I don't know about you, but I've already heard plenty about the Swine Flu/H1N1 virus - and why we "should" add it to the long list of things we're "supposed" to be scared about.  And about the many government officials, doctors and pharmaceutical experts who are rushing to save us from the unknown effects of this undoubtedly serious, but largely mysterious disease by manufacturing a viable vaccine soon.  I'll leave it to others to debate the necessity and efficacy of that work - but please bear with me while I discuss an extremely potent and potentially valuable vaccine that this is currently available, yet has received little, if any, coverage in the mainstream media:  Love. 
 
Yes, that's right -- Love.  That powerful, palpable feeling of Oneness, connection, health and well-being not only sounds good and feels good, but it can be a powerful "vaccine" against disease as well.  And no, I'm not being a namby-pamby Pollyanna, here.  I'm just pointing out that numerous, well-documented studies in the growing field of psycho-neuro-immunology have demonstrated that one of the leading indicators of whether a person enjoys good health and a sturdy immune system is whether or not the individual feels loved and loving.  People who have a sense of purpose and feel connected to a community and/or family system tend to be much healthier and happier than those who feel alone. 
 
Please don't misunderstand.  I'm not belittling or rejecting the development of a specific new vaccine, much less the use of allopathic medicine, the AMA-approved approach to "fighting the symptoms of disease."  It makes sense to take the widest view possible, employing the gifts of a variety of healing modalities.  Why get stuck in having to choose between "traditional medicine" and "holistic medicine?"  Such either/or thinking is just another mental trap that keeps us feeling separated from others, forcing us to choose sides and place bets on who is right or wrong. 
 
I certainly make no claims to be a medical expert.  But faced with a specific infection such as this Swine Flu epidemic, why not focus on the positive ways to enhance your immune system, rather than to retract in fear and wait for "Them" to develop a Magic Bullet to "save you."  Of course, it's important to wash your hands often and cover your mouth when coughing.  But why limit yourself to defensive measures?  Why not "inoculate" yourself with good food, plenty of rest, and a positive outlook on your capacity for being a powerful co-creator of your circumstances?  Rather than become fearful about protecting yourself from unknown dangers by avoiding people, why not make a point of surrounding yourself with love and loving people?  Perhaps even find news ways to help others, simply because generosity is another well-documented immune system booster.  In short, it's important to take care of your physical body, but why not enroll your metaphysical Self, too?
 
Of course, I hope you feel connected to the Celebration Circle - and that you'll consider adding more of your love, time and energy to our Circle gatherings, plans and programs as part of this "vaccination" process I'm advocating.  That would be most welcome. But why stop there?  There are any number of wonderful organizations, programs and people that would benefit from your love - and send rich blessings back to you in return.  The rest of us will be happier and healthier as a result, and so will you.  That's my "vaccine"  -- and I'm sticking to it.
 
With blessings and hopes of seeing you Around the Circle,