FROM THE editors September 27, 2004 Issue

Spiritual poise ... even on the brink

In this busy, electronically complex—some say dangerous—world, humanity is always on the brink of something.

It may be something eminently desirable though frustratingly slow in coming—fresh adventures, physical or emotional healing, some long-awaited scientific breakthrough, a salary raise, lasting companionship. Even just the football season. Or Christmas.

But all too often these days, we're teetering on the edge of events that grip the soul in a vise—another terrorist attack, global warming, worsening drought, disease, political unrest, economic collapse. And it's the teetering that appears to do the most damage. Whether on the cusp of good or bad experiences, people become unsettled and easily overwhelmed by the decisions they are required to make as they proceed. They battle uncertainty, fear, even paralysis.

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