A Cascade of Interlocking Problems

I was going along minding my business when, out of the blue, a cascade of interlocking problems came my way. I am sure that you can relate! I mean, hasn't everyone faced a series of things breaking down in one way or another? It could be in the realm of relationship, health, work, home (like mine), or heaven help us, in multiple areas at once. 

Shall I tell you what happened? Last Thursday evening as Joe was packing up and getting ready to leave (he travels to sell his art!), there was no water coming from the tap. Now as you may know, we don't live where we have services for things like water. The water we use to keep ourselves and the gardens alive comes from a spring tucked deep in the fairyland forest across the creek. 

The water tank was empty, and for some reason it wasn't filling from the spring. Then the water pump (which we use to push the water into the house) broke too. Also, somewhat mysteriously the kitchen range started leaking gas. So no water and no fire. 

I started wondering if maybe we have a poltergeist or if I need to make offerings to the nature spirits of water and fire. Isn't it always like this? When things break down, the human mind looks for someone or something to blame. 

Sometimes we blame ourselves, and sometimes we blame bigger forces like nature spirits (in my case), the government, or late-stage capitalism. Or we blame another person, seeing all of the reasons why they are at fault. 

But blaming doesn't help solve any problems; in fact, it takes away our power and agency. Nature spirits are not going to fix my water problems, I am! Instead of blame when facing system breakdowns, tend to what is right in front of you. In my case it was time to get to work. In your case, it may be time to tend to a grieving heart, get to the doctor, or find a new job. 

So I got advice and help from a neighbor, and I am learning plumbing, which is fun and empowering (who knew that I would learn basic plumbing in my fifth decade?). Wild! Later today, I'll go online to get the replacement part the stove needs. 

The water system is almost back up and running. In the process, some invisible problems were uncovered, which I am so glad came to light. They wouldn't have if the system hadn't stopped functioning. Are your breakdowns revealing things too? 

I may still make offerings to water and fire. But I won't spend too much time blaming anyone or anything, and I hope you don't either.