Decay

Decay affects all things natural, from the physical realm to the psychological, from rust to relationships, from anthills to empires. It is the main catalyst in an inevitable cycle from birth to death. Without constant remedy, it will eventually destroy all that comes to fruition. Perhaps it is a 'necessary' evil; a part of nature which allows for rebirth and regrowth out of things decayed. In nature, at least, it seems an integral part of the process and cycles of regrowth. For example, the leaves fall from the trees, renewing the soil with nutrients, and feeding other organisms, in symbiotic fashion.

But in the realm of humanity, and all things human, decay seems to be a negative thing. We constantly battle and succumb to its effects; we try in vain to delay the inevitable losses--we grow old and perish. It may indeed be a curse upon humanity, something we are destined to battle, everlasting. Or a blessing? If we, and things we create did last in perpetuity, would they, and we, be judged to be 'good' things?  Perhaps in our longevity, we would leave no room for the lives and accomplishments of our progeny? Does life indeed, require decay, change, and renewal, ever striving towards some undefined 'perfection'? It matters not, one must relent--it is inevitable for we mortal beings, and all things borne of us. Maybe it is simply a necessary 'evil'. For without evil, can there be good? There be no shadow, if light is absent. 

Given its inevitable effects, then, is it foolish or vain to attempt to slow, negate, or 'reverse' the processes of decay? Surely not. We shall always be drones in an army pitting us against an indomitable, and often, unseen, force. Though the outcome of the war is inevitable, the battles can offer a timely reprieve; a brief relief from our constant struggle. To repaint one's house, or repair some leaky plumbing, or simply to change one's motor oil. Failure to maintain and redress decay may indeed be a sin of omission. To do so would facilitate decay and destruction--something we cannot desire. 

Thus, one should strive to add light, and goodness, into the theatre of darkness and decay, whenever possible. To battle chaos, and instill order, wherever one detects the former. It can build upon simple beginnings, slowly but insidiously converting the light to the gray, then to blackness. It is not unlike an urban wall, gaining graffiti slowly over time, then exploding into excessive scrawling, engulfing all. An unkempt room filling with dirty laundry and haphazard deposits from daily living. At some point, it exceeds the threshold for just noticeable differences. It screams out for action, or reaction; it cries out for repair. To disregard would be like willful sinning.

But there are things that decay that are neither accessible to the senses, nor to awareness, without attending; the ethereal, and the intangible things that we often treasure most; love, relationships, and interconnections we strive to maintain, Freedom, security, and finance. The realm of thought, emotion, and psychological or spiritual processes. These, being unavailable to our limited input senses, become even more susceptible to decay, sans vigilance. Introspection and feedback from others is often required to even detect the inevitable decay. Thinking these aspects of our lives to be free of defect, or taking them for granted, can lead to sudden  failures of catastrophic proportion. A failure to detect and redress decay in these realms can lead to the destruction of marriages, friendships and families, revolution, and even the collapse of civilizations. It's just that important to comprehend.

Beware; the signs are not salient, and we are often oblivious to the decay, until it reaches the point of landslide, or eruption. Tensions and emotions explode, leaving all destructions in their wake, leaving few survivors. Perhaps we are all fated to taste the decay. Periodical vigilance and introspection may aid in the detection of decrepitude, on many levels. Be wary and cognizant of issues and effectors which are of value to you. There will be tremors; signs and harbingers of things to come--attend!

GT