Life as a Snow Globe

In the late 1800s, an Austrian fellow by the name of Erwin Perzy invented the Schneekugel, which we all know of as the snow globe. A transparent sphere with water and particulates that, when shaken, displays a dazzling blizzard.

The scene is mesmerizing, instantly drawing us in to the wintry wonderland.

Much like the drama in our lives.

Each snowflake representing something important to us, being whisked to and fro by the seeming randomness of circumstance and the twisted fist of fate.

And if our lives are a snow globe, then the ego is the hand that shakes it up.

That fluttering flake right there is one of the relationships in our life that just isn’t quite right. That other particle over there, bouncing all over the place, is the craziness in the world. And on and on the mad dancing continues.

The ego’s goal is to perpetuate the agitated insanity. And ohh are the undulating flakes so enthralling.

Just look at the time and energy and attention we exert in contemplation of bodily health, international conflict, interpersonal relationships, financial fulfillment, and individual stature. A seemingly boundless spectacle.

Yet as unique as each snowflake (problem) appears to be, what we fail to realize is they’re all the same. As we read in A Course in Miracles:

[All our grievances and dreams, little particulates] swirling lightly off on a mad course like feathers dancing insanely in the wind, have no substance. They fuse and merge and separate, in shifting and totally meaningless patterns that need not be judged at all. To judge them individually is pointless. Their tiny differences in form are no real differences at all. None of them matters. (T-18.I.7)

With the understanding that they are all the same comes the realization that one solution addresses them all. The hand of the Holy Spirit gently sets down the globe. Everything settles to peace.

Join me in Thursday’s class where we’ll explore the idea of life as a schneekugel and how we can practice choosing the calming tranquility of stillness. I look forward to seeing you then.