i am not arrogant enough to think that we are the only thinking beings in the universe. somewhere out there – and i have no idea where in the galaxies or heavens this might be – there is likely another whole population of intelligent beings. i sometimes wonder what they might be like.

we have noticed – in our keeping up with the news – and in simply driving about here and there, moving through living – that people on this planet, in this country, in this state, in this town – have become very aggressive. there’s the porsche who passed us and a semi on a double yellow line, only to be right in front of us at the stop sign. there’s the audi who passed us using the right shoulder. there’s the pickup truck that rode our bumper (more like rode our back seat) despite my attention to the speed limit + 5mph. foul-mouthed bumper stickers, flags flying, people snarling lies through gritted teeth, there’s a lot of aggression out there. i can’t remember this dramatic level of hostility dating back and back, but each era has had its destruction and we are sometimes able to distract ourselves with our own daily living.

i ponder if those on other home planets are different. are they gentle, solicitous? are they generous of spirit and resources? are they creating a place of peace, a community-at-large that is dedicated to uplifting each other, committed to goodness? or are they as divided, as thoughtless, as agenda-riddled, as blaming, as shifty, as ill-intended or mean-spirited as planet earth?

yesterday we drove to the shopping complex. on the way there we talked about a few of the things going on in our lives right now. we were treated to the new speedway driving techniques of one of the main roads in our town – which now has multiple lanes heading east and west. we watched someone toss out their cigarette, saw garbage strewn all over, fast food containers tossed from moving vehicles. we pulled off into the complex parking lot and parked. we looked at our list, trying to compartmentalize the other stuff and go get it done. we did the barest minimum and drove home. there are good days and then, sometimes, there are ‘those’ days.

because this isn’t that other planet – the one with the sentient beings of kindness-toward-each-other, appreciation of being together, sensitivity toward their home planet. this place – this earth – has become particularly difficult. if we allow ourselves to ponder it all, it is rather dark. despite our vast collective intelligence we have not evolved better. we are spinning through space – singularly focused on our own needs and wants. if we are fortunate, we have a tiny community around us who love us and a bit bigger community in which we move about that supports us. but things lean in directions that do not favor us. david does not take down goliath on this planet.

they came over the roof of the house – the unidentified flying objects. i imagine, like google earth’s street view fleet, they are photographing, researching, studying. they bring back to their own home – somewhere out there – lists of things not to do. their dedication is to something different. they are dedicated to light.

sometimes you have to skip the errands, stay home, and spend time together with the aliens.

*****

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