Welcome to a World of Spiritual Harmony

A few weeks ago, I officiated at my first wedding. What a wonderful privilege! and a beautiful occasion. I really enjoyed the whole process, beginning with the email from my friend, asking “Will you marry me?” I responded yes, of course, and then she and I and her fiance got together to talk about what kind of ceremony they would like, and what they wanted included.

I immediately bought several books with suggestions and ideas and actual ceremonies, and then worked to include their hopes and dreams in the words we chose. We did most of our conferencing and questions via email, until we had a ceremony that included them and their community of friends and family. During the ceremony, the bride’s community stood and agreed to become part of this bigger family, as did the groom’s friends, co-workers and family.

The bride and groom made promises as individuals to each other, committing to share joys and challenges, and supporting each other in creating new opportunities. Beautiful and simple, powerful and loving - what joy to join those two young and strong souls on life’s journey.

Thank You, Spirit, for the privilege!

One of my favorite writers of all time died late last year - Jane Jacobs, a Canadian urbanist, planner, philosopher and teacher.

Jane did not think like other people - she did not look at cities and see what other people were seeing. And of course I love people like that. Thinking with their own eyes and minds, not with what they’ve read. Her most powerful book, which changed city planning, architecture and public administration, is The Death and Life of Great American Cities. Cities and the Wealth of Nations is another magnificent work. Easy to read, though dense with thought. Common sense through and through. Jane taught us to trust what we already know, not what we are told by experts - I love that, too!

Her last book, and one of the best, is Dark Age Ahead. Published in 2004, it foresees a cultural dead end for our empire, if we are not ready to recognize the signs of decline around us. She discusses five central pillars of our society showing serious signs of decay: families rigged to fail, education becoming mere credentialing rather than supporting creativity, science and its fruitful questions abandoned in favor of political and religious answers, dumbed-down taxes where money is not put where it is most needed, and self-policing subverted in favor of maintaining public image.

I could add more, particularly our behavior as an electorate, where we only listen to what politicians say, and are not paying critical attention to what they actually do. We have chosen not to see what is really happening - for instance, we are 17th and falling in terms of health care worldwide. Culture after culture around the planet, says Jane, has disappeared from view - with successors, such as Central Americans, not even able to remember the ways their Mayan ancestors created temples and pyramids. We could disappear as well, if we won’t look with clear eyes and follow our own common sense.

Blessings and thanks to you, Jane - keep helping us from wherever you are!

No matter what planet you live on, you’ve heard that Andre Agassi is playing his last tennis tournament of a long career at the right-now US Open in New York City. It’s the biggest, noisiest, rowdiest, wildest shrine to tennis that exists. And, as many signs said in the crowd last night, it’s Andre’s House.

I have been in wonder at Andre’s enormous gifts since I first saw him on TV at a friend’s house in 1986. Just the freedom, swing and pinpoint accuracy of those shots, easy, without thought… he actually does live up to Barbara Streisand’s naming him as a Zen Master at a French Open a long time ago.

And now I appreciate him for much more as well. The way he has lived out his life in public in front of us, always sharing his feelings and understandings, through good times and bad. The ups and downs - what great lessons, great pain, great joy.

His match with Marcos Baghdatis of Cyprus last night on Center Court - his favorite time and place to play - the surreal lateness of the hour as we were on the edge of our seats, unbelieving the drama. First two sets to Andre, easily - taking into consideration the cortisone shot after Monday night’s hard match. Then Marcos began to focus - and fall apart at the same time. Finally hitting his backhand well, a hurt wrist, cramping thighs. Turns out the 36 year old is more match fit than the 20 year old. The fifth set - which everyone in tennis knows is all about heart, not tennis. Heading toward a fifth set tiebreaker, which friend Diane and I knew we would not survive.

Andre has regained his accuracy, going for shots - especially Marcos’ drop shot - that he didn’t chase earlier. They trade incredible rallies - the match is a classic whichever way it goes. And then, on Match Point Number 3 - Marcos’ return goes long. It’s 7-5 in the fifth and we’re all exhausted. 23,000 people in New York, millions on TV, Diane and I, Marcos - Andre is still skipping around.

What A Match!