words and pictures....
June 17, 2015
“Considering the inherent limits of the finite human mind and our nearly inexhaustible capacity for self-deception, we may actually be closest to the truth when we remain acutely aware of our ignorance.” – Sam Keen – Hymns To An Unknown God
Photo: Salt Pannes at the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge
June 11, 2015
Treat this day as though it is a flower bud, opening and unfurling its petals as the moments of the day pass on. Each moment, each petal unfurling, is an opportunity for growth and change. We can blossom in our lives as flower bud changes from a tight, young bud to wide open flower, rich and heady with pollen to germinate the seeds of life elsewhere.
We are the cycle of life, as is the flower bud. We gain nothing if we remain tight and closed, a bud unwilling to open. We must look towards each day and unfurl our lives with happiness, gratitude and inspiration to be the most glorious flower we can be. That is living in the moment.
May 18, 2015
“We must be willing to let go of the life we planned so as to have the life that is waiting for us.” ~ Joseph Campbell
A long time ago I learned that life never quite goes according to plan. If it did, I know my life would such a different life than it is now. Plans change. Expectations fall to the wayside. The seeds from fallen dreams grow into trees with many branches reaching up to the sun longing to find fruition in leaf.
I planned to be a painter when I was young. I planned to be a dancer too. Those plans turned to fallen seeds that planted my talents in my heart and mind and I created new plans in the spring light.
Life is a long series of plans and dreams. Some bud and leaf, blossom and grow. Some fizzle out in the hot sun for many reasons we cannot control. The greatest lesson I have learned about plans that don’t come to fruition is that greater things oft turn out in their wake.
Photo: The Mother Tree at Maudslay State Park ~ c. Pamela J. Leavey
May 12, 2015
Our path is always changing, as is the scenery. One day we find ourselves heading in a completely different direction then we had planned. What happened, we ask ourselves, how did my life change so suddenly without my approval of the plan? Lessons appear in our lives when we least expect them. These life lessons are our opportunities to rise above the adversities in our lives and become more than we were when the lessons presented themselves. How we handle those lessons determines whether we learn from the lessons or stay stuck, wallowing in despair.
Life can be harsh and life can be filled with wonder and joy. It is up to each of us to make the best of what we are presented with each and every day. Each day, I re-mind myself to find even the smallest sliver gratitude, joy and happiness. Even in the midst of the most profound grief and sorrow, we can all find something to be grateful for each day. Gratitude matters. When we strive to live in the moment we begin to transcend the difficulties placed in the midst of our path.
March 5, 2015
I spend an inordinate amount of time online. With four websites and long time social media presence, I’ve come to know a lot of people over the many years I have been online. Many of my online friendships have actually manifested into offline friendships as well. The fact is, the opportunity to meet like-minded people online is exponentially wider than it is in the average person’s offline life.
I enjoy the fact that I can meet and learn from people all over the country, let alone the world. I value the friendships I have made online. I enjoy sharing information, discussion and sometimes debate with these friends on a multitude of topics.
Yet, there is always something lacking in an online conversation, and Sherry Turkle nails that with her post on the NY Times Room For Debate section: Only Face-to-Face Friendships Involve Real Emotions. Turkle notes: (more…)
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