An online journal sharing my interests in photography, nature, coffee life, journaling, fountain pens, spirituality and asking deep questions.
When we create sanctuaries we are creating places for possible healing, quiet, hope, peace, to pray, to belong, even commnity. We can find these sanctuaries in our churches, a coffee shop, out in nature, such as John Muir writes about, or it can be the wicker rocker in the corner of our bedroom.
We are a culture of constant piped music wherever we go. I have nothing against listening to music but not everyone wants to have a cup of coffee or eat a sandwich listening to music. Depending on where you go it can be almost impossible to have a conversation.
Back in 1991 I made a major lifestyle change when I decided no more television for me and have not had one since. I still listened to music, finding it valuable during some tough times in my life. I used the music for comfort and healing, with both lyrical songs and instrumentals.
In 2000 another lifestyle change occurred. I had a 5 year relationship come to an end and found myself not dealing well with it. There was enough wherewithal to decided to take a camping/fly fishing trip for three days on the Green River in Colorado. I talked to no one nor listened to any music during that time. Something shifted within me. After my return, I began to listen to less music at home. It’s now to the point of none at all. The music took a backseat to quiet and the sounds of nature, the silence drawing me more into those places. I now find man made noise to be more of an annoyance and the primary reason for my trips to the country. At this season of my life, silence is about listening to silence.
I go to this area on regular basis because it’s only about 5-6 miles from my home. Until last night I never paid any attention to this tree. Just to to right of of the image are a group of trees I photograph on a regular basis but not this one. I don’t even remember seeing it before. Anyway it is now on my list of subjects to look for.
Silence has become an essential part of my life. It’s not just a time to sit and have external quiet. Finding inner quiet has been a process over the past 20 years or so. I found it useful when I worked as a fight attendant. When flying I discovered how to find places of silence. After the chaotic boarding process we would begin pushing away from the gate and begin our taxi to the runway. It’s at this point we take our jump-seats and as we are trained, make a silent review. This silent review entails a walk through our minds all steps we would take in case of an emergency during takeoff. After a silent review I would also use this time to quiet my inner self. This included deep breaths to help silence the mind. There was no silence in that aircraft but I could find the silence within me.
There seems to be a correlation between the increase in my age and a decrease in sunrise images and increase of sunsets images. Now at Momo Lolos coffeehouse and listening to a pianist and flutist duet. Love the change from the piped music we find most of the time.
Family and community are an essential part of my life as well as my solitude. There are some who avoid solitude, finding it uncomfortable. And, there are some who avoid communities, finding it uncomfortable. I need both. Community and fellowship helps me to appreciate the solitude and quiet. While the solitude and quiet help me appreciate community.
stained glass windows
ms
the quiet of empty church
sacred moments
I like to start my day with a few minutes of quiet contemplation and this is usually where I practice. I have a sort of bay window in my bedroom, about 18 inches of space to collect dust. I have a battery powered candle sitting which I use sometimes to change the mood. I’ve had the wicker rocker now for several years and have it broken in to fit my tush. It is beginning to be brittle so every so often I find pieces on the floor. This window faces the south-southeast so early morning sun will be my companion during the summer. I use the fleece blanket, draped over the end of my bed, to wrap around my legs on those colder winter mornings. It is my quiet place.
Some days it seems like there are moments when things are not in focus and life is moving way too fast. These past two days have had those moments. I attribute some of it to restlessness, unnecessary worry, imaginary fears, apprehension, that relentless voice of self-doubt. Those moments can sneak up on me when I do not take time for quiet, meditation, exercise, good eating habits, good rest, time in nature and community, all of which have become essential in my life. When I include these practices in my day I am better prepared for the days unexpected moments.
A good example of this is the above image. I did not plan this shot because as a photographer I just was not prepared. 🙂 Happy Leap Day!