The dynamic elements - Don't Be A Wage Slave

The most wonderful thing about life has to be its diversity. This is certainly true in regards to the weather. Wherever we go and however we live, we are always subject to a configuration of the four seasons of the year. In some countries, the weather is severe and violent — in others a bastion of warmth and tranquility. It truly depends on where you were born.

When I grew up, I thought that the world was essentially wet. On the west coast of Vancouver Island, Canada, it seemingly rained all the time. The inclement season began in September and proceeded on until April or May. Then, drizzle replaced the monsoons, the heavy rain — it was wet, wet, wet. I recall that in this littoral part of the country, it rarely got below 0 °Celsius. This has changed due to global warming. Winters are often much colder than before. (1)

When we began to visit my mother’s family in the adjoining province, I was suddenly confronted with a new reality: snow and cold — really cold. It was a profound shock to see how radically different an environment could be. This was long before the Internet and television. As a two-year-old, you only had your imagination and storybooks “to go on” when you thought of snow. My first visit to my grandmother’s farm happened to be at Christmas time. I am sure that I saw Santa and his reindeer flying overhead on Christmas Eve. (2)

I don’t think I was ever disappointed by the weather. In my life, it has always been a presence to deal with and find its accommodation. I am always puzzled by the people who suffer over the weather — it is either too hot or too cold — and bitterly complain about its presentation. In a perfect physical world, there can be no error in its atmospheric conditions.

Now, it is well documented that man is having an irrevocable effect on our planet. We will undoubtedly suffer the consequences of our collective insult to the natural world in the not too distant future. But, for the time being, how does one live in harmony with the physical world?

I think the most important attribute to hold is a positive attitude and to truly enjoy the weather. Regardless of where you voyage on our beautiful earth, embrace the sun, the snow, the wind, and the rain — a freezing morning and a sniffling afternoon — why not? Wearing the proper clothing is a requisite, of course.

Be amused by the wind racing through your hair and the rain splattering on your face. The elements add such spice to our life. The great writer, Paul Coelho (3) leaves us with a thought: I have seen many storms in my life. Most storms have caught me by surprise, so I had to learn very quickly to look further and understand that I am not capable of controlling the weather, to exercise the art of patience and to respect the fury of nature.

A closing thought: The world often experiences periods of drought. The normally moist and fertile land becomes dry and brittle. It is during these times that the average person is presented with the results of not appreciating the rain and what happens without it. The earth is dynamic. North Africa used to be the breadbasket of the Roman Empire. (4) Today this landmass is covered with desert. Where I grew up, the majority of the old-growth forests have been cut down, thereby altering the environment forever. (5) The Anthropocene Age is upon the earth. (6) That cannot be changed. We must learn to productively manage its movements and live in harmony with the land.

To sum up: This week we spoke about the elements and how they impact each of us in their unique way.

To be noted: From Manyl P. Hall (7) There are three things all wise men fear: the sea in storm, a night with no moon, and the anger of a gentle man.

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