Thinking about Leo this July

Why are we the way we are?

This month, I am scheduled to speak in a UN sustainable development virtual side event and another virtual event honoring the memory of Dr. Jean Houston arranged by Meridian University where Jean had been Chancellor. I told them both that at this stage of my life I prefer writing to speaking, but that I would do my best.

July is full of significance for our family. July 1^st is the wedding anniversary of my second son and his wife. July 4^th is my first son’s adoption day. July 12^th is my late mother’s one-hundred-and-sixth birthday (happy birthday, mom!) July 18^th is the day of the passing of my first wife. July 29^th is the anniversary of my retirement from the UN twenty years ago and the “Dance of Life” celebration held that day. And July 31^st is my eighty-second birthday.

I must admit that I don’t understand how astrological signs “work”, but it is interesting that I was born under the sign of Leo the Lion. The tradition is that these persons tend to be bold, confident, creative, passionate, enthusiastic, outgoing, loyal, protective, have steadfast determination, radiate positivity to those around them, are generous and big-hearted. Some of that does seem to describe me sometimes.

Leo is the only zodiac sign ruled by the Sun, which represents vitality and the life force. I have always been drawn to the light and power of the sun-star, to sun flowers, to solar energy and to Apollo the Greek sun god.

Any other Leo’s out there? What are your thoughts about this?

In our time of disasters of climate, democracy and social justice, what can I do that is bold and creative? I am passionate to make a difference each day. I want to offer positivity to those around me and to readers and listeners. I want to be generous with my time and energy in caring for others near at hand and far away.

I continue to write posts, essays and books and speak at various events. I reach out to care for family, friends and neighbors. I care for my body-mind with mindful breathing, reading, rituals and healthful practices so that I can care for others. I will help get out the vote for the US midterm elections this year. But, I want to do more. What could that be?

What is calling you? What are your hopes and dreams? What can you do? What do you do?

Most of my friends and I are in our third act. What can we do to inspire, motivate and equip the young? As we let go of this life, what legacy can we leave that will continue to touch others? How can I inspire our grandkids? What amazing things might my NYU Wagner grad students continue to do? How can my online essays and published books help awaken mindfulness and motivate compassionate actions for years to come?

One of my friends in her 80s visits the homeless on the streets of Albuquerque, NM, taking food, supplies, kind words and her presence of love. A couple in Canada in their 80s have created a retreat center for cancer patients. Other friends in the US in their 80s are inspiring a team in Nepal to conduct Jean Houston’s social artistry initiatives and training.

Did Leo call me to be an activist for civil rights, women’s rights and peace on my undergraduate campus? Did Leo empower me to try to help create a world that works for all with a nonprofit? Was it Leo who inspired me to promote sustainable human development and decentralized governance around the world with UNDP?

Did Leo push me to teach innovative leadership to grad students from many countries, to consult and speak around the world for climate change mitigation and participatory democracy, and to write about a compassionate civilization, Earthling love, the critical decade, society, spirit and self, and serving people and planet?

Whatever it was and is - genetics, parents, teachers, culture, religion, mythology, mentors, exemplars, free will - I am grateful for this life of trying to be useful and caring and to help relieve the suffering of all beings everywhere.

Now, Leo notices that I stay at home and have trouble walking and remembering, but that I still do what I can to embody and catalyze a better world. Leo reminds me that the great Jean Houston in her final hours kept repeating “Thank you. I love you.”

Why did you do what you have done in your life? Why do you continue to do what you do?

May everyone realize peace, happiness, understanding and compassion, now and forever.

May it be so.