Nature Archives - Page 9 of 32 -

Really Right Stuff

By Simone Lipscomb | March 8, 2013

My manfrotto tripod has allowed me to capture images in low light situations as well as images of myself when there's nobody around to squeeze the shutter — My manfrotto tripod has allowed me to capture images in low light situations as well as images of myself when there’s nobody around to squeeze the shutter and I want to remember that I WAS HERE! In Cornwall, Great Britain

My old Manfrotto tripod has been with me in mountain streams, in the Gulf of Mexico, to Bonaire, the Pacific Northwest, Mexico, in Mobile Bay, Cornwall, Glastonbury….and places in between. During my travels it has supported my camera in low light situations and thus supported the work I do.

*Sunset at Gulf of Mexico…the salt water and quartz sand just about finished my poor Manfrotto off….(sigh)*

Last summer nearly destroyed my work-horse tripod. I was using it in the Gulf taking photographs of the sunset. Sand and salt water got into every crevice until the legs sounded like a pepper grinder with glass in it when I attempted to adjust them. I took it apart after rinsing it and cleaned it but it has given notice that its days are numbered. Too much irritation from those pesky granules of white quartz sand. One too many trips in checked luggage handled by gorillas who work in the baggage handling black hole of airports (remember those commercials?).

So after much gnashing of teeth I have invested in a Really Right Stuff ball head carbon fiber tripod. Or I have ordered it. New support system on the way! The thing about these tripods is they are the best support you can purchase for cameras….or so they claim. Strong, durable, made in the USA! And with their support, the Nikon D 800 can almost turn flips panning to get those shots I’ve never been able to get before…just because of the incredible support provided.

A good support system allows a photographer to capture images that she can be in...where she doesn't want to forget the place or company — A good support system allows a photographer to capture images that she can be in…where she doesn’t want to forget the company or the place. This was taken at Observatory Beach on the western peninsula of Washington

Support. Isn’t it amazing to receive. The definition of support includes words like sustain, hold up, bear, serve as foundation for, maintain by supplying necessities. Throughout my life there have been definite supporters–believers in my work, my path. Yes…they have even believed in me when I haven’t. When I doubted.

My mother is such a support…a “tripod” in my life that has witnessed my first breath and lived through my cave diving, solo travel abroad and other exploits that have pushed her fear buttons. I really appreciate her. (And no mom, I don’t think of you as the old Manfrotto…smile).

There have been many others as well. And maybe there are taboos on writing about a former husband but I’ve never been one to follow rules. The support that Ray gave me throughout our time together was solid. He was a foundation for helping me gather myself up from a time, many years ago, when I had lost nearly everything. From the beginning he believed in what I came to the planet to do, even when I felt smothered in self-doubt. When my first book was published he gave me a framed copy with the words Dreams Do Come True printed beneath the book. I keep it hanging over my desk as a reminder.

Without support, this image wouldn't have been possible. Ray gazing into the night sky on the Blue Ridge Parkway — *Without support, this image wouldn’t have been possible. Ray gazing into the night sky on the Blue Ridge Parkway*

While the winds of change blew us apart physically, I know without a doubt that his support over a decade ago, and throughout our relationship, is what made the difference in my life. That is truly the really right stuff. And I remain deeply grateful.

Living in the Moment

By Simone Lipscomb | February 28, 2013

Stanley and Gracie teach me about relaxing into the present moment

When we are really supposed to learn something it seems as if it continues to come up over and over in our daily lives. Have you ever noticed that? Themes that pop up so often you can’t ignore them?

Of late the idea of living in the present moment has been bombarding me from every direction. My meditations are filled with this encouragement. While I am in nature or performing everyday tasks like folding clothes, cleaning the cat box or washing dishes, I feel an inner nudge to stay anchored in the here and now.

This way of living doesn’t mean we neglect the ‘future’ by being irresponsible; far from that, it really helps us embrace the fullness of each day without getting stuck in worry and anxiety. We are then able to create a clear path for the future as we sweep away that which keeps us tied to the past.

