Rubble In Your Path

Making it to Higher Ground – A Planned Path

Just over five years ago the world watched in horror as a tsunami struck Thailand and surrounding countries with devastating force killing nearly a quarter of a million people. So many were unaware of the signs that could have warned them to get to higher ground in order to save their lives.  One of those signs was the ocean water receding to such an enormous degree that the bays and inlets emptied. The eyes of the world stayed fixed as they watched a new disaster replay over and over again on every television and computer screen and implanting the fear of unsafe ground into the subconscious of anyone living close to water’s edge.

Last week another threat of a devastating tsunami came to life following the reports of an 8.8 earthquake striking just off the coast of Chile in South America.  I soon remembered how occupied my mind and actions were after the Indian Ocean Tsunami hit.  Everywhere I would go, the scenario would play out in my mind as to what path I would take to get to higher ground.  Because I live close to the ocean this soon became part of my protective nature to plan a path to safety if I saw the waters recede.

Does it take a disaster in our life, or the lives of others, to force us to plan a path for safety, or are we always looking for higher ground?  Years ago I heard a Native American saying that has given me a compass to help keep focused on my responsibility to self.  This quote states: “Look to the seventh direction.”  The first six directions are North, South, East, West, Earth and Sky.  The seventh is simply . . . . . Inside!  If life gives you problems don’t cast blame elsewhere but rather “Look to the seventh direction.”

It is up to us as individuals to keep safe ground beneath our feet.  This safety I refer to is not only to protect our mortal bodies but also to protect our soul. Sometimes it’s easier to blame others for our circumstance and where we stand, but if problems put us in harms way we need to look inside to our internal compass and do what we must to get back on course.  The dangers to ones self are sometimes not seen, or even recognized as the waters recede.  Not knowing what those dangers are is different than choosing not to look in the direction from which they come and running as fast as you can possibly go to save yourself from eminent death.   If your life is in peril you will scramble to save it.  Your efforts will be what are needed in stepping over the debris at your feet, but the higher you climb the clearer the path will become and it will be worth the fight.  And finally, as you scramble away from water’s edge and no longer focus on the debris below you . . . look up!  There you will find others who have made it to higher ground before you with outstretched arms wanting to pull you to safety.  Let them!

In Others’ Words:

“I wish Daddy would come home.”

~ This was spoken by a six-year-old child as she wishfully blew on a

seeded dandelion and watched it’s feathery seeds float into the wind.~

 As I stood just a few steps to the right and peered through my viewfinder I saw a similar scene that this photographer was shooting.  Yet, by taking a few more steps back and shifting my scope slightly a new and wonderful scene was then exposed that told a greater story.  The subjects in this photo are not just the monument and fountain but also the person, and it is the person that catches my eye as he carefully plans his image and shoots.

 When starting the new format for this site I made a decision to only use my personal photos this year.  I knew it would bring a challenge to my semi-busy existence, but I also knew that it would force me to once again pick up my camera, pull out the knowledge gained from photo school twenty plus years ago, and learn the technical side of shooting digital (something I’ve put off far too long).  Thank goodness I have a database of old photos to keep me going until I come up to speed with the new skills I am seeking.

 I feel it is important to push ones self in order to grow in a new direction.  The easier choice would have been to have stayed in the same place and just use what I could find (some of my shots and many of other people’s work).  But, by years end my skills would have remained the same as at the beginning.  Not only am I expanding my abilities but also I am, in a sense, opening my eyes.

 If we want to achieve beautiful results we must do the work necessary to get them.  This photographer, most likely, prepared for years to get the shots he so patiently sets up.  Yes, he has nice equipment to aid him in his quest, but it also takes knowledge, and years of experience to really master the art.  This photo was, to a degree, a lucky result.  But as I shift my sites, look around, and put the effort in to learn I will rely less on luck and much more on ability.  By doing this I will know how to get what I am after instead of just hoping for those fortunate happenings.  In life people who rely on luck will get the beautiful results some of the time, but overall do not have the long-term effects of hard work and planning.  You can really gain a clearer view and perspective if ultimately you are willing to step back, learn, and make it work.

Is Beauty Set in Stone?

“How to be free enough to be me” is really a complex thought if you think about it.  Do we let inhabitations bind us in fear of judgment, or are we well with ourselves enough to dance while others are looking no matter how strange we may appear?  What it all boils down to is, “How comfortable are we in our own skin?”

I do not pass this test very well.  Many of you may read this and be surprised that I have my insecurities.  However, I think we all do to a certain degree.  The important thing is to recognize where we are and where we could be, decide if it is worth the price to get there, or just learn to be fine with who we’ve become.

A few weeks ago I spoke to a group of social workers on “How to Thrive and Not Just Survive Your Adversity.”  A couple days after the event I received an email from the director thanking me for being part of the symposium.  She proceeded to say that her assistant had quoted my words and placed them on her office door.  Opening the attachment I saw what single statement impacted her enough to want to post it for others to read.  The statement simply read, “This body, no matter how imperfect, houses my soul.”

