Darkness takes on many different forms and fortunately or unfortunately, some of the forms are our own. This is mostly fortunate, as we can change ourselves.

Moreover, we have no other choice than to change and uplift ourselves. We are here to learn to react with love always. At the same time, the grass in the backyard keeps growing and needs to be cut.

And also at the same time, polluters continue to poison our atmosphere, making it that much harder on our bodies and minds.

So multi/tasking cannot be avoided. Love and work; work and love.

Like Netflix, personal dramas of love, money, sex and rock and roll, (and drugs) can, if allowed, dominate discussions, time and concentration.

These are personal choices and much of society tries to convince us we are at the mercy of forces and influences and influencers somewhat beyond our control.

The truth is we are the captains of our ships, the masters of our fate. We may feel feeble at times, but we can think of those times as aberrations or the calm before a really good storm. We can take credit for the good times and responsibility for the less than fortuitous periods.

Surrendering to Higher Power takes the onus off of us and allows peace and serenity in.

We can take comfort that it’s “darkest before the dawn,” as it is said.

But dawn is a given; we know it shall be. Today’s darkness, however, has many questioning—and hearing and feeling–a dystopian or apocalyptic outcome may be nigh.

This situation is especially disturbing because of the proliferation of the internet and its social (anti-social) networking, mis- and dis-information, conspiracy theories, false flag operations, and politicians’ in your face ‘gaslighting.’

What is a person of conscience to do?
First, let us see what we cannot do. That is simple. All of the above are beyond our capability to change.

For every action, there is an opposite and equal reaction. Hence, we return to Square One attempting to directly change or counteract the dishonesty, epic cruelty, and totally ignorant behaviors of those around us. It’s Lose/Lose.

When we are unhappy with the status quo, we take steps to change things. When politicians unfairly exploit the masses wanting change, they bring out arsenals of lies, half truths and a banality that defies belief.
And this is progress?

“Become the change that you wish to see in the world,” implored Mahatma Gandhi.

How can I—one solitary person—make significant change? Mr. Gandhi certainly did.

And he did it with self-awareness, humility, faith, and boldness—all traits that are available to each and every one of us ALL THE TIME.

And so it is again—“the only way out is in.” Our way out of the predicaments facing ourselves and our home—Planet Earth—is within ourselves.

“How?” you ask. Go, and stay, within yourself, and you will surely find the answer.

Is there is another way to effect change and increase the chances for survival, or, dare we say (dream), happiness?

Who knows? The answer, no doubt, is within us. Let us discover it—better sooner than later.

And should we wish to ease stress and strain and, at the same time, maximum our efforts efficiently, sunrise/sunset Agnihotra stands ready to aid us. And the fire not only aids us; it aids the atmosphere wherever it is performed. Now that is indeed Win/Win. And the answers we seek can surely come via the fire!