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Thursday Dao

Something tried to come in through the pet door last night. Stellina, all eight pounds of her, has managed to break the thing two times. In its place, there’s a plug, a weatherproof, homemade plug. When the cats came in for the day, the plug went in and the sun porch was closed off to the rest of the house. This morning, I found it open. Some critter, something, pulled it out last night.

Keep them in keep them out. It’s that time of year when creatures seek a safe hiding place for the cold months to come. Oak and Norway maple leaves are still on the trees. But, so many more cover the ground now.

The drive for security is beyond instinct. All creatures must eat, rest, cleanse and care for their daily needs. A hollow, a home; our place of sanctuary drives us to search for shelter. Not this one creature. You’ll have to travel on for the night’s rest.

Be well visitor.

Wednesday Dao

The days and nights are warm this last week of October but clouds giving rain obscure the sunshine day after day. The earth accepts the moisture. When filled, the water overflows following the path of least resistance.

The cats dashed outside this morning for the day’s adventures. The cats dashed back in after a few minutes leaving paw prints on the floor. Stellina showed her consternation in the posture of her tail. Her agitated stride bounded up the stairs and back to bed. She knows it’s hopeless. She becomes cross when the ground is wet soaking her paws.

Consider the firestorms residents of California are coping with these days. If only we had the power to will the rain to their skies to quench the terrible flames. Have a care for the loss of insect, animal, avian and plant life. A house burnt out is awful to endure. The residents are homeless. The loss of life cannot compare. Consider the bird nests, the loss of eggs or fledglings to the smoke and flames. Fire follows the path of least resistance. The winds push on the destruction.

There is enough here. There is suffering there. Without one, we cannot know the other. Life is often unfair.

Tuesday Dao

Tuesday Daily Dao

Gentle exercise every day is good for the body. Unless it’s a terrible tempest, take a walk outside for fresh air and movement. A stroll in nature routinely will revive the senses.

For something different, either find a straight line somewhere like on a ball field or draw a line on the grass with lime. Close your eyes and walk forward. It’s best to do this exercise with no shoes if possible. Walk slowly as it takes a while to adjust to the narrowed field of awareness. Open the eyes after a dozen steps and notice where you are. Your steps may have drifted off the line. Did you turn to the right or left? Try again and notice the tug in one direction. Step out evenly with both feet, letting the weight balance over each foot. Walk heel to toe and put the weight on the balls of the feet. Notice if your toes or the foot naturally rises and doesn’t land in full contact. Walk along until it becomes comfortable.

Alternatively, walk backward on the line. Learn to step in reverse the natural habit of walking forward. Swing the arms in the rhythm of a forward walk. It can get confusing to do this. The normal pattern is disturbed. Make this a routine habit where and when it is safe. Perhaps mark out a square on the grass with lime or markers. Take your time to enjoy the sensation of walking tuned into each step.