Calmness during World Chaos

The world is in a state of uneasy chaos. The previously fragile social, financial, and political landscape created by the Coronavirus global pandemic is now shadowed by the unprovoked and hostile invasion of Ukraine by its mincing Russian neighbor. These photos taken during a weekend morning walk are not meant to forget these events, but they help keep things in perspective.

The pandemic claims nearly 2000 lives in the United States each day. Although things have improved, many hospital systems continue to be overwhelmed with patients with Covid. The early morning walk along Keawakapu Beach in South Kihei/Wailea reminds the beauty that exists amid global uneasiness.

The ocean has a way of conveying the quiet gentleness of life through its sounds and sights. The sound of the waves gently caressing the sand and rocky shores present the perfect backdrop for personal reflection.

The Russian invasion of Ukraine will claim its place in history. Subsequent analysis and criminal investigations will unveil the hidden agenda of what appears to be a brutal and inhumane leader.

The pandemic will soon transition into endemic and perhaps episodic episodes of Covid infections, and the world will continue the slow recovery from the devastation of an aerosolized microscopic enemy.

Yet, the sound and beauty of the waves and the powerful gentleness of the ocean remind us of the delicate and fragile balance between man and nature.

As with the sand, life is always in constant movement. Things are constantly changing. A wise sage once said that walking along a beach and then retracing your path to find your way back are two completely different journeys - both you and the beach have changed along the way.

During these turbulent times, let's all remember that 'time' itself can never be stopped. Regardless of the outcome of the Eastern European conflict or the coronavirus pandemic, time moves on.

As we lift ourselves back up and restore our regional and global communities, let's try very hard to love and support each other more despite our differences. Getting back to normal is simply not enough. Let's embrace a better world with its foundation deeply rooted in equity, community, and love.

Nomad's Lens

(from the shores of south Maui, Hawaii)