My new router went strange and I called Apple and the quite wonderful tech on the other end told me to reset it by sticking a paper clip in a hole in the back. It worked and I got back online. I love the idea of re-setting.

In our world, we are constantly challenged by alarms, warnings, bad news, technological challenges, angry mail, angry people, angry politicians. If we wish a spiritual life, some peace of mind, some beauty and light in the world, then we are called upon in our time to constantly re-set ourselves, use that pin to focus again, and again, and again, on what is important. We all seek security and health, but I believe that people who think money brings security, or that the challenge of aging is fat retirement fund, or that health is about tests and pills and replacement parts and proceedures are doomed to disappoint, fear and disconnection.

This morning, a neighbor drove too fast by the farm, spewing dust and potentially endangering animals and people.

A neighbor drove by and wanted to talk about Republicans and his dwindling IRA.

A woman walking her dogs talked about how awful the world had become, how grim was the news.

A farmer came by and told me when I asked him how he was,  that he was “waiting for rain.” He was upset.

A satellite repairman came by and talked about how the President had spent too much money, and now there wasn’t any.

And then, my computer went out.

It’s a lot of re-setting for one morning. I’m running low on paper clips. Today I’m having lunch with a friend, and going with Maria to a county fair in Vermont to take some photos. Major re-set of this very beautiful day.

A spiritual life is not about being happy. It’s about how you handle being unhappy.