From the Editor
A November to Remember
Despite the stresses suffered by us humans around the world (such as, pandemics, lockdowns, unemployment and disagreements), the weather constantly reminds us that change is inevitable and that “this too shall pass.”
Luis Ayala
American writer and composer Clyde Watson captured this essence nicely:
“November comes
And November goes,
With the last red berries
And the first white snows.
With night coming early,
And dawn coming late,
And ice in the bucket
And frost by the gate.
The fires burn
And the kettles sing,
And earth sinks to rest
Until next spring.”
It takes preparation, both mental and physical, to survive a normal winter. This year, however, has yet to show us that it can be normal, so we must prepare differently than before.
Regardless of our political, scientific or religious beliefs, when we moved into -or were raised in- our present societies, we agreed to live by their standards. These standards demand individual effort, group collaboration and community-wide compassion.
In many parts of the world, sugarcane harvest season will start soon. In cane agriculture terms, “stubbling” refers to the ability of a particular cane variety to regrow new stalks after the existing ones have been harvested.
Overcoming adversity for humans, just like for sugarcane, comes down to matching our own stubbling ability against our environmental conditions, in a battle of wits, determination and patience. But unlike with sugarcane, our social groups provide us with support, motivation and much more. Let’s prepare for winter, so we can be ready for ourselves and for those around us. Together we can survive these challenging times and emerge stronger than before.
Cheers,
Luis Ayala,
Editor and Publisher
http://www.linkedin.com/in/rumconsultant