The golden weather

Today is the last of our summer break. Holidays used up for the moment, time to move on with the year. Needless to say it’s all a bit grim really, because after generally managing to hide away from the world at large for a few days, we’ll both be back in the glare of our respective worlds tomorrow.

Oh happy day.

When it comes to the Noble Eightfold Path, the eight characteristics relied on by saintly noble persons of the Buddhist persuasion, when it comes to number five, Right Livelihood, we’re good at our jobs. Perhaps this is an indication that we’re making good progress with the other seven areas of the path too. Not perfect, but making progress.

I’ve always been interested in the work that people do. Are they good at it, is it their life dream, did they seek this intentionally or did they unwittingly stumble into their niche? Or worst, are they doing something they utterly hate?

I once wrote a vocational survey program, trying to help match personality with employment options. It was complicated, and it didn’t really work very well. Pretty much like those ridiculous survey things employers who can’t make a decision send job applicants off to do. I think of them as examining chicken entrails for vegetarians.

At school a vocational test showed my future job combination was something artistic and something outdoor. I asked the guidance counsellor what job would that possibly be. He was a school teacher who couldn’t handle classwork any more and he didn’t have a clue. At one point in my life I did work doing desk top publishing for a forestry investment company. I enjoyed that work and I was good at it. I think perhaps the school survey had a thread of accuracy about it, even if about 20+ years had to elapse.

So, how is it for you? In your job? Are you engaged with your Right Livelihood? Are you filled with creativity and gratitude? If not, what are you doing about it? It’s time for baby steps away to somewhere/something else if not. It’s ok. Take your time, but do take action.

Manifesto
02. Every day is an opportunity for a new beginning.
26. Every day take action. Every small step counts.
29. Every day eat, drink, rest, work, exercise, play, love, create for your own good. And the good of others.

Fresh New Day