… beginnings and endings are always right up against each other. Nothing ever ends without something else beginning or begins without something else ending.
Rachel Naomi Remen
Beginnings…
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Positive Silence
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 MertonAfter 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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… with each moment
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 -
When Love Awakens
This morning’s predawn light and cloudless sky When love awakens in your life, in the night of your heart, it is like the dawn breaking within you.
John O’Donohue, Anam Cara -
The Clouds
I stopped near Arapaho Bend Natural Area to soak up the sun and the clouds. I came to journal before going to my annual checkup this morning with my PCP. I bought a mocha latte on my way which added to the joy of journaling.
I watched as fog settled low among the trees that line the banks of the Poudre River. A few geese and ducks were having their morning conversation on the small pond just to my left. The clouds had this beautiful pattern that seemed to be reaching out across the sky. As any good photographer would do, I took a few photographs of nature’s artwork. The sun sat behind the clouds, the radiant globe it is. I soaked up its warmth, medicine to my soul. At that moment I felt gratitude for being alive.
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Mystery of This Universe
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 CaraAfter 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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Wonder
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 PopovaThis 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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To be an inner artist…
Each one of us is doomed and privileged to be an inner artist
John O’Donohue
who carries and shapes a unique world.Jeff and I both noticed our bicycle ride to coffee felt like fall this morning. I have been getting up 15 minutes earlier than I usually do and checking to see if the eastern sky looks promising. It did this morning so I drove up to Pineridge Natural Area. My morning there was a calm, serene place and time. Just what I needed. And, I spent time journaling which helps shape my unique inner world as an artist. I did return home with a couple of images I liked. I’m noticing there are fewer birds in the natural areas as some head south. As I wrote that, I comically wondered if maybe the birds know the students are back in town and that’s why they are headed south. The noise level and traffic definitely increases when they arrive! Anyway this was a scene on campus this morning while riding to Mugs at CSU. I hope you have a wonderful Sunday!
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Mornings are a Gift
The sage would remind us of the following:
Tao Te Ching (78) By Lao Tzu by: Julian von Bargen, John Braun, Jr., David Warkentin
None should rule who hold themselves above the people.
Only by living, working, suffering alongside them can one truly be a leader.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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Working to Improve Ourselves
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 PilgrimIt’s going to be in the high 90’s today. May you have a wonderful day!