I’ve had time since to ponder and reflect on what these words really mean to me.  Through them I would want you to know how important it is to be happy with how God has made each of you individually.  Things will happen within our lives that affect our bodies for the worse.  Some of those things we may not have control over and they should be just a part of who we become.  However, it is very important to recognize those attributes that can be improved upon and decide that we are worth the change.  Whether your change requires more self-discipline to eat right and exercise in becoming a healthier you or work on education to tap into your greater potential is basically up to you.

We are complex and beautiful beings who deserve to be happy regardless of our circumstance.  We must learn to celebrate who we are, knowing that beauty is not one specific mold and is not set in stone.  Our body and soul are joined together to give life and in a sense, dance together in celebration of their miracle.  I would only hope that when my earth life is through others will look back on my journey and see one who learned control and self-reliance in order to be free enough to be me.

Being Chased By The Storm – I Saw My “Patch of Blue”

I left my meeting early with hopes of beating the storm.  At this same time of day, just twenty-four-hours ago, the sunset sky danced with brilliant baby blues and pink rimmed clouds that looked as if they were made of cotton candy.  I knew that if the heavens decided to repeat the same dance I didn’t want to miss the photo opportunity as I had yesterday.

So, while driving towards the ocean I watched a more ominous sky close in around me and soon realized that this day would bow down to its close with something less spectacular than the beauty I failed to capture the previous day.  The blackened clouds came from the mountains and seemed to envelop the sky.  There was no time to make it to the coast so I drove into a gated community by a lake and figured I’d just settle for that.

How interesting that the thought of just settling for something less came to mind.  I took photos of the clouds and the mountains but it wasn’t until night had fallen and I turned to leave that I saw my “patch of blue.”   With a few clicks of the shutter the moment was captured in time.  There it was, an opening to heaven.

With all the darkness of the world closing in I could still see the heavens.  How often do we only see the black of the storm and forget that blue skies lie just beyond those clouds?  Do we tend to focus on our sorrows or do we see beyond the darkness of those trials?  One thing is for certain . . . storms do end and clouds do part.  Sometimes we just have to remember that there is a “patch of blue” through the storm.  And to say it is a glimpse into the heavens and a hope for a brighter day isn’t a far-reaching thought.  It really is there.  Maybe all we need to do is turn around and look up.

In Others’ Words:

I’ve seen it when light fleecy clouds went scurrying ‘cross its face,

And made that tiny bit of sky look like a bit of lace.

I’ve also seen the storm clouds burst and winds go rushing through,

But I always knew that once again I’d see my “patch of blue.” . . . . .

When sunset drops its curtain down she turns to golden hue,

That little bit of lovely sky that was my “patch of blue.”

~ From: My “Patch of Blue” by Mary Newland Carson~

Finding Joy . . . Once Again!

 If you could go back to the carefree life of a child would you?  Most likely not, but how many of us remember what it was like to not be encumbered by life’s problem allowing ourselves to have JOY, simple Joy?

I believe there are many of you who feel that simple joy is completely out of reach in the life of an adult.  I would beg to differ on this matter.  Even though we have much of life’s complications that can get in the way of our happiness I believe it is an important skill to learn to separate yourself from your problems.  This does not mean throwing them aside and not holding up to the responsibilities that are tagged to them.  Rather it means that in spite of your problems, learn what it takes to tap into that joy you found as a uninhibited child.  Drawing from it in times of need is crucial to finding deep happiness in life.

So, how is it done?  Once again I will go back to the action of gratitude.  If you are grateful for what you have, rather than miserable for what you do not have, you will begin to learn how to find happiness.  I do believe however, in order to tap into lasting joy there is one more component.  That component involves touching the life of, or allowing your life to be touched by others through (Here is the word you’ll hear time and time again) . . . . . service.

It is fairly easy to find joy in moments such as my boys in the above photo having a tractor ride on a warm summer day, but to seek after lasting joy can bring a new direction and meaning to your world.  And with this quest you will not just affect your own attitude, but you will find others drawn into your realm.  Surely, this sounds like a quest worth fighting for, especially when the end results can bring back peace and happiness long forgotten from your childhood.

In Others’ Words:

It is one of the most beautiful compensations in

life . . . . we can never help another

without helping ourselves.

~ Buddha~

Tokens Of Appreciation

Seventy-four Swarovski crystals, eleven silver beads, one meter of clear monofilament and a small strand of satin ribbon carefully joined together creates a pendant that to me, represents sacrifice.  The sacrifice I am referring to isn’t in making these precious pendants but rather in the service that has been rendered by others to my family and me during this past year’s uphill climb.  Through their selfless actions and deeds our lives have been made brighter and lighter.

I liked the idea of making a token of appreciation that would also symbolize love and light.  Crystals were chosen because of their amazing ability to take a single light source and refract it, spreading the light in many directions at the same time.  Similarly, service never just affects one soul, but rather, shines into the lives of others through a single act.

On a satin ribbon carefully rolled up and placed within the center of these pendants I have written one single word which reflects what I feel that person has taught me through their unconditional acts of service.  One dozen ribbons have been inscribed with one dozen single words of appreciation to be placed in one dozen hearts and given to those of whom they were intended for.  These words are gifts given to me and are forever embedded into my heart just as these ribbons are embedded within these hearts, and if they were to be un-scrolled would reveal such treasures as: Strength, Knowledge, Humor/Laughter, Wisdom, Love, Sacrifice, Caring, Cheer, Patience, Friendship, Hope and Courage.

So, whenever these hearts are seen I would wish that they will be a reminder and a symbol of how others have let their light so shine.

In Others’ Words:

Teach this triple truth to all: A generous heart, kind speech,

and a life of service and compassion are the things which

renew humanity.

~ Buddha~

Pleasure & Pain

When looking at a photo such as this, many different responses will arise depending on many factors.  If you have a deadly sweet tooth, such as I, then you won’t necessarily look at this with disgust.  I immediately focus on the fudge and my mouth starts to water.  Those of you who are neat freaks, however, may not be able to get past the mess of it all oozed out on the table.

I find this a very interesting study.  By evaluating your response you may gain greater insight of your personal strengths and weakness.  I know that I have the advantage in the fact that I was there to take the photo and I am connected to the scene in a more emotional sense.  This picture was taken of a friend trying to pack down the last of an amazingly large ice cream sundae in Palmyra, New York.  The particular ice cream stand this was purchased from was renowned for its massive portions and small price.  It is all relevant however.  Cost and price may sound the same, but if you would ask Randy to look at this photo he, most likely, would be sick to his stomach.  He is the friend trying to pack down the “Triple Ice Cream Dump” that at the time of purchase seemed like such an amazing deal.

Yes, this brings us to the point of value and whether our concept of value is emotionally or intellectually driven.  We all may think we have control over our decisions and are masters of clean choices.  But, not all emotions are bad when it comes to making a decision, especially if you have experience that could play to your benefit.

I would venture a guess that if Randy were to see this photo his emotional tie might evoke a queasy feeling.  This could benefit him the next time he looks at the price of the massive mess and thinks “Sometimes price is paid less in dollars than in sense.”

One last footnote:  You probably didn’t notice the other two spoons retired at the edge of the bowl.  Well, he didn’t attempt it alone, and yes, I was one whose eyes were too big for my stomach.  Funny how I still look at the fudge and salivate rather then regurgitate. Hmm, maybe I have some areas to improve on . . . . . do you think?

In Others’ Words:

Try to become not a man of success, but try rather to become a man of value.

~ Albert Einstein~

Simple Treasures

The other day I stepped into my teenage son’s room and found a simple life lesson up on his windowsill. There, so carefully arranged, were a dozen or so rocks of varying size, shape, color and texture. Each one had its own reason for being brought into this young man’s treasured collection. I picked up a few and admired their noticeable beauty and commented on his good fortune to have found such gems. They were not polished or faceted to be enhanced in any way. They remained raw and natural as they were when picked up from a rocky shore or mountain trail. Simply, they were rocks and his genuine appreciation for their unique and simple qualities brought a smile to my face. I love the lesson of simplicity these treasures have brought into his life. Let me explain.

Since my boys could walk we’d spend hours looking for treasures just below our feet. Everywhere we journeyed we’d look for rocks. Well, they are not hard to find, after all, they are literally everywhere. So, why do we look for rocks you ask? We look for rocks because they are beautiful and God did not make any two the same. Just like the people in this world each has its own look and each one holds its own beauty. It is just a matter of discovering their unique qualities.

What I might search for in the perfect rock, most likely is not what you would want. We have searched for the perfect round rock, heart shaped rock, flat rock, textured rock, and the list goes on. We’ve never found perfection, but we have come close. I actually found a rock in the shape of a fish in the mighty Colorado River. It has a mouth, dorsal fin and an eye in all the right places. And just inches away from the fish rock a light grey rock with a perfectly formed black heart in it’s center was discovered.  I also have a beautiful white heart rock that was retreived from the ocean floor by this same son when he first learned to scuba dive.  How interesting that he would be looking at rocks when most would be looking at fish.  Now all of these rocks remain with my treasures of varying kinds in my curio cabinet.

So, we collect things that many may look at as having no value. But truly the value lies not in the items themselves, but rather in what the process to acquire them has done in molding us.  Just as the tumbled rock loses its rough edges when tumbled long enough by the rough waters of a river we too can be refined by constant movement in our lives.  Yet we, as well, can benefit from times when we are not in motion,  times of reflection and peace.

I have a son who savors things in life because he has had those moments of pause that have brought him times of reflection and refinement that most just walk on by and would not notice.  He sees value in the common, familiar, and in many people’s eyes, the worthless things around us. This young man would rather hold something of nature than crafted by a machine. He has learned to recognize beauty in all things. In a sense, his eyes are wide open and simplicity has made him free.

In Others’ Words:

I have learned by some experience, by many examples, and by the writings of countless others before me, also occupied in the search, that certain environments, certain modes of life, certain rules of conduct are more conducive to inner and outer harmony than others. There are, in fact, certain roads that one may follow. Simplification of life is one of them.

~ Ann Morrow Lindbergh (Gift from the Sea)~