• clouds,  landscape,  natural areas,  quotes,  sunrises

    The Island of Self

    September 20, 2025
    The mornings predawn light

    Our true home is what the Buddha called the island of self, the peaceful place inside of us. Oftentimes we don’t notice it’s there; we don’t even really know where we are, because our outer or inner environment is filled with noise. We need some quietness to find that island of self.

    Thich Nhat Hanh, Silence

    It has been a beautiful morning here in Colorado. I felt the need to spend part of this morning within nature so I headed to Pineridge Natural Area for the gift of quiet this new day brings. I found my rock, setup my camera and tripod then sat in the quiet. A group of 30 or so magpies noisily flew over. I wonder how often they make the noise just to draw attention to themselves or just to annoy me or both. And, is it noise to them? Yet, I would have it no other way. The pink along the horizon was just what I needed. I had the area pretty much to myself (and the magpies). I brought along one of my flutes and played a couple of songs, sending those notes and a couple squeaks (noise for sure) out across the meadow. I did rather well with Cherokee Morning Song but Zuni Sunrise needs more practice. Anyway it was a great place to embrace the quietness of that island of self. I will meet Eric shortly for coffee and conversation. I hope you enjoy your weekend.

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  • clouds,  landscape,  natural areas,  quotes,  sunrises

    Positive Silence

    September 7, 2025

    Silence has many dimensions. It can be a regression and an escape, a loss of self, or it can be presence, awareness, unification, self-discovery. Negative silence blurs and confuses our identity, and we lapse into daydreams or diffuse anxieties. Positive silence pulls us together and makes us realize who we are, who we might be, and the distance between the two. Hence, positive silence implies a choice, and what Paul Tillich called the “courage to be.”

    Thomas Merton

    After my meditation and quiet I ventured up to Pineridge Natural Area to spend time in the silence I find in this sanctuary. Baby cottontails greeted me as I arrived. Rabbitbrush and sunflowers danced with the light wind. No words in this silence but so much is said and heard. To me this is positive silence. As I stood there and watched the sun break through the clouds a light rain began to fall. The light rain was refreshing with both its feel and fragrance. May you have a wonderful Sunday and the “courage to be.“

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  • landscape,  natural areas,  nature,  quotes,  sunrises

    … with each moment

    September 2, 2025
    Cloudless sunrise at about 6:31:38 am

    Mindfulness is an ancient form of meditation in which one pays attention to the present moment and all that’s unfolding in that moment, both within and around one. It’s known also as conscious living because the person practicing it is forming an aware and intimate relationship with each moment.

    Sue Monk Kidd
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  • horizons,  landscape,  natural areas,  quotes,  sunrises

    Mystery of This Universe

    August 28, 2025
    Sunrise at 6:26 am this morning

    Just as darkness brings rest and release, so the dawn brings awakening and renewal. 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, from Anam Cara

    After prayer and meditation, I drove up to Pineridge Natural Area for sunrise. I found a new and more comfortable rock to sit on and set up my tripod. I loved the scent of the wet grass and sagebrush that surrounded me. I then enjoyed my second period of prayer and meditation this morning. Have a wonderful day!!

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  • landscape,  natural areas,  quotes,  sunrises

    Wonder

    August 27, 2025

    Wonder – that edge state on the rim of understanding, where the mind touches mystery – is our best means of loving the world more deeply.

    Maria Popova

    This is sunrise 3 days ago. This morning we had 61 degrees, 99% humidity and overcast skies so it looks much different today. It made for an invigorating bicycle ride to the coffee shop, but well worth it. Those clouds have burned of slightly, a bit of sunshine is out but rain is expected later today. Yes, the wonder it all!

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  • clouds,  landscape,  natural areas,  quotes,  sunrises

    Mornings are a Gift

    August 22, 2025

    The sage would remind us of the following:
    None should rule who hold themselves above the people.
    Only by living, working, suffering alongside them can one truly be a leader.

    Tao Te Ching (78) By Lao Tzu by: Julian von Bargen, John Braun, Jr., David Warkentin

    One of the blessings of growing older for me has been the discovery that mornings are a gift. Since I’m not the party animal of yesteryears, going to bed early and getting up early are the norm. There is something that comes alive in me when I experience the quiet and stillness of this time of the day. I feel more alive than I did when chasing things that I expected to help me be alive. I am aware of the need to participate within the world, to experience it, and receive it as a gift.

    It’s interesting to note how clouds are always shifting, changing shapes and colors. It is almost unperceivable to the human eye. Yet, a 28 second exposure lets us know of their gradual changing. Observing that is a gift to me. I am heading out to meet friends who are in town and catch up. Have a wonderful weekend!

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  • clouds,  horizons,  landscape,  natural areas,  quotes,  reflections,  sunrises

    Working to Improve Ourselves

    August 21, 2025
    Sunrise at Arapaho Bend Natural Area – 2012

    In order for the world to become peaceful, people must become more peaceful. Among mature people war would not be a problem – it would be impossible. In their immaturity people want, at the same time, peace and the things which make war. However, people can mature just as children grow up. Yes, our institutions and our leaders reflect our immaturity, but as we mature we will elect better leaders and set up better institutions. It always comes back to the thing so many of us wish to avoid: working to improve ourselves.

    Peace Pilgrim

    It’s going to be in the high 90’s today. May you have a wonderful day!

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