• clouds,  landscape,  mountains,  sunsets

    Its a strange time

    March 17, 2020
    Beams of sunlight over the Colorado Front Range

    It’s Tuesday, close to noon. Awoke to overcast skies and a light mist. The weather along with the worldwide changes going on added a gloomy feel to the day. After quiet time I headed to Cups coffee to use the internet and enjoy a mocha but that didn’t happen. They fall under the statewide ban on the closing of restaurants and bars that went into affect yesterday. Because they are being impacted financially with our situation I bought a mocha and headed home. I will read a new book I received yesterday, journal a little, have more prayer and mediation time, listen to the silence and write this post. It’s a strange time.

    The world looks strange to me this morning, almost unrecognizable and it is. However, I’m aware there is something different within me. I am seeing and feeling the world differently. I have been a solitary individual for many years now, choosing to spend a lot of time alone. However, knowing I can’t just go to a coffee shop and sit to read/journal/converse with the baristas, friends and a stranger is now not my choice. My feathers are ruffled. I don’t always deal well with the unexpected bump in the road or a pothole that wasn’t there yesterday. Daily changes in life require acceptance of the present moment and a shift in thinking and living. My task in life is to let go of what I think I think I need life to look like and live more solidly in the present moment. It’s a strange time.

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  • Black and White,  flowers,  lifestyles,  Plants,  writing/reading

    Acceptance and Gratitude

    June 20, 2018
    Daises on Campus
    Daisies on Campus

    There are days when my inner peace is troubled or just not there. It can be due to the political environment and struggles of our world, a troubled relationship in my life, my weight, a task I really do not want to do, traffic, road construction, money (the lack of it). I could go on but I’m sure you have your own list. Sometimes I find myself thinking I’d have more peace if I did more walking, got more rest, spent more time in prayer and mediation, more solitude, more….  a lack of something? Then at some moment of clarity I stop and laugh at myself. More is not my answer, although this culture wants to convince me it is. I’ve come to realize it’s not the wants that bring peace and serenity but it’s the acceptance and gratitude of what I already have. And, maybe having less will allow more peace, letting go of something(s). 

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  • architecture,  Black and White,  lifestyles,  quotes,  window

    Another Views

    February 6, 2017
    Another View
    Another View

    When we begin to listen with our hearts rather than our heads, our whole world changes and becomes softer.

    This is another view of my quiet corner and my meditation chair. It’s taken from my bed where the previous image was from my bedroom door.  I am grateful for having this condo. Even though it is small, it really works for me. Hope everyone has a wonderful week! 

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  • Avian,  Canada Goose

    An Intercalary Year

    February 29, 2016
    Canada Geese Lifting Off
    Canada Geese Lifting Off

    Some days it seems like there are moments when things are not in focus and life is moving way too fast. These past two days have had those moments. I attribute some of it to restlessness, unnecessary worry, imaginary fears, apprehension, that relentless voice of self-doubt. Those moments can sneak up on me when I do not take time for quiet, meditation, exercise, good eating habits, good rest, time in nature and  community, all of which have become essential in my life. When I include these practices in my day I am better prepared for the days unexpected moments.

    A good example of this is the above image. I did not plan this shot because as a photographer I just was not prepared. 🙂 Happy Leap Day!

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  • quotes,  sunrises

    Don’t go back to sleep

    October 19, 2015
    Sunrise on the Farm

    “The breezes at dawn have secrets to tell you, don’t go back to sleep.”

    Rumi

    Rumi is not talking about rolling over and going back to sleep but about falling asleep to life. We can sleep through life by spending time in front of television, time on the computer, alcohol and drugs, overeating, gambling, etc. There is no need to make a list. We all can make our own list, as we are all susceptible to falling asleep. There are many tools and practices to help us with staying awake: mindfulness, meditation, contemplation, our breathing, prayer words, yoga, tai chi, daily walks. I’ve come to experience the practice of meditation and contemplation, helps me to stay awake to life. As Christine Valters Paintner says, “Most meditation practices are, at heart, about staying awake to life, being fully present to our experiences, and becoming aware of our own preconceived ideas and expectations that obscure our vision.”

    Photography is another practice that keeps me from falling asleep to life. It’s taken me a few years to understand its impact in helping me stay present. I seldom take a walk without a camera around my neck which is combining more than one practice. When taking each walk my intent is to repeat a prayer word in rhythm with my breathes and steps, while the eyes of the heart and soul stay awake to what life is presenting. No preconceptions, just looking for secrets Rumi suggests we can find.

     

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  • Black and White,  Documentary/Street,  street photography

    Sunday Morning

    September 14, 2014
    20140914_DSCF4383-Edit.jpg
    Street Clock

    It’s Sunday morning in Fort Collins. Start the day with meditation. Make and enjoy my latte. Watch sunrise from my window. Take a refreshing walk in Old Town. It’s 8:40. Temperature is 46 degrees. Streets are empty. My coat keeps me warm. Hands are in my coat pockets. Camera is around my neck. I breathe and stay present, accepting whatever image is given.

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  • lifestyles,  spirituality,  winter scenes

    Quiet Time

    October 4, 2013

    Prayer Time
    Prayer Time

    The clouds moved into the area late yesterday afternoon. Rain started falling around 8:00 last night and continued throughout the night. Temperature this morning was just above freezing. By midmorning the rain stopped and the skies began to clear. As I look west I can see a dusting of snow along our Colorado Front Range. Winter has made it’s presence known. It’s a quiet sort of day. Hope everyone has a good weekend.

     

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