59

For governing a country well
there is nothing better than moderation.

The mark of a moderate man/woman
is freedom from his own ideas.

      Tolerant like the sky,
      all-pervading like sunlight,

      firm like a mountain,
      supple like a tree in the wind,

he has no destination in view
and makes use of anything
life happens to bring his way.

Nothing is impossible for him/her.
Because he/she has let go,
She/he can care for the people’s welfare
as a mother cares for her child.

Tao Te Ching by Lao-tsu, trans. by Stephen Mitchell

Today is midweek. The middle, a point of pivot, and of balance. Does that not seem “right” in the organic, ‘well-being’ sense of the term “right”?

This Starbucks on Randall, in Geneva is designed as a great room. The room is bisected by a counter behind which baristas compose the beverages, presenting cups and warmed packaged food items for pickup by patrons such as I, who choose to stay awhile. Most orders though, are served through the drive up window.

Then there is a hallway passage toward the rear exit door. This hallway, by serendipity is oriented exactly due east. Each day the morning sun rises over the horizon, and floods the hallway with glorious light. Every sunrise is unique and grand. Sometimes I think to myself that this is the main event, the most important happening of the day.

And it is free. No one has to pay.

I am sure this event is overlooked by nearly everyone here. But I take note. On occasion I will walk down the hallway to the rear exit just to watch it happen.

     I propose that over the few moments when sunrise occurs, that all activity be suspended, everyone waiting for food or drink and baristas too, be still to hear two or three lines from the Tao Te Ching recited out loud. A ritual of thanksgiving and of humility.

Then work resumes.

*The header image is Mt. Fuji at sunrise