Food for the Soul

"Deep in the soul, below pain, below all the distraction of life, is a silence vast and grand - an infinite ocean of calm, which nothing can disturb; Nature's own exceeding peace, which  'passes understanding'.  That which we seek with passionate longing, here and there, upward and outward; we find at last within ourselves." by R. M. Bucke.  When I took the Course in Miracles years ago, I remember the key concept to finding peace was to look within and listen.  I tried so many times to stop, breath, and be still.  I opened my mind to trust itself, to stop thinking for it and let it be.  I could do it for a short while, visualizing a blue light far in the distance, and wanting to reach it by focusing only on it.  When thoughts strayed into my mind, as they often did, I would simply stop thinking it by focusing on that light again.  Well, after many months  (years, really). I was lying on my bed "meditating" on reaching my blue light, when suddenly, without warning, I realized that I was already there.  The light surrounded me, and felt so peaceful, so calming, so blissful and loving for those brief seconds I could hold onto, when I came to an amazing realization.  That light was always surrounding me.  All I needed to do was stop the distractions, silence myself, and trust that I was both safe and filled with love. That was years ago.  So much has happened since. Tonight I realize that it is time to be in the light again.  It is time to stop once in awhile and let myself float into the most blissful experience of myself.  Do you ever meditate and stop thinking? How does it feel for you? The Course says that "The miracle comes quietly into the mind that stops an instant and is still."

Love

We've all experienced love of one kind or another.  The love of our parents, the love of our family, the love of our friends, the love of our partner, the love of a teacher.  It can be expressed through a tender touch, a caring look, a gentle hug, a listening ear, or simply knowing that someone is there for you, no matter what.  Love can feel amazing, full of patience, and helpfulness, and great conversation, and flirting, and sweet smiles, and thoughtful, random acts of kindness.  Love can never hurt, unless a heart is broken, feeling a lack of love.  Love is there for each of us, with the greatest power of all, God or Goddess, loving our very being no matter how much we mess up or feel messed up.  Love is amazing.  I teach my students that when they feel angry or upset or sad or angry toward another student, that the reality is they are simply feeling the lack of love.  And, since love is the only reality, that it is the most important thing, so to forgive, let go, or move on takes us closer to love again. Look around you.  Love truly is everywhere.
These pictures portray love. Nature, people, animals, they all speak to us of love.  To feel love is to also feel gratitude to God/Goddess for that love, that beauty, that random act of kindness.

light

Yellow Springs, Ohio

Wasn't this a beautiful weekend to spend outdoors? Vibrant colors filled the woods at Jonathan Bryant Park.  We spent Saturday and today with friends in Yellow Springs, cooking, eating, walking, and playing with my three-year-old godson, Quinn. Visiting a large woodworking studio filled with a treasure of wooden sculptures by our friend Tom was one of the many highlights of our trip.  I've enclosed a few photos of our stop at the studio and the woods.  I hope you enjoy!

Wooden Clock Plane Sculptures by Tom Hawley.  Check out his website at hawleyclockworks.com







My First Entry: Welcome to my Blog!

I created this blog (with my sweet husband's help), so that I could share a small part of the beauty of this world with you. Photography is a way to view the world in ways I wouldn't notice without a camera. Journaling and writing is another of my passions.  Together, I will try to share some stories and pictures that are my passion. I have loved taking pictures forever, and all my dearest friends and loved ones know me as the one with the camera, capturing every moment. They pretend to mind, but deep down inside I think they love being the "star" of my "photo shoots!"  Do you enjoy taking pictures too? It is a great hobby and one that takes very little time. Have you noticed the instant color of the world outside? It only last a moment, yet Autumn is so spectacular as the trees begin to fall into their deep winter slumber. I will post new entries and pictures as often as possible.  Please enjoy!

Christine



Bella








Jack