• leaves,  quotes

    Leaves

    For all the great thoughts I have read
    For all the deep books I have studied
    None has brought me near to spirit
    Than a walk beneath shimmering leaves.

    Steven Charleston, Spirit Wheel

    My walks over the past few days have been cooler and wet. The much needed moisture and a break from the heat is welcomed. I love walking in nature especially when green leaves are covered in dew from the mist. I was awakened during the night as thunder shook my room and rain tapped on my windows. I did not sleep well after that. This morning has been sunny but more storms later this afternoon. I also got in a nice bicycle ride while the weather was good. I will attend a friends retirement party this afternoon and probably overeat, again. Suspect a nap after that!! Enjoy your weekend!

  • grass,  Plants,  quotes

    In What We Wonder…

    Our spiritual journey is measured not by how many answers we have accumulated, but by how many questions we have confronted. Our wisdom is not in what we know, but in what we wonder.

    Steven Charleston

    This grass, which I believe is some form of barley, grabbed my photographer’s eye. I like how the light breeze created a blur with some of the grass heads. It’s an abstract yet recognizable image. I am so in awe and wonder of this world we live in.

    They found 2 polyps in my colonoscopy, now waiting on pathology results. All went smoothly. Discovered a flat tire when I woke up this morning. Put the spare on and then took it to Discount Tire. Repaired tire and no charge. I like excitement in my life, except for colonoscopies.! Have a wonderful Saturday!

  • clouds,  horizons,  landscape,  mountains,  quotes

    Breaths of Prayer

    Every breath is a prayer

    Steven Charleston

    This is along Weld County Road 15 looking west. The mountains are in the far distance while the clouds give warning of the rain expected to arrive later in the night, which it did. Something positive happens to my spirit when I spend time in these sanctuaries. The chaos of the world does not leave but my internal chaos subsides. I change! And, so I set up my camera and take a few shots, then inhale and exhale breaths of prayer. Grateful!! Happy Monday!

  • Arapaho Bend Natural Area,  natural areas,  quotes

    What love knows…

    “Love knows no color, no class or culture, no nationality or religion, but exists in all the above.”

    Steven Charleston

    I thought this image interesting because of the wet wooden planks on the foot bridge after an early morning rain. The high winds we experienced yesterday and last night did some damage but not as much as I expected. This morning on my way home from coffee shop I saw one tree and couple of fences blown down. Happy Sunday!

  • cattails,  Plants,  quotes

    Learning to let go

    We let go of what we have been told to believe about ourselves. We listen to a different voice, one that comes to us from deep within our own soul. That is the voice of love. It is the spirit telling us we are worthy and that we can overcome our problems, even if those problems seem as overwhelming as darkness.

    Steven Charleston

    I believe Charleston is correct because over time I am learning to let go of what I was told about myself, what I told myself about myself and listen to a different voice. Some of those voices, including my own, were telling me things through a lack of understanding and knowledge while some were lies to control and manipulate. I have found it easier to tell someone “I believe in you” rather than say that to myself and believe it. However, I’m learning to listen and trust this voice of love that resides deep within me. I believe in this voice of wisdom. And, because I’m listening and trusting this voice, I’m beginning to experience life and all of creation in new and enriching ways. I see with a new set of eyes and see more each day. Life is much more beautiful when I began to understand how connected we all are in the many threads and fabrics of life we are. I wonder if love could be the thread that binds us? I kinda like this voice of love!!!

  • clouds,  landscape,  natural areas,  quotes,  Reservoir Ridge Natural Area

    The Spiritual Path

    A spiritual path at Reservoir Ridge Natural Area

    There are no shortcuts on the spiritual path, although many have tried to find one. Learning the lessons the spirit teaches takes time, patience, and perseverance. It requires a sense of discipline. It takes a level of self-awareness that can be difficult, because it requires that we are honest with ourselves. We have to look deeper. We have to study. We have to live a rule of life that never takes love for granted. It is not easy, but it is joyful. The sacred journey may take us up some very steep hills and demand we keep going on even when we are tired, but it shows us the wonder of life along the way and the purpose of life when the day is done.

    Steven Charleston, Ladder to the Light
  • leaves,  quotes

    A Simple Walk

    For all the great thoughts I have read
    For all the deep books I have studied
    None has brought me nearer to Spirit
    Than a walk beneath shimmering leaves.

    Steven Charleston