Remembrance Sunday for the end of World War I is this weekend. Personally I had not fully appreciated the scale of the losses and the impact on many communities. I was moved by a map of Newcastle which showed a red dot for each person who died. I was amazed at how many there were in each street. Some households must have lost father and sons. I cannot begin to imagine how you cope with such overwhelming losses.
The ‘Shrouds of the Somme’ exhibit by Rob Heard installed at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London conveys the scale of loss at the Battle of the Somme. There is a sea of shrouded dolls with each one representing an individual whose body was not found after the battle. The figures go on and on and is a poignant reminder of the impact of war.
These men made the ultimate sacrifice when the world was out of balance and power struggles were dominant. Today many people are out of balance in their lives, either giving or receiving too much.
Life is a collection of learning experiences through events shared with others. Through those life experiences you choose to share, a two-way process is enacted through giving and receiving. Energy moves backwards and forwards between you and those with whom you are sharing. This is commonly seen in acts of communication, helping others, teaching, guiding, co-operating and discussion. It is these acts which are needed for our survival and are critical to our development.
Sharing is a good way of practising balance.
When giving and receiving does not happen in a balanced way, you see argument, disease and war. Balanced acts of sharing are important for both your physical and mental health. Sharing has a positive impact for both the giver and the receiver. The symbol for sharing appears in many cultures, but perhaps the most well-known is the interlacing of Yin and Yang or male and female energy.
Development of balanced energy pictures is based on geometric shapes, which are such a fundamental element of our universe.
Many of our Life Lessons are about improving communication and interaction with another person. Where a person repeatedly gives of themselves, they can become out of balance and need to learn to receive. They can feel tired and unmotivated, taken to an extreme the person can make themselves ill.
To be healthy, learn to give and receive in balance. read more
