I am amazed sometimes at how things work out. I have a suspicion that the saying "There are no accidents" is true, but being a sceptic, I have trouble believing.

Last weekend I was at a party when a discussion turned to home schooling. I mentioned a friend of mine who is homeschooling his daughter and that he had investigated lots of computer software packages. The woman I was talking to expressed interest, so I offered to find out some details. He replied immediately and invited me to join a discussion group with several other internet friends who used to meet regularly but had lost touch over the past 18 months. It seems the group had only just reformed. I had only spoken to him once in 18 months, yet here I was contacting him at just the time when they were starting the group again.

Sometimes I wonder if these things might not be happening all the time if only I was looking properly.

Boy, 7, thrashed for not eating cheese - National - www.smh.com.au

I don't know how we change attitudes like this. This is far more extreme than anything I experienced as a child, but this sort of thinking was a product of a past era. I certainly remember being forced (emotionally rather than physically) to eat things I didnt want to eat. Although there have been many changes for the better, we still have a lot of room to change more.

The Center for Global Development | 2004 Ranking The Rich

What a great measuring stick for the impact of developed countries on developing countries. It does a great job of explainging the issues too.

I read that all is as it should be and that I Iack for nothing. Yet, in my gut I feel an emptiness, a longing, for contact. I hear and understand that ultimately, we are all alone and that is our natural state. So why do I have this unfulfilled longing for physical and intellectual union with others. I am told, and sometimes know, that there is no ‘Other’ and that all is one, yet so often it is impossible to believe this. If this truly is the Way, why do I seem so lonely? And yet, when I stop and breathe, and ask myself the question, “What is missing from this moment?” I have to answer nothing. All is as it is.

It is amazing how centring a simple breathing meditation can be. And yet, in the business of life, I can often go far too long between meditations.

Today, I was reading about a woman who organized a plane load of drugs to be sent to Aceh. I hear this and think how little I have really done. Sure we gave money, and we will probably give more, but I could have done more. Actually, it is not too late, yet what am I going to do?

I seem to live with the illusion that I am powerless, that I am bound to Donna and family, and that is my reason why I can’t do so many things. It is very convenient!

My help with the Tsunami

I was thinking that the only thing I could really offer was money, then it occurred to me that perhaps my interpretation skills might be useful. Then it occurred to me that if I could be helpful I should offer myself. I even thought that my work would contribute some of my time perhaps matching my holiday time. I sent an email offering my services, not really expecting anything, but of course, I started immediately daydreaming myself into hero status. I am not sure whether I would really be going for them or for me. I guess, if someone thought I could help, I would go regardless.

Anyway, it doesn't look as though my offer is being taken up. Oh well!

New Year's Day
I don't normally place a lot of importance on New Year's Day. As a day for change, I dont think it is any more significant than any other. Lots of people have been saying, "I hope next year is better than this year for you". In many ways though, I think of last year as being one of the most blessed of my life. Firstly, Lauren miraculously recovered from her heart attack. We discovered how many people cared enough about us to offer support. We met many people going through similar trauma and our hearts were touched by them. I have had a new perspective on life. It is far easier now for me to focus on Now. Whenever I look at Lauren's trachea scar I am reminded how close we came to losing her and that I should not let a day go by without living it to the full.