let it shine as a bright light for all of us.