Encountering the Divine Presence
ms
in sanctuaries of silence
Where Creation is speaking when
meadowlarks and robins sing
Listening with the ears of the heart
to this nonverbal language
Embracing those unspeakable words
a benediction of silence.
Grateful…as God speaks in this place of silence.
- clouds, landscape, natural areas, Pineridge Natural Area, poems, poetry, silence, sunrises, writing/reading
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Vulnerable Writing
Writing makes a person vulnerable. It opens you to public criticism, to ridicule, to rejection. But it also opens conversation and thought. It stirs minds, and touches hearts. It brings us into contact with our souls. So how can it possibly be a waste of time, an idle act, a mistake, a betrayal of truth? Who can possibly tell us not to do it?
Joan ChittisterI have two outlets for writing, my journal and this blog. Reflecting back, I believe journaling was a way to ask questions in hopes of understanding my confused life. I journal about my deepest fears, secrets, dreams, my spiritual journey, ask questions and use it as a way to put into words how I see and experience this beautiful world. Over time my journals have evolved into more of a letter/prayer addressed to myself, the Divine within me and my children. It has become an enjoyable daily habit.
I also use this blog as a place of vulnerable writing. It is here I express my feelings and thoughts, use it as conversation to keep in touch with those who read my blog, and also attempt to put into words how I experience this world. I place myself in a vulnerable place when I post in both my words and images. I enjoy the risk.
But, I also hear those voices telling me I can’t write, I have nothing important to say and only certain gifted people are writers. But, the truth is no one can tell us we are not writers. Today, I can say I’m grateful for these outlets on writing and the adventure of finding questions that lead to more questions. And so I agree with Chittister, writing makes a person vulnerable.
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Middle of the Road
Nothing of the inherent beauty of life will be found in the grasping for life’s gadgets.
Joan ChittisterOne of the reasons I come here is because there isn’t much traffic, no sirens. I’m standing in the middle of Weld County Road 90 about a quarter of a mile from the Weld County and Larimer County lines. With no traffic there is no city noise pollution. Instead there are plenty of birds to sing for me and the breeze feels wonderful. Have a wonderful day!
- clouds, haiku, horizons, landscape, natural areas, Pineridge Natural Area, reflections, sunrises, writing/reading
A New Dawn
scattered clouds gather
ms
over the eastern horizon
the gift of a new dawnMeadowlarks and robins were already singing when I arrived at Pineridge Natural Area this morning. I suspect they knew, just as I knew in my heart, the gift of this new day that was about to burst upon us. As I awaited in the dark, I had time to journal about what I was feeling and seeing. Again those words of awe and wonder came to mind. And then the sun burst forth to begin its journey from horizon to horizon. I pressed the shutter button on my camera hoping to capture some of what I was experiencing to share with you. I offered thanks. Hope you have a wonderful weekend!
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Lifestyle Changes
The Greek philosopher, Heraclitus, is quoted as saying “change is the only constant in life.” I believe he’s right. Some lifestyle changes we make on our own while some changes are forced upon us. Lifestyle changes can happen when we change jobs, move to another community, decide to marry, retire, live a non-consumer lifestyle, get rid of the TV, new eating habits and more. Yet, there are some changes that come upon us unexpectedly and unwanted, such as divorce, death of spouse, parent, child, natural disasters, health issues, war and more. Each time we face one of these changes we are given the opportunity to make choices on how we respond. How we respond to them is the bigger question.
I’m at a place where I’m facing lifestyle changes due to health issues. The reality of my mortality is very real today. Since the present is where I must live, I’m given the opportunity to face these lifestyle changes and make choices that can be rewarding. My hope is to live life with a new and positive attitude, no matter what. Pretty sure I’m preaching to the choir but I needed to write it and maybe it is a thought provoking post.
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gift accepted
sunshine and warmer temperatures at mid afternoon
mws
inspired me to wander outside with my camera
shadows stretching as fingers across the open snow
an invitation to compose and press the shutter button
gift accepted -
Grateful for…
… the breath of life, family, friends, sobriety, journaling, photography, nature, coffee shops, solitude, quiet, prayer, meditation, books, serenity, courage, an open mind, willingness, avocado toast, chocolate and …
mwsI would like to invite all who read this post to add to this short list above those things which you are grateful for. You do not need to add them in the comments necessarily but maybe find a piece of paper and write them down as you go through the day. Sunshine and blue skies here. Happy Monday!
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The Gift of a Smile
Made a trip to the coffee shop this morning for
mws
a much needed dose of medicine in my recovery
I was greeted with the beautiful smiles
of Logan and Nate, over two weeks without them
Nate brings me this cortado with his special touch,
a cute pigs face made of frothy milk, now I smile
Soft music lets the din of people’s conversations to dominate
comforting me with voices and smiles from people I do not know
I watch as a woman, pregnant with child, sits at a nearby table,
reading her book with a cup of coffee, its steam rising in the sunlight
I journal from my favorite chair where the sun warms me,
these sacred moments somehow bring comfort and serenity
So this morning I accepted the gift of a smile from my baristas
holding their smile within me and offering the gift of my own smile
Yes, the gift of a smile…PS: Sorry for the poor depth of field in the image.