My online journal where I share my interests in photography, nature, coffee life, journaling, fountain pens, bicycling, spirituality and asking deep questions.
We are made, the scriptures of all religions assure us, in the image of God. Nothing can change that original goodness. Whatever mistakes we have made in the past, whatever problems we may have in the present, in every one of us this “uncreated spark in the soul” remains untouched, ever pure, ever perfect. Even if we try with all our might to douse or hide it, it is always ready to set our personality ablaze with light. – Eknath Easwaran
“Spirituality is the art of transfiguration. We should not force ourselves to change by hammering our lives into any determined shape. We do not need to operate according to the idea of a predetermined program or plan for our lives. Rather, we need to practice a new art of attention to the inner rhythm of our days and lives.”
John O’Donoghue
You must not lose faith in humanity.
Humanity is like an ocean;
If a few drops of the ocean are dirty,
The ocean does not become dirty.
Mahatma Gandhi
“Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow, it empties today of its strength.” Corrie Ten Boom
Doors found in the back alley of Old Town Fort Collins. I’d venture to say this morning that there does not exist a street photographer that does not have at least a hundred images, maybe thousands, of doors in alleys.
“Other voices easily drown out our own before we can really hear it. And this applies whether you hear positive or negative reactions; both are dangerous to us. Positive feedback too soon will stop us moving forward or going deeper. It’ll stop us at the low-hanging fruit and the first, most obvious iterations, and our work won’t have a chance at getting honed. And negative reactions or feedback can stop us just as quickly when that feedback often only means “this work isn’t for me” and has nothing to do with how authentic or good it might actually be.” David DuChemin
Took the early bus this morning to campus and now at the Lory Student Center. I came early to have some time to write and a bit of quiet before the students begin dragging themselves in to classes. I will meet a good friend for coffee who teaches philosophy at 9:00. It seems to be a beautiful day, almost reaching 70 degrees before we have rain later this evening.
I relate to David’s quote as I have for most of my life been one who wants the approval of others. Hopefully, I’ve moved beyond the need for approval of others to validate who I am, at anything. At one time acquiring the comments and likes determined the quality of my images. I’m aware there are times when I post an image too early, before it’s time, looking for approval of a poor image, or I just want to post an image. What I get from his quote is the need to listen more to the voice within in all areas of life. I’m a work in process, taking my own routes, as are my images.
“Photography is, for me, a spontaneous impulse coming from an ever attentive eye which captures the moment and its eternity.” Henri Cartier-Bresson
“Imagination prepares me to accept certain things as enriching experiences rather than disregard them as whimsical nonsense.” Cedric