Perspective
by Guy Spiro

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I often advise people to step back and take a longer view of things. I recently wrote in this column about how the long term trend in modern societies is toward liberalism and enlightenment. While at the present moment this country seems to be drifting alarmingly to the right both politically and socially, if you look at the changes over the past 250 years, the trend is clearly not towards repression.

Trials in our personal lives often play out the same way. Seemingly very bad things happen and, while they are occurring, the experience can be very unpleasant. But somehow or other good things almost always follow what we perceive to be bad. It’s almost as if the universe is one big lemonade stand.

Due to the fact that our very existence is based on duality, the illusion of separation from the One being dependent on two, there will always be that which we experience as good and bad. Understanding this makes it somewhat easier to deal with the less desirable when it comes upon us. If we view things from higher perspective, we can see that the difficult times are birthing pains for better times: A woman loses her husband and her home, and from the ashes of bankruptcy finds meaning and joy in a service to others that would never have occurred otherwise. While she would not have chosen the loss, of course, life goes on and ever greater opportunity for fulfillment emerges. Such stories are everywhere. One need not have any belief in a higher power for this to happen.

Pain is inevitable. But so is its opposite. Astrologically, and looking at some current trends on the international scene, we have some stormy weather ahead. But wonderful things are in store as well. When confronted with the dark, turn to the light. Take the longer view and you’ll always know what to do with the lemon when it is handed to you.