Ordinary – Daily Holyness

In order to "see" the holy, we need to slow down . . . and be like children at play

In order to “see” the holy, we need to slow down . . . and be like children at play

Can you see the holiness in those things you take for granted – a paved road or a washing machine? If you concentrate on finding what is good in every situation, you will discover that your life will suddenly be filled with gratitude, a feeling that nurtures the soul.

– Rabbi Harold Kushner

Let Go

If you realize that all things change,
there is nothing you will try to hold on to.
If you aren’t afraid of dying,
there is nothing you can’t achieve.

Trying to control the future
is like trying to take the master carpenter’s place. 
When you handle the master carpenter’s tools,
chances are that you’ll cut yourself. 

 – Tao Te Ching, translated by Stephen Mitchell

This poppy is nearly spent, but still it opens itself gladly to the new day
This poppy is nearly spent, but still it opens itself gladly to the new day

 

Weekly Photo Challenge: Sea

The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonders forever.

– Jacque Yves Cousteau

Caught in its spell
Caught in its spell

 

 

Be a Wildflower

May your life be like a wildflower,
growing freely in the beaut
and joy of each day.

– Native American Proverb

Wildflowers in Bryce Canyon
Wildflowers in Bryce Canyon

So How Do You See It?

It’s a beautiful world to see,
Or it’s dismal in every zone,
The thing it must be in its gloom or its gleam
Depends on yourself alone.

– Anonymous

So what do you see? A dismal and foggy day? Or do you see the potential for majesty and that oak tree on the hill behind the bridge?
So what do you see? A dismal and foggy day? Or do you see the potential for majesty and that oak tree on the hill behind the bridge?

Wisdom from Basho

grand_street_lily_nile

The temple bell
stops ringing
but the sound keeps
coming
out of the flowers

– Basho

Let the Beauty We Love Be what We Do

Let the beauty we love be what we do. There are a hundred ways to kneel and kiss the ground.

– Rumi

coneflower

Wonders – Always before my Eyes

chrissy_field_04-07_009

I’ve read all the books but one
Only remains sacred: this
Volume of wonders, open
Always before my eyes.

– Kathleen Raine

Weekly Photo Challenge: Focus

When words become unclear, I shall focus with photographs. When images become inadequate, I shall be content with silence.
– Ansel Adams

Sometimes silence is the only response to beauty
Sometimes silence is the only response to beauty

 

Be At Peace

Be tough in the way a blade of grass is: rooted, willing to lean, and at peace with what is around it.

– Natalie Goldberg

Be at peace with all who surround you
Be at peace with all who surround you