I love to walk, to walk among the trails I find in my mind, they often remind me of the trails I find, when out in the forest entering into a blissful state of love combined.
I always wonder, is there anything more pulchritudinous than mother nature?
I keep walking deep into the unending route, I feel an unspoken warmth from the dark tall trees underneath.
Little I go on ahead bracing breeze kisses my face, as a chilled emotion rushes into my heart.
I stand still and enjoy the trees embrace.
Get to hear soothing sounds, pondering, if the sea is somewhere around.
Ambled with a bit of excitement I walked ahead; admired the waves play, little I came closer, saw the setting sun bidding me goodbye.
As I revel in the landscape, and fiery sky one last time, it occurs to me to rub my eyes, and prepare for a lullaby.
Sung softly and sweetly, by the trees surrounded, as they shift and swing in the breeze, and deep down, I feel something move, and within a smile parts my face as I revel in all that’s known today.
I am honored to share this collaboration between Soni, of Soni’s thoughts, and myself. Soni also drew the art, which was another of the amazing gifts Soni created for those that placed in the top 8 (of a host of amazingly talented and inspirational writers) of Soni’s Writing Contest. A lovely collaboration, and a wonderfully inspirational friend, is Soni.
The crack in the pane splinters in the solitude of its existence, and withdrawn reminiscence.
One becomes another, a fellow sees a brother, and as one moves west, the other moves east, in search of sameness, and a lot of relational discreteness.
Joined and separated by fragments of time, we are nonetheless intertwined, and in need of the same pastimes;
where we watch, and stop the heart from bleeding, and instead, take shelter in an awareness of all that pleasure,
of mind.
We Divine
as we are shown, the reality of all that’s here, my dear, know that you’re not alone now, and never have been, contemplation sincere.
I’ve been nominated by Gayatri Bagayatkar of, How to Teach a Difficult Child, for the Golden Bloggerz Award. I am humbled by the nomination by Gayarti. I started following How to Teach a Difficult Child some time ago, and, well, did so, because I went through many difficulties as a child and youth, and have been through many difficulties as a parent parenting children and youth today.
I find Gayatri’s site very informational, educational, and highly inspirational. If you’ve not checked it out, please do so.
What is the Golden Bloggerz Award?
The Golden Bloggerz Award was created by Chris Kosto to motivate and reward all the amazing bloggers that work daily to serve their audience and to recognize them for doing so.
The Rules
Place the award logo on your blog.
Mention the rules.
Mention the award creator and link to their blog.
Thank whomever nominated you and link to their blog.
Tell your audience three things about you.
Answer your nominator’s questions.
Nominate 10 people who deserve this award.
Ask the nominees 5 questions of your choice.
Let the nominees know of their nomination by commenting on their social media or blog.
Share links to 2-3 of your best/favorite posts.
Three Things About Me
I believe in creating contexts where people have the access they need to development, inspiration, and transformation. I live by these three concepts; they are interwoven throughout my personal and professional life.
Working to increase access to higher education for everyone, especially populations that have been historically denied access to higher education in the United States is something that I work on daily. Everyone should have the access they need to knowledge.
Leadership and Spirituality are important concepts and practices; and, they are much more interconnected that some might imagine. In fact, they are really one. Through my articles and poems my main goal is to increase access to connection and knowledge. It is important for everyone to feel connected, and to also have access to the knowledge they need to develop, inspire, and transform their lives.
My Answers to Questions from Gayatri
What is your passion and how did you pursue it ?
I am passionate about creating contexts that facilitate and foster change. I pursue change everyday. It’s a part of who I am as a human being. All iterations of myself have been interested in creating change. And, now I get to do so across multiple contexts, which is such a joy.
What is it about life that you would share from your experience to keep others motivated and going?
There was a time when I knew that all creative potential and future possibilities already lived within me, just like they do for you, and everyone else. Then, I forgot for a moment that lasted over 20 years. Yes, a long moment. However, awake again, I am here as an example that no matter what happens in your life, you can create the change you want to see and experience in your life. You can. It is not always easy, yet, really, it’s not supposed to be. Take one step today. One tomorrow. And, keep doing that.
How has blogging changed you or your life?
All of YOU lovely and inspirational people have changed my life. I love the blogging community, and each of you. I feel blessed everyday to have met, and get to continually connect with, such wonderful people. I’ve been welcomed with open arms, and for that I will always be eternally grateful. I appreciate each of you.
If you were to switch off all your devices for an entire day how would you spend the day?
In meditation and communion with Nature.
Do you believe in your inner strength to be the change you want to see ?
Yes! Without a doubt. Everything we need is already within us. In fact, the whole universe lives within us. It’s just how it works. When we understand and are connected to ourselves, well, then, anything and everything is possible. This is a truth I believe in and practice each day.
My Nominations
All of YOU! Really, I choose not to select only 10 bloggers. There are many different reasons why I find each of your sites inspirational; thus, you are all inspirational to me.
Questions for Nominees
If you choose to post, and even if you don’t, please feel free to share in the comments section, here are my questions.
What inspires you?
How do you use that inspiration as a blogger?
What is your favorite thing about blogging?
Favorite Posts
I don’t think about my posts in terms of favorites, as each blog (article, poem, reflection, etc.) has its own place in my heart. Each post is a piece of me in some way, so they are all my favorite. Even my very first blog, which was, coincidentally just about a year ago. Okay, here are three recent posts.
I’d also like to thank each of you for being, well, exactly who you are. Just as you are right now, in this moment. Exactly. I’ve met the most amazing people over the past year, each of you, and I am excited about the years to come. Thank you.
Wow, how is it that we are now in mid-April? Phew, not sure, time is moving, well, rather rapidly at the moment. Anyway, the past week was busy for numerous reasons. Yes, lots of work, and writing, and I did get my first vaccination dose last week.
More on that in a moment.
Let’s first take a look at two writing reflections, and two new series, shall we? Okay, here we go.
The poem Sprite, was inspired by the WDYS #77 prompt from Keep it Alive, by Sadje. I had a lot of fun with this little poem. Sadje’s prompt reminded me of being at the coast. Many of you know how much I love the beach, or coast, or sea, or shore, or whatever the ocean is called where you live. I grew up near the ocean, and love it much.
As I was reflecting upon the picture, it reminded me about my trip to Yachats a couple of months ago, and an antique store I visited during my trip. The prompt picture looks like something that the little shop would have stocked and sold. From there, it was off and running. One insight after another; and then, the poem was finished. Super fun.
Becoming (2)
The Poem Becoming (2), was inspired by a breakdown I had last Saturday. It was a rather large breakdown, which, as you might surmise I would write, is perfectly okay, even needed and wanted. Why?
Because it’s part of the process of being a human being. If we hold our emotions inside all the time, and actively resist them, we are resisting life. However, when we are with our emotions as they come, we are going with the flow of life.
I actually wrote the poem in intervals during the breakdown. Writing is, at times, how I process my emotions. It reminds me I am not alone; never, in fact, alone. None of us are. We are all connected. Always have been, always will be. Lovely.
Alright, some of you already know about one of these new series, Community Gardening, the first post of which was published this morning. As I wrote in the first post, it occurred to me this weekend that I’ll have many more updates from the community garden, which is why a new series made perfect sense.
I am excited to continue to update you as we move deeper into Spring, and then Summer.
One of the things I love to do where I currently live, Corvallis, Oregon, is hike. I love hiking, especially during the Spring and Summer. The weather in this part of the US is gorgeous during Spring and Summer. Love it.
It occurred to me that a series on hiking the Willamette Valley, then, made sense. I will travel throughout the valley this spring and summer and hike, reflect, and learn more about areas in the valley I’ve not yet visited. And, we can hike, reflect, and learn together through my trips. Fun.
I’ve not come up with a title yet. If you have ideas, please let me know. I’ve already completed my first hike, which was lovely, and will create the first entry in this new series in a week or two.
Vaccinations
Yep, I got my first vaccination dose, well, two Fridays ago now. It was actually a super simple process. I am grateful to all of the people working and volunteering to make the vaccine more and more accessible. Thank you.
Well, as many of you know, I do yoga everyday. Meditation is a step of yoga, which I’ve now practiced for almost 4 years. There are 8 steps in yoga, and while I have been meditating, or practicing Dhyana for years now, I am not as well practiced at body movement with the breath.
Therefore, my life coach and teacher has put me on a very gentle path to increase the movement and blood flow in and to my upper body. It is important that the practice is gentle, as I have two shoulder injuries, which happened some time ago, yet have been exasperated by the pandemic.
Anyway, the point is that I am finding great relief in the practice; and am excited about the movement returning to my shoulders. Awesome.
Sitting, I ponder the nature of our existence. Quiet mind, not a noise found anywhere, silent, stillness, and so much brilliance.
It fills my entire being with joy, of such immenseness, at times it’s hard to actually say more than this.
And, the more I learn, in fact, it seems it’s in the saying less where we find out what’s best.
It feels like it’s taken me an eternity to learn this truth. Yet, it’s really only been one moment since I was just a youth.
Time is funny that way, wouldn’t you say?
Long and drawn out in times of great stress, or when we are simply unsure how to handle life’s continuous tests.
And,
Short and awfully quick, in times when we are in a hurry, rushing from here to there, without even giving the scenery a second stare.
There is a third way, however, to see and experience, all that surrounds you. It’s seen when we slow down, and are present to each moment, caring for them as if they were the only gift that could possibly prevent our descent.
