Winnowing

   
     Using the wind or a current of air to remove the chaff from the wheat can be a metaphor for removing the bad  from the good.  Sometimes we need to allow a cleansing air blow through our minds to remove the worthless from the valuable.
     We must recognize the chaff in our minds, that which is unhealthy, nonproductive, untrue, and bad for us, that which is holding us back from our potential and narrowing our view of life.  Perhaps something or someone in our past is still surrounding our thinking, preventing us from recognizing the wheat, the seed of truth which we need for sustenance and growth.  Perhaps we are holding on to a protective covering for comfort, not wanting to face facts.  We may be holding on to a philosophy or a relationship that needs to be improved or dismissed.
     We need to keep the good, that which is healthy, those grains that help us survive, take root in reality and blossom.  Find a wind of fresh air, a personal method of determining what should remain and what should be discarded.

       

Connections

   
     A hug or a handshake, a loving embrace, spoken and written words, lyrics and music, connections serve  many purposes; we need to be in touch with each other.
     In the beginning of life, babies prefer the connection with mother.  Later, teenagers want to connect to their peer group as their status seems to increase with the number and frequency of text messages.
     Lovers desire a connection with their special someone that will last a lifetime.  Business people want connections that will make them money and advance their careers.  Politicians need to connect with voters to get them into office and keep them there.  Performers like to connect with their audience and fans.
    Some people enjoy a connection with their pets, while others value most their attachment to the spirit world.  Older adults are glad that their personal connections are still alive.
     Connections can be temporary or lifelong, serious or frivolous, remain strong or weaken with time.  The past, present, and future connect to create your life story.
   
   

Get through the day

Plan and prepare the day before for what lies ahead.  Care for yourself, your health, your potential.

Awaken all your senses, open your mind to various options, adjust toward a positive attitude.

Prioritize, be flexible, and change your mind and actions when advisable.

Realize human nature aims for survival and values cooperation.  Appreciate, create, be proud.

Don't define yourself as sinful or label behavior as good or bad.

If you regret some behavior, forgive yourself, learn from mistakes.

Don't judge or hold grudges.  Forgive others for what you perceive as wrongs against you.

Don't let the weather influence your mood.  The earth creates what it needs.

Take one moment at a time.  Add some joy to the world.  Have a worthwhile day!

Get through the night

the dark, the unknown, heartbreak and pain, to make sense of the chaos, to search for reasons and explanations, to hope for relief.  What does it take to get you through the night?
     You may want answers to go forward, desire help from others, and cling to the idea of a higher power providing protection and aid.  Or  you may concentrate on building personal strength to roll with the punches, realize you must face adversity using your own resources, and adjust to discomfort as a natural  part of life.
     We must live in night as well as day with the unknown as well as answers and experience suffering as well as comfort.  Adapting to reality helps us survive.