Living on Mars

This was the scene from my office window in Pyrmont early on Wednesday morning, September 23, All that day we experienced "living on Mars". Sand from the ancient heart of this great southern land sweeping through the glass canyons of the robber barons of Macquarie Street. We who live in our kindergarten cities are so disconnected from the consequences of our daily decisions. And yet we, collectively and consciously, create the world of our imaginings. On this day we had a dramatic reminder that the "sands of time" are running out!

SE Asian Terrorism

Listening to Bill Patterson, Australia's Diplomat for Counter-Terrorism, at the Lowy Institute lunch last week - a calm and reasoned perspective on the headlines. "Terrorism has a long history", he said. "But in the end, local issues drive it". The key motivators are alienation, poverty, and lack of opportunity. Which is why development assistance plays a major, long-term role. In Indonesia for example, AusAid have been engaged in curriculum training for teachers and the construction of schools. What more can we do to encourage economic participation and build resistance to malignant small group interests amongst our SE Asian neighbours?

Rubik's Cube

After struggling and pushing to create momentum I have a feeling at the moment that everything is dropping into place, effortlessly, purposefully, and in it's own time. Kind of like watching the colours on a Rubik's Cube line up. I guess you have to persevere long enough to give the various permutations and combinations time to sort themselves out!

September 11

September 11, 2009. The 8th anniversary of that event. A nightmare dreamed by all of us simultaneously. A searing scar across the face of humanity. And a shocking reminder that whatever virtual reality we inhabit can too easily break through into the reality of flesh and bone. If we can dream it we can be it. So, let's begin a collective dream of wisdom and compassion!

Ouch!

I stepped back off a ladder over the weekend but missed the step. Well, all but the third toe on my left foot missed it. The toe peeled back like a small banana. A trip to the local Medical centre turned into a visit to the Hospital. The wound was considered too fragile to stitch. So, they super-glued my toe instead! What's the Universe telling me, I wondered? Should I slow down? Am I feeling "unbalanced"? Have I "misplaced" my confidence? Am I in danger of "stepping back" just when I should be moving forwards? Or did I just have a damn stupid accident?!