Passages

        "A passage way is a means to travel from one destination to another. The word itself conveys movement as in 'to pass'. This word, it seems, is mostly used to indicate time or a state of being in life. Passages are means to connect, to lay down a path or to mark a movement.

        The earth is in a state of passage. It has been through many trials and tribulations. It has developed from one state to another and in the sense of passage is moving from one state to another. Perhaps no one gives thought to the fact that earth evolves and grows much as a person moves through different stages of life. Few have the respect for life on earth that indicates an open concern regarding their home in space. The earth should be cared for and in many instances it is not only cared for, it is paid its due respect. The Native American has a close relationship with earth and is well aware in their teachings that earth provides all and needs to have respect and love in return.

        We could get into a technical discussion as to what has happened to earth...how the air and the land is being used and misused and abused. People hear statistics all the time. Yet earth, in many cases, is ignored as it is plundered. Mother earth, we hear, and truly, as a mother, it nourishes, it feeds, it provides. And what do we do in return? Who really listens to the earth's heartbeat? Who really cares about earth's life as it is best lived? Yes, there are many who revere the beauty of the earth. There are many examples of beauty in all areas of the world. We do appreciate them to some extent. Vacations are planned and trips made to observe this beauty. Yet we leave and return and sometimes lose sight of the overall beauty of the earth.

        It is up to us to develop a new sense of this being, this breathing earth, this home. It cannot be changed overnight for it is not taught to treat this home with the care it needs. Perhaps an awareness of its beauty has been increased since pictures from space have been sent and its magnificence shines through. We must take more care, give more love and show our concern for this land that we live on. As the earth goes from one passage to another, its journey will come at a time when it must change, it must move forward. It cannot remain as it is. This passage will be one of sudden change that alerts all to the need for its inhabitants to change, to grow and move to a new passage, a new way of being. We grow and interact together - the earth and its 'passengers'. As we develop a new dimension of understanding, the earth will respond in a new loving way, a source of beauty and love for all. The passageway is one that we will all travel together."