Thursday, April 7, 2011

For heaven's sake



The natural world does not give a rat's ass about the impending government shut-down. No matter how we wring our hands, point fingers, decide how to fix the problem or berate the people we charged with figuring it out, the birds continue to sing, the dogwoods are beginning to open, and the tulips are dancing in gardens all over the city.

I understand the strategy behind the way our brains evolved, particularly the frontal lobes. The intelligent design of brain evolution made it possible to think faster and therefore get away from predators, figure out how to grow food, hunt and such. The way our opposable thumbs evolved is pure genius.

But ... our fast-firing neurons and clever hands are both blessing and curse, yes? I say yes.

We think, therefore we are. We overthink, in fact. Definitely. We: worry, fret, imagine the worst and the best, stress out. We get stuck in our heads all the time. Then there's the opposable thumb problem of wringing hands, finger pointing, fist pounding, giving the finger, or the "up yours" fist gesture ... sigh ... I could go on and on, because I too have the active imagination that comes with an oversized cerebral cortex, and hands smart enough to fly all around the keyboard.



Meanwhile the birds are singing beautifully, the trees are unfurling gracefully. All of DC looks like fairyland - well - except for the people, marching purposefully up and down the streets, brows knitted, shoulders hunched, talking talking on their blackberries.

Me? I'm going to take a big walk today, meet a friend later on for drinks. I can't fix the budget; instead I'll dance in alignment with the rest of the natural world that, in spite of not having a big ole brain, really gets it. Life is short. Carpe diem. Oh yeah.

19 comments:

Tess Kincaid said...

Your neck of the woods is much more springy than mine. Thanks for the glorious preview!

Reya Mellicker said...

It truly is glorious. But think about it this way, Tess - we're that much closer to the sticky and uncomfortable than you are.

The Bug said...

This morning on my way to work I was stuck in anxiety mode. I was driving Mike's car because mine needs new breaks & the tires are leaking air & we can't really afford to have it fixed, but we can't afford not to... On & on... Sigh.

On the other hand it's a gorgeous day, so I'm going to let the gorgeousity just seep in & push the anxious out.

Reya Mellicker said...

Bug? YES!! I salute you.

ellen abbott said...

Most the blooming trees are done for us til summer when the crepe myrtles start. the magnolias, the big white ones, are starting to bloom now.

I love how spring travels north. It's like the trees are doing a big ole 'wave'.

Reya Mellicker said...

It really is, Ellen. Spring also waves up mountains. So cool to think of the season as fluid.

mouse (aka kimy) said...

dance on!

ah, the photos make me long for the arrival of spring and color.... not much movement in these parts - although with a forecast of the 60s (and 70s) for the weekend, maybe we'll be in for a mega POP OUT!

Barbara Martin said...

Reya, your photos make my heart sing! Most of the trees in TO have not yet started to send their buds out. The grass is only beginning to turn green.

As for governmental change, think of it as a precusor for the changes that everyone needs on this planet. Everyone working toward the Golden Age about to be birthed. Where everyone gets along with everyone else for the benefit of themselves and the planet. Transitions can be smooth if everyone works toward a common goal.

Nancy said...

You have the right idea. I woke up worrying about the elephants at 2:00 a.m. I started to ponder the idea that there really isn't anything that isn't worrisome anymore. So maybe we should just do what you do and dance in alignment with the natural world. Unfortunately we are looking out at some tree buds, no flowers yet, and snow in the forecast. Oh well, time to love snow...

Unknown said...

Looks pretty pretty pretty!
However,am really saddened that our dear elected leaders will manage to pay THEMSELVES while all the rest (the little people) can go fish.....

anyway, it's cold here again
but, no doubt, spring WILL come
oxox

Jo said...

Carpe diem!

Breathe in the last of the cherry blossoms, dance among the dogwoods, and immerse yourself in the fairyland aspects of your village.

That's really all we can do, right?

Kerry said...

Splendiforous. Go out and enjoy it, yeah, because what a shame it would be not to soak all of that in.

Reya Mellicker said...

Elizabeth, they earn every penny. Whether you agree with what they do or not, almost every one of them believes he/she is doing what is right for the country. Almost every one of them works his/her ass off to make it right.

As I always say, I challenge anyone to get elected, come to DC, and do a better job.

Meri said...

Flowering cherries and tulip magnolias -- and a Congress that gets its paychecks even if the rest of the government shuts down.

Reya Mellicker said...

Please don't resent Congress, Meri. Come to DC, get elected, do a better job. I challenge you!

steven said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
steven said...

yeah steven said - but it needed a tweaking to make it work!!! both ends of this day have been beautiful and the in-between was kind. i wish for politicians the freedom and the privilege to be able to see that for themselves and then go and make their clever ass decisions whatever they might be with one simple request (ha!!! simple i say - yes i say simple) all i ask is just make sure that they're doing their part to build the bridge towards the bridge that's being built from the other end of the great world experience. steven

Pauline said...

I'm glad my brain is big enough to allow me to recognize beauty when I see it. Your description of the disparity between what nature is offering and what people are doing is dead on. Silly us.

Reya Mellicker said...

We're silly yes. We try so hard, though. We're kind of adorable.