Swine Flu: Choosing beauty and balance over battle

Swine Flu (courtesy of the BBC)

 When I look at this microscopic image of the swine flu, I see pattern and texture and color and design. Instead of seeing this as something to battle, I see it as something to respect and from which I can learn. I do not wish to become infected with the swine flu, but I am not gearing up for a fight, a battle, a war. I respect the virus’s power; I am washing my hands and supporting my immune system; and I am remaining in a place of conscious balance with this organism. Admiring the golds, oranges and greens in the image; studying the design relationship of the long sections with the shorter, rounder ones; imagining what the colors and design would look like stitched on fabric or paper; remarking on the mandala-like feel of parts of the magnified organism — these are ways that I have of co-creating an understanding of and tolerance for this virus. I am much happier choosing to come into balance with the swine flu than gearing up for the onslaught — I’d rather use my energy to stay health-full (and glean a bit of artistic inspiration while I’m at it!) than to wage war.