There are Ghosts, and Then There are Ghosts

(Fair Use)

Not all ghosts are disembodied.  Some are in the flesh right here and now.  They are the ones about whom you can say: “Now you see 'em, now you don’t!”

In the dating world, ghosting has become rampant. When someone wants a break, they no longer give you fair warning.  Instead, they simply vanish from your life.

What’s worse is a new trend called “ghostlighting.” This occurs when a dating partner simply disappears for a while, then suddenly reappears as though nothing happened.  If you question this phenomenon, you’ll be told that it’s all in your head, and that the interim void was just their compassionate way of giving you the space that you needed.  They will then seek to slide back in without missing a beat.

Therefore, beware!  Not all ghosts are as friendly as Casper.

Resources

https://www.msn.com/en-ca/movies/reviews/there-s-a-toxic-new-dating-trend-called-ghostlighting-it-s-even-worse-than-ghosting/ar-AA1X3fyQ?cvid=69a0bcb6222644fd8fa0f650d489e2c1&ocid=MicroHP

 

Holy Cows!

Sadhu and Calf
(Photo by Abdel Sinoctou) 

Back in 1960, Joan Baez released a poignant song called “Donna Donna.”  Its lyrics reference a mournful calf on a wagon ”bound for market.” In stark contrast:“High above him, there’s a swallow winging swiftly through the sky.”

A later verse states, “Calves are easily bound and slaughtered, never knowing the reason why, but whoever treasures freedom, like the swallow has learned to fly.”

Perhaps calves are young and naïve, but grown livestock may have figured out what awaits them. Three such cows were recently in a trailer “bound for market” when they made a break for dear life onto the New York State Thruway.  They seemed willing to risk being mauled by traffic in order to be free at last.

As the winds above were “laughing with all their might,” the cows were said to be “safely removed from the scene.”  But safety is a relative term, and humans often apply it only to themselves.

Resources

https://www.upi.com/Odd_News/2026/02/24/cows-New-York-State-Thruway-Blasdell/7571771945673/  

 

Healing or Squealing?

Return of the Prodigal Son
(Rembrandt)

There’s an old maxim concerning these “Three Gates” through which wise speech must pass: “Is it true? Is it necessary? Is it kind?”

The Buddhist Vaca Sutta adds: “Is it spoken at the right time? Is it spoken in truth? Is it spoken affectionately? Is it spoken beneficially? Is it spoken with a mind of good will?”

Nevertheless, there are those who believe in the efficacy of letting it all hang out. A recent obituary writer and her TikTok champions seem to be of that ilk.  This daughter who was allegedly wronged by her father stated within a widely-published obituary: “I am pleased to announce the passing of [name] at the age of 74. After suffering multiple strokes, one, thankfully leaving him unable to speak, the abusive, narcissistic absentee father/husband/brother/ son finally kicked the bucket.”

Social-media fans responded gleefully with the following comments: “This is amazing. I am proud of you.”  “He’s lucky you even said anything at all.” “You are legendary.”  And finally: “It’s OK that you shared this. It is part of your healing.”

Yet we can't help but ask: Is it truly healing to engage in this sort of a meanspirited catharsis?

Resources

https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/canadian-woman-shares-late-fathers-brutally-honest-obituary-karma-161243905.html

https://newbuddhist.com/discussion/25328/the-three-gates

Skin in the Game

(Photo by Andreiflorea993)

Many spiritual traditions warn against the illusory thinking that equates body with soul.  Nevertheless, many of us tend to believe that without the body we would completely cease to exist.

Losing even one precious limb can therefore be quite traumatic.  Take the recent case of a woman who’s been facing the amputation of her lower leg.  She couldn’t bear the thought of losing this body part entirely, and so came up with a plan.

There’s an internet platform named Sewport “which pairs designers with manufacturing partners in order to bring their ideas to life.”  The woman therefore requested that the skin from her amputated leg be incorporated into a handbag design. 

She submitted a rough sketch of how the finished product should look, along with the following explanation: “It’s my leg, and I can’t bear the thought of it being left to rot somewhere.  It’s part of me and I want to keep it.”  

Resources

 https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/woman-plans-make-handbag-skin-taken-amputated-leg-120727444.html

  

Tension in the Cosmos

(Chart by Ben Finney)

You’ve heard of the Big Bang theory?  Perhaps it’s more of a theory than was previously suspected. That could be why matter is actually less dense than it’s “supposed” to be.

Eleonora Di Valentino, a senior research fellow at the University of Sheffield, admits, “Measurements of the early universe predict that cosmic structures should have grown more strongly over time than what we observe today.”  There’s been a lingering tension within the standard cosmological model due to a mismatch between early and late pictures of the universe.

Di Valentino was quick to assert that standard cosmological theory is not wrong, but simply “incomplete.”  And what could better fill this knowledge gap than yet another theory?  So here goes: The Sheffield research team currently suggests that neutrinos and dark matter have somehow been engaged in secret trysts.

After all, opposites attract.  Overbearing dark matter is somewhat clumpy, whereas neutrinos “are light and elusive, behave differently and can smooth things out.”  Sounds like a match made in the heavens, or perhaps within Heaven itself…

Resources

https://news.yahoo.com/news/articles/dark-matter-neutrinos-linked-interact-125100506.html.

 

 

In Sickness and In Health: For Real

 

(Photo by Lupus in Saxonia)

Jay Leno is living up to a marital vow that he made more than 45 years ago.  It’s a vow that many take…  and one that many break.“In sickness and in health” doesn’t just apply to the common cold.  Neither does “unto death do us part.”  Such promises may be easy for two young folks to make, but can be challenging for one older spouse to keep, especially when the other is quite ill.

Jay’s wife Mavis has been suffering from pronounced dementia for a number of years. This has necessitated caregiving that includes bathroom matters.  Jay himself gets involved, and recently stated: “Changing somebody is not the most romantic thing you can do, but you realize it doesn’t get more intimate than that.  I just find myself going, ‘OK, this is not that bad.’”

He’s been shocked and offended at the type of “Hollywood” questions that people have asked, questions such as this: “So, are you going to get a girlfriend now?”  Jay then pointed out: “You take a vow when you get married and people are stunned… that you live up to it.  Why?”

Great question, Jay, and one deserving of the loving response that you have so faithfully given.

Resources

https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/other/jay-leno-reveals-the-surprising-question-he-was-asked-about-wife-mavis/ar-AA1UmtCA?ocid=msedgntp

Out Together, Leaf to Leaf

 

(Photo by Laitche)

The healing power of touch is a well-known phenomenon among humans.  An oft-repeated line from the Neil Diamond song “Sweet Caroline” is “touching you, touching me”- words passionately echoed by fans the world over.

Animals are also known to be touched by touch. Think about it: What could be more cozy than a curled-up clowder of kittens?

But what about plants?  Do they reach out to their verdant brethren?  According to recent evidence, the answer is a resounding yes!  And not just via their roots...  ScienceNews reports that plants can “pass electrical signals to each other through their leaves, forming a network connected by touch.”

So do your green buds a favor and sow them in groups.  As they say in lettuce circles: Two heads are better than one.

Resources

https://www.sciencenews.org/article/plants-touching-stress-resilient