Sal's Reflections

I have spent the last few days in the company of my wonderful five year old granddaughter Erica.Through the magic of seeing the world through her unspoiled eyes I have experienced reality in multiple new ways. Through the magic of her childhood innocence I found myself captivated by the depth of her insights..There are phenomenal truths that we learn and adsorb as adults,but there is within each of us a five year old that wishes to be unleashed. There are few moments in every person’s journey that offer various dimensions of a wider reality that are fulfilling in their intensity and purity

One of the common expressions I have heard through the years is “I am too old now to do what I wish I had done..” This might be true with regard to certain physical limitations.However, there are so many wonderful opportunities that are not limited by age. A host of your wishes which may have been on the back burner for years may find there way front and center. Everyday is a blessing that continues to offer new opportunities.new vistas and the realization that dreams can become reality. I breathe in the myriad horizons that will fill my existence with endless moments to grow and learn.I think it might be time for all of us to go for it.

Every time I watch political news on television I am more aware of the absolute labels that are thrown about. It may be convenient but this labeling process is counter productive in the search for solutions to major issues. Case in point is that I am most progressive on social issues like a woman’s right to choose.gay marriage and the right to universal health care. However,I am most conservative on how the government spends money foolishly and I have constant heartburn over the horrendous waste perpetrated by both parties in the Congress.Our country has thrived when there is genuine dialogue and discourse from open minded persons with different perspectives. The labels may make the testosterone warm the heart but it avails little in the course of human progress

A friend I know has had a series of difficult relationships over the bulk of her adult life.At one point because of a ongoing negative relationship with her parents she felt like she had failed at everything. There is no pat phrase that makes all that human hurt go away, but there are alternatives that can alter the pattern. No one has control over their birth and upbringing, but there are rational choices that can be made despite the pain and history. My friend deserves more than her share of caring, and this can happen by substituting new beliefs and operating at least part of the time more from her head than her emotions. Self worth fluctuates but worthiness is constant. We all deserve to experience the positive effects of being accepted and loved for who we are.

A friend of mine is rapidly losing his eyesight and each week the ability to perform simple tasks is diminished. As usual he is handling this challenge with tremendous courage and resolve.His situation is a direct reminder of so many things that I take for granted. Certainly my eyes are not as sharp as they were when I was much younger, but I still have full eyesight. The gait is slower than the days when I was a young athlete prancing around the basketball court or baseball field. So many of what I have always thought are the ever present abilities of life are really gifts that I should count as blessings. Today I am more aware that all of the special functions are not something that remain forever and can be lost in the blink of an eye.

Yesterday I had a marvelous day attending the candidates presentations for the Jewish Book tour. It was fascinating to listen to the dynamic presentations on a host of diverse topics that were related to Judaism.It was a three hour period filled with the sharing of humor,new information and insights that had been discovered by these talented artists.It was a great reminder for me that there are those who everyday through their scholarship and dedication allow the rest of us continued opportunities for growth. I am more knowledgeable about a host of subjects than I was before the session. The cradle to grave quest continues to become more fully human through the wisdom of others.

Attended a reunion yesterday and saw friends that I had not seen in years. There were body,facial and changes in appearance but there were the residing characteristics that made the day so wonderful.Everyone had made a dent in changing the world for the better, and as each person regaled where they had been through the years I felt a sense of pride in having been fortunate enough to know them.The days of youth had vanished ,but the residue of friendship burned as brightly yesterday as the days when we launched into the work that so filled our lives with dedication and meaning.It was a gift to be in the presence of such human treasures, and today my spirit is filled with the knowledge that all of them are part of who I am ,and their gifts have once again enlightened my mind.

Yesterday in cleaning up my closet I found a notebook from the time I studied with Viktor Frankl. The notes were full of priceless gems that he uttered in class ,and in the many private moments we shared. One in particular  is as relevant today as those days in Vienna and California.”Do not seek greatness as your goal. Rather become great by making choices to serve others in your life.” That goal is not only available to a priviliged few but is the core of every human existence. Our singular venture in this life offers each of us the ability to become great in the circumstances of ordinary life. If we spend our day dreams on the giant “maybes” we may miss the golden opportunities to alter the life of those within our grasp,

I am becoming alarmed at the amount of money being spent by a group of Billionaires in the elections all over the country. I question a Supreme Court decision because the Citizens United ruling has radically altered the power of the single vote in this country.I follow the will of the people, even when the results are not to my liking but the power of the money being spent by the uber rich is against everything that the free election system intends. Certainly wealthy donors have influence, but it should not negate the power of the overall community. If this new usurpation of power does not find some balance than that which we most cherish may be a thing of the past. The only hope is that there will be a massive rejection of this rigged ruling by going to the polls and voting against it.

In the “Alice in Wonderland story” there is a moment when Alice has reached a crossroad and the question is asked”which road should I take”? The question in response was “where are you going?” “I am not sure.” “Then it does not make a difference which one you take.” The point is that in the midst of activities there needs to be a defined purpose. What are the goals of my life and what am I pursuing? If there is not some definition then the choices of life are limited ,and become clouded in the midst of all the stimuli of daily routines. Reflection on direction is not a luxury, but as critical to us as the air we breathe.Life is more fulfilling when direction is immersed with passion.Setting the course leads to greater awareness and purpose.