My online journal where I share my interests in photography, nature, coffee life, journaling, fountain pens, bicycling, spirituality and asking deep questions.
Care for the soul needs to include care for the sacred, for without it we will become lost without even knowing that we are lost. And care for the Earth needs to combine these two, so that the real music of creation can be heard amidst all the noise of today.
Llewellyn Vaughan-Lee, Seasons of the Sacred
Meditation is the attempt to provide the soul with the proper environment in which to grow and become.
Morton T. Kelsey
As the quote suggests I’ve come to believe that starting each morning with a meditation time provides my soul with the proper environment in which to grow and become. But, I also include my time in nature as part of my meditation. The beauty, serenity, and silence of a sunrise and being able to share it, does something to my soul, just as the twenty minutes sitting on a zafu cushion does. And, both of these experiences are the perks in my retirement years and for being an early riser. I am grateful!
May the light of your soul guide you; May the light of your soul bless the work you do with the secret love and warmth of your heart; May you see in what you do the beauty of your own soul; May the sacredness of your work bring healing, light and renewal to those who work with you and to those who see and receive your work; May your work never weary you; May it release within you wellsprings of refreshment, inspiration and excitement…
John O’Donohue
My coffee life this morning had a special perk to it. I was pleased to see Emma at the coffee shop when I arrived. Let me tell you about it. So Adriana, in the background, is one of the current baristas, a full time student at CSU and a manager at Mugs. Emma, in the foreground, worked at Mugs for many years while a student at CSU. She now lives in Massachusetts after graduation and is in town for a visit. These two were roommates for several years and two of the most beautiful people on the earth. They both have made a lot of my mornings better by their presence, offering their smiles, their morning greetings and making my mocha lattes. My life has been enriched because of the gifts they are and I believe the world is richer because of their presence. Even though I am much older, they inspire me through the lives they live! I also consider them adopted granddaughters. They are at the top of my gratitude list! Even though I knew Emma was going to be here, it was still a wonderful surprise to see her. I’m still smiling!
“Re-examine all you have been told at school or church or in any book, dismiss whatever insults your own soul and your very flesh shall be a great poem.”
Walt Whitman
And why not? How many of us will or have said I’m an engineer, a doctor, a salesman, a photographer, a Buddhist, a poet. Or worse yet? How many of us are told that we’re a sinner, or stupid, or too short, or worthless, and believed it. Maybe Whitman’s right, we will be a great poem or even prayer or maybe a saint, when we listen to the voice of our own soul.
In the late summer season of life, I found
mws
authors, guides, and teachers who have made me
aware of the gift of my wandering soul and spirit
within my own inner landscape.
With no knowledge of an inner landscape
I went seeking in the enticing outer landscape
yet this wandering soul and spirit of mine
was never satisfied, never fulfilled, always lost
Now in my winter season of life
my soul and spirit wander my inner landscape
seeking the Unknowable,
that source of life,
Whatever and
Whoever that may be.
I’ll end this with a thought from C.G. Jung, suggesting that our wandering has and is the thirst of our being for wholeness, expressed in medieval language: the union with God.
While each place has its own beauty, no particular place can claim to settle the wanderer’s soul.
John O’Donohue, Eternal Echoes
If you ever want to observe a wandering soul look no farther than the world of insects. Most wander in pursuit of food, to mate and to avoid predators. I have found the only way to photograph dragonflies and damselflies is to set up my camera and tripod then wait. With enough patience those wandering souls will pass through your viewfinder. Hoping you are enjoying your Saturday.
… this morning. We were gifted with a foggy, cool morning here in Colorado. So, I again wandered from the comfort of my condo to walk among the wet grasses of the meadow. My body and soul needing to feel the cool air, to be awakened, again. Each venture into nature is my place of discovery, where I feel like I’m spending time with a good friend. Yes, my soul is full of wanderlust. I like that word. And, speaking of a friend. I will meet my friend Lyndsi later. It’s been a while so we will catch up and share a hug (or two). May you have a wonderful and safe day!
The soul is full of wanderlust. When we suppress the longing to wander in the inner landscape, something within us dies. The soul and spirit are wanderers; their place of origin and destination remain unknown; they are dedicated to the discovery of what is unknown and strange.
John O’Donohue, Eternal Echoes
What does it mean, say the words, that the earth is so beautiful? And what shall I do with it? What is the gift that I should bring to the world? What is the life I should live?
Mary Oliver
Someone has planted Irises along the parking area at Pineridge Natural Area. I want to thank the beautiful soul(s) for planting them and the gift they brought to the world! Now I’m offering this image of them covered with raindrops from a nice refreshing rain. We had a nice lovely rain yesterday and can expect the same today.