~ Cycles of Evolution ~

   Cycles and circles are fascinating things found everywhere in nature, which of course includes within ourselves. From macro-cosmic cycles such as the solar year and the seasons, through man-made cycles like the financial markets, a school term or a factory worker's day, we humans function on physiological cycles such as breathing, heart beat, hormonal moods, digestive patterns, sleeping patterns, and many others. In addition there are molecular, atomic and sub-atomic cycles which govern every particle holding life together. Whereas we can only theorise about the vastness of outer space or the invisible realms of atomic physics, our own human cycles are far more self evident, knowable and in fact manageable. What is very interesting is that every one of these cycles is composed of 4 phases. See Table 12 - "The Cycles of Evolution" p. 536.
   So many areas of life run according to these kinds of cycles. Maybe you can add some more based on your own experiences. You can see if you look vertically down the columns, that the keywords of each phase are basically synonyms. There are so many terms in our language which reflect these phases and cycles. But when you examine the differences between all the phases across the rows, you'll see that some phases are obviously more popular than others!
   The first phase is the easy and fun part which everybody loves! Once initiated, the starting phase of things takes minimal effort because of the natural force of attraction and enthusiasm. Personally, socially and globally, we have certainly been very active in this phase of the cycle - perhaps even a bit over-zealous - starting so many things we often don't get around to developing or finishing off!
   By the end of the second phase we have got what we set out to do, the rewards for all previous efforts have been realised. It is the part we are most often working towards and usually the part we enjoy the most. It is a period of relative relaxation and enjoyment and consump-tion after all the efforts of getting there. Many people mistake this to be the end, which once reached, has no further purpose and they think they can just rest here until another attractive goal can be strived for by going straight back to the first phase!
   The third phase is the distribution of the materials, energy and profit we have gained or consumed from the previous phases. Those who are especially attached to the fruits and pleasures of their efforts and acquisitions in the

previous 2 phases will not like this "letting go" phase at all. This is a time which requires thoughts and actions far less selfish than before, where one considers the greater social and environmental good. It can be disturbing of one's relaxation and comfort zone. It is not a well liked phase!
   The fourth phase is where all the actions and materials which came before have dissolved and are awaiting to be transformed by the mysterious and unseen regenerative forces of nature. Sometimes called the "dark night of the soul", it is like having your head held underwater in a swimming pool! All you can think of is to get the hell out of it! Nothing you try seems to work in relieving the situation but deep down you know that beyond it lies a new dawn. Before that new beginning can start, a spark of inspiration must occur within the present darkness. For the religious, it is experienced as God's (or guru's) saving grace. For the atheists, it may be perceived as good luck, destiny, fate. Scientists may call it indeterminacy which is just nature taking its course and arriving at the appropriate moment in time for change. Whatever you call it, it is out of human control which makes this phase one of obligatory surrender to forces beyond one's own will. Following that spark, enormous effort must initially be made to counteract the gravitational effect acting upon the situation. This phase equates with that aspect in the doctrine of karma where past actions are "made ready to come round again". Certainly Mother Nature is teaching us many karmic lessons for our past sins of pollution and planetary neglect. Many people do not even like to consider that such a phase exists. Some others, who may recognise it, try desperately to avoid it by wilfully starting a whole new bunch of projects at phase 1.
   All these 4 phases are a natural part of life. Irrespective of the ease or difficulties each of them may bring, they are all equally important to the framework they support, as well as to our spiritual evolution. Acknowledging this and learning to apply such a template in your life will surely help to keep you more in tune with the personal, interpersonal and cosmic cycles of life.

	~ Food Cycles - A New Model~

   That old food chain just previously described, is now seen as a one-way trip to personal and planetary extinction! A more enlightened model are the "Food Cycles" as shown in Figure 56, p.538.