The remembrance of the sacred is like a central note within life. Without it something fundamental to our existence is missing.
Llewellyn Vaughan-Lee, Seasons of the Sacred
Sacred Moment
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And, I call it prayer…
Clouds at Riverbend Ponds Natural Area “There comes a time on our mystical journey when prayer embraces all of life. We are always inwardly in a state of prayer….How can one not live a life of prayer when we have so much need, when so much is given?”
Llewellyn Vaughan-Lee, Prayer of the HeartI know that some viewers of this blog will be tired of all my landscape images that include clouds. I’ve actually been told that. I also know some won’t. But I never get tired of being there, experiencing all of it, taking a few images when I can to share, because we truly are given so much. And, I call it prayer…
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May we not forget…
Spiritually ecology is a recognition that at the root of our present ecological crisis is a spiritual crisis, and that the essence of the spiritual crisis is a forgetfulness of the sacred nature of creation.
Llewellyn Vaughan-Lee, Seasons of the SacredI am enjoying a nice cool morning here in Colorado. I’m leaving in a short while to meet my classmates for our monthly luncheon picnic. I took this photo last month on my way back from Red Feather Lakes area. I loved how the pre-sunset light presented parallel lines across the landscape. It was another one of those spiritual moments to enjoy.
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Learning to Listen
Learning to pray is learning to listen. Within the heart we learn to wait with patience for God’s words, which may come even when we have not asked. Listening itself is a form of prayer, in which our whole being is receptive.
Llewellyn Vaughan-LeeI always thought that it would nice to live near a river and fall asleep each night listening to the song of the river. But that’s not the reality in my life. However, when given the opportunity I am learning to listen to the rivers and streams. If that’s prayer then so be it. This is an image of the Big Thompson River in Moraine Park in Rocky Mountain National Park taken back in May. Happy Monday!!
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The sacred in nature
We all have within us a sense of the sacred, a sense of reverence, however we may articulate it. It is a part of our human nature…it is a fundamental recognition of the wonder, beauty, and divine nature of the world.
LLewellyn Vaughan-Lee, Season of the SacredAs I walked across campus the other morning I noticed these tree branches with their new leaves popping to greet the blue sky. I stopped, said thank you then took a couple of images. I wonder if I stopped because I heard a whisper from the trees, “Pssst, look at me.” I’m not sure how long ago I began seeing the sacred in nature but I do believe it is a part of our human nature.
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Discovering Our Real Nature
Every spiritual path leads the sincere seeker to the truth that can only be found within. The Sufi says that there are as many roads to God as there are human beings, “as many as the breaths of the children of men.” Because we are each individual and unique, the journey of discovering our real nature will be different for each of us. At the same time different spiritual paths are suited to different types of people.
LLewellyn Vaughan-LeeFort Collins has 285-plus miles of trails which includes paved trails within the city or biking in the foothills and mountains. The Fort Collins website says the city has been named a platinum level bike-friendly city. This image is along the Spring Creek Trail about 4 blocks from my condo after a March snowfall in 2003. With that many miles of paths to ride and walk there are many different paths to choose from. And, I do!
I believe as LLewellyn Vaughan-Lee that we all have our own unique spiritual path as it unfolds before us. I also believe we have been on this path from our birth, taking each step in faith. And this path cannot be known unless we take the steps. It’s important that I not compare my path to others because it’s mine, a gift just for me. I hope you believe that is true for your path as well. Some of my path has been flat, smooth, with wide open horizons to venture towards while at other times I find myself in the dark forests of the night, unable to see the path, fearful to take the next step. As I accept this spiritual path, I find the courage to continue on seeking, discovering my real nature.
If you have read this far thanks for listening to my ramblings. And to those of you in Maine and Michigan and Charlotte, stay warm! Hoping you had a good weekend.