It could be, at first glance, viewed as a cliche. But be assured there is absolutely nothing trite or cliche about it. In fact, being fully present is one of the deepest spiritual practices I have ever experienced. And it takes a lot of practice. But I finally feel the joy of choosing to be present with whatever is happening. Even if it’s deep emotional pain…choosing to stay with it, to breathe through it, I find the way to the other side of it.

Sunset over Gulf of Mexico at Fort Morgan Beach

Without hesitation I admit that nature is what most calls me to be present. Beyond seeing flowers, the Gulf, wildlife superficially, I look deeper and connect with my breath. Stopping to smell the azaleas, I inhale their sweetness and take in the pink color and exhaling I feel gratitude. Gazing out over the Gulf of Mexico I inhale the beauty of light dancing on the surface, blue-green color, pelicans diving, fish splashing….and I exhale gratitude.

This simple practice helps me stay in this beautiful present. I long to see past appearances and connect to the essence of life that constantly surrounds me. Life is only found in the moment. It is right here. When we are focused on the past or future we actually miss living our lives.

Random, wandering horse in desert. Bonaire, N.A.

Here is a short video on living in the moment. Just click this sentence to link to it.

No Disappointing Days

By Simone Lipscomb | February 26, 2013

You never know what will happen when you set your intention for a morning of manatee interaction. An impromptu trip with a gal pal to snorkel with our sea cow friends and spend some time SUP boarding gave us more than we’d hoped for but not what we expected.

We took off this morning just before sunrise with the outfitter and our favorite captain. When we walked into the dive shop I saw a cave diving icon (sorry Harry) that actually taught my cave instructor. He and his group were on the same boat we were on so we had a chance to visit which made the trip even more fun.

But the manatees were not in Three Sister’s Springs today. It was warm so they were out feeding and this, of course, is wonderful for them. So we swam around the springs and headed back out to the boat and then spent the next couple of hours going on a manatee search. Since I was dressed in a dry suit, I got to be the scout and swim out and check places to see if there were any nearby.

At one point I slipped into the murky, green water of King’s Bay and floated, still and silent, after we saw the ‘footprint’ or ripples of water that were left behind by a swimming manatee. I never saw them but heard a mom and baby communicating through their high-pitched whistles. When I got back on the boat my mates told me that they had seen the manatees swim right beside me…due to the green water I never saw them but definitely felt their presence.

After easing around the bay and different springs we happened to come upon a group of four manatees….two of which were VERY large. They were mating. Huge, round tails danced in the air, heavy bodies rolled in the water, and the intensity of manatee love was so strong that smart snorkelers stayed far away from the nuptials and observed with cautious excitement.

So no babies played with my camera housing, none wanted to interact. But how amazing to know that next year when I visit there will be new babies that add to the beauty of our planet and the specialness of these beautiful, warm springs.

My YOLO teak cruiser is a true friend. We have been in some amazing places.

I spent three hours after lunch SUP boarding in serious wind. I’d duck into quite canals or springs and float with anhingas and mullet. I spent time visiting with manatee volunteers, and had a heck of a work out paddling against the wind and then riding it back across King’s Bay…a downwinder that made me push myself with physical effort and laugh at the outrageous speed gained over open water with such a big wind.

You never know what you’ll get when the day begins but it’s guaranteed that if you keep the heart and mind open, there are no disappointing days.

The Seeds We Plant

By Simone Lipscomb | February 22, 2013

As the elliptical trainer whirled and my heart rate increased, my mind calmed. This rainy morning forced an indoor workout so to pass the time, I turned on an audio of a favorite speaker, John O’Donohue, and listened to his address called, Love Antidote. Even though it has been heard many times, more good stuff was gathered from his wisdom.

When he told a story or introduced an idea, my mind would take it and turn it over like a stone, wet from its life in a clear river. Textures, layers, colors spoke to me and offered insight into the human condition.

Have you ever had someone plant an idea in your mind that was based in fear? I have seen how much deep damage can occur when others sow seeds of fear and doubt in the minds of those we love, creating fertile ground for distrust to occur. The destruction of trust, joy and happiness that occurs when seeds such as this are scattered can be devastating.

I once had the privilege of helping teach a woman