The Equinox is in our minds now as the seasons change once again. And this time is a time of balance, when the days and nights are of equal length. And it’s as though the Earth is holding Her breath for a moment before sliding headlong into the new season. And at this time of balance, it might be fruitful for all of us to take a moment in our busy lives to examine ourselves, our hopes and desires, our intentions, and our shortcomings. Where are we going? What are we doing? Have we become so caught up in our lives that we haven’t taken the time recently to experience the (real) world around us?

We live in an age of electronic communication, where we can reach out and touch someone instantly, and as a result, many of us have become tethered to our computers, smart phones and tablets, texting and surfing and living on Facebook (or similar sites). We find ourselves living in a virtual universe. When was the last time any of us spent an entire day without turning to our electronic devices? When was the last time we allowed ourselves to just ‘be’?

The philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau claimed, “The more ingenious and accurate our instruments, the more unsusceptible and inexpert become our organs: by assembling a heap of machinery about us, we find afterwards none in ourselves.”

I challenge all of us to take a day in the very near future and not turn on any of our electronic devices. Don’t even turn on the TV or the radio (OK, you can turn on the coffee pot if you like). Take a walk in the country or in a local park. Listen to the wind, to the birds, and other wildlife. Listen to the Mother Herself, and feel Her heartbeat in the Land. Re-connect with the Gods and all the Kindreds once again.

I guarantee that you’ll be smiling all day long.