DOG DAYS OF SUMMER

The phrase dog days of summer refers to the hottest and most humid part of the summer, usually lasting from July 3rd to August 11th.  This time of summer is linked to the star Sirius that appears near the sun during this time.  The star Sirius is known as the Dog Star because it is  the brightest star in the constellation Canis Major (greater dog), which is one of two dog constellations (the other being Canis Minor).  

Big Dipper

Trust me, my knowledge of our solar system and constellations equals the size of planet Earth.....a speck in the Universe.  However, the Big Dipper is special to me.  Seeing it in the night sky grounds my existence on this massive, yet teeny-weeny, rock that's floating in outer space.  A person has to stop and think about this.  We refer to 'outer space' as somewhere out there, yet planet earth is located within it.  We forget that we are constantly moving through this outer space, around the Sun. 

Sometimes we humans get wrapped up in this business of personal knowledge, which some use to create a hierarchy among us.  Absolutely, yes, each one of us has a personal amount of information, but it is deeply rooted and influenced by our personal experiences, perspectives and interpretations, backgrounds and beliefs.  Knowledge comes to us through our engagement with the world besides through formal education and that which comes as second-hand information.  Knowledge also requires practice, for instance the ability to play a musical instrument.  Observation can also be a learning tool.  

Each of us adds something to the table.  That's a nice thought to keep active in life.  I personally have used my ears to learn about life.  At this stage of my life, I must say that it's easier for me to write and listen than it is to actually speak to others.  Talking on the telephone is simply not my thing.  One could say I'm weird that my fingers like to do the talking.  Give me a keyboard, and you can't shut me up.

Guess this all started with the dog days of summer.  It's the 1st of July, and in three days we celebrate America's freedoms.  There's only one thing I'll say about our freedom......it's that business of balance.  We cannot have personal freedom without contributing our share of personal responsibility.  In this life, one must give in order to get.  Actions, positive and negative, will generate similar responses.  Every kindness and every positive word contributes to the larger flow of positive energy.  Likewise, every cruel word and action contributes to the larger flow of negative energy.  

Another paramount phrase in life is this business of 'peace on earth.'  We've gotta remember that there is, and can be, peace on earth.....in tiny places.  If we are blessed to live in a home where we feel safe, secure and cared for....that's peace in a tiny place on earth.  I can't help but wonder how many tiny places around the globe at this second are experiencing this peace.  I'd guess there are a whole lot more than we may realize.  Cuz, the media certainly won't zoom in on peace.  Peace isn't possible anywhere unless everyone adds their fair share of kindness to the kettle.

Keep cool during the dog days!