Spring breezes blow showers into April. Easter was a beautiful day, with a huge mix of feelings and issues going on. On that same day we had the juxtaposed images of the Pope and Terri Schiavo in our minds, thanks to the hyperactive religious zealots and news media.

The Pope stood at a window and could not utter a word. For some he represented the suffering of so many and for some a reminder of the suffering of Jesus on the cross.

But for me he represented all those people and other living things that do not have a voice in the world. I think of the elders in Afghanistan, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Palestine, Russia, China, Chicago and any town USA.

I think of the frogs and birds that hang around the bog I walked by this morning. Their songs and their true function in the earth are wondrous until they are drowned out or the marsh is back-filled by contractors building a housing development just east of the bog. They are crucial in the creation of life, but their voices become a distant echo in our minds once they are gone. And the children in the streets of Calcutta, Cleveland, Kahuku or Waimanalo.

Now that Terri Schiavo has gone out with her last breath she gives us the gift of mindfulness. The condition that led to her brain damaged state was caused by lack of certain trace minerals. A similar tragedy happened to a friend of ours. Her message is a reminder to take care of ourselves, to honor and care for the body temple we live in. And to be mindful and take care of the legal matters regarding a living will and anything else important for us and our loved ones. No one should be subjected to the public exposure that she was, to become a battle ground over which other people's religious and political beliefs were waging against the simple wishes of two precious souls.

And I say shame on the Vatican for making condemning statements. Shame on all politicians taking grandstanding actions. If they truly believe in a "culture of life," then they will end capital punishment. If they truly want to "err on the side of life," then they will stop sending our young into war and perpetuating fear and pain that sustains war. If they truly believe in the "right to life," then they will stop the hypocrisy and make our inner cities places of wonderful gardens with excellent schools, art, opportunity for all people of all ages to grow and flourish with justice, equality, and peace. Rather they are dividing up our society into groups of the right and the wrong, gay and straight, the haves and have-nots. Nonsense. That must end. Now.

Right where we are we can make a difference, by not buying into the fear and pain, not giving energy to the negative. Our friend Alan Cohen just sent me a quote, "the worst thing than giving credence to someone who is a know it all is arguing with one."

So the April showers have begun. A soft breeze brings the rain to the windows of our house, cleansing the air, pulling the particulates down out of the air that industry, cars, trucks and we have put there. Easter is past and now it is time to get on with life. Enjoy the rain.

It is good to be alive!