In our mediocrity and distraction, we forget that we are privileged to live in a wondrous universe. Each day, the dawn unveils the mystery of this universe. Dawn is the ultimate surprise; it awakens us to the immense “thereness” of nature. The wonderful subtle color of the universe arises to clothe everything.
John O’Donohue
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A Feeling of Joy
In the dim predawn light I watched bats darting about, snatching mosquitos out of the air. Amazing to watch their agility and quickness. I made my way to a favorite rock, set up my camera and tripod then sat down on the rock. This rock sits low to the ground so I’m almost in a squatting position. I settle into being a part of this natural area and not just its observer. Beauty surrounds me: the bluestem grass rising above my head, blue-gray colored sage, yellow prairie sunflowers, yucca plants, yellow blossoms of the cactus, rabbitbrush and the white blossoms of milkweed. The air is cool, refreshing. A couple goldfinches blast past me as a silent yellow blur. Mosquitoes annoyingly buzz around me but they do not bite. A pack of coyotes begin howling to the south of me as they coordinate their hunting efforts. I watch a solitary Canada Goose lead the way in front of two paddle boarders, all three making waves across the reservoir’s surface. The sun breaks out above the clouds that sit along the eastern horizon. The arrival of the sun seems to excite a meadowlark and they begin to joyfully sing. I rub one of the stems of the sage brush between my fingers so I can take its spiritual fragrance with me. The spirit of this place stirs a song and prayer within me, it’s called morning prayer, it’s my lauds. Grateful I came to this intimate meeting in this sanctuary. I feel the same joy as the meadowlark. I will meet Brett later for coffee and conversation. Have a great day!
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accept the gifts offered
eerie sunrises the past few days as
ms
we continue to experience the smoke
from the Canadian forest fires
weather app said clear skies
but what that really meant
was we had no clouds
from a nearby fence post
a meadowlark sings benediction
greeting the dawn of this new day
from a place of prayer, hope
and a heart of gratitude
I accept the gifts offeredHappy Birthday Sheree!!!
- clouds, haiku, horizons, landscape, natural areas, Pineridge Natural Area, reflections, sunrises, writing/reading
A New Dawn
scattered clouds gather
ms
over the eastern horizon
the gift of a new dawnMeadowlarks and robins were already singing when I arrived at Pineridge Natural Area this morning. I suspect they knew, just as I knew in my heart, the gift of this new day that was about to burst upon us. As I awaited in the dark, I had time to journal about what I was feeling and seeing. Again those words of awe and wonder came to mind. And then the sun burst forth to begin its journey from horizon to horizon. I pressed the shutter button on my camera hoping to capture some of what I was experiencing to share with you. I offered thanks. Hope you have a wonderful weekend!
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Listening
Like the joy of the sea coming home to shore,
John O’Donohue
May the relief of laughter rinse through your soul.
As the wind loves to call things to dance,
May your gravity be lightened by grace.
Like the dignity of moonlight restoring the earth,
May your thoughts incline with reverence and respect.
As water takes whatever shape it is in,
So free may you be about who you become.
As silence smiles on the other side of what’s said,
May your sense of irony bring perspective.
As time remains free of all that it frames,
May your mind stay clear of all it names.
May your prayer of listening deepen enough
to hear in the depths the laughter of god.Another cold morning of 5 degrees at 6:30 am. Sometimes on mornings like this I wonder if I need to move to a warmer climate. Then realize we really do not have days like this very often. Even though you may hear me whine I still can manage to rise before dawn, have my quiet time then go to sacred places to experience the predawn light and sunrise or meander to a coffee shop or both. I live a good life with all its difficulties and joys. I have much to be grateful for. And when I do hear myself whine I am able to listen deeply enough to hear and experience God laughing with me and within me. I’m then not as cold. The image is pre dawn light at Pineridge Natural Area taken last week because this morning I only meandered to the coffee shop. 😂
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It’s a way of life…
Inner peace is more
Native American
than a state of mind!
It is a way of life.It’s Wednesday evening. I am scheduling this post for just after midnight. It has been snowing all afternoon, a nice silent snowfall that makes it all seem even quieter. I plan on sleeping in late. Have no desire to get up early and drive somewhere so looked in the archives for this image taken last year. If it’s cheating then I’m guilty. At my age I can break the rules.
Had a doctors appointment yesterday because of increased back pain and some loss of feeling in my buttocks. My scoliosis I’ve had for decades is degenerating. X-rays showed bone spurs and the disks are in very poor shape. We will try some anti-inflammatory medicine first and continue my stretching and strengthening exercises. If these do not help then maybe an injection in his office. I’ve lived with it for many years and probably live with it until I die. Could be one of the driving factors where I look for inner peace as a way of life.
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Dawn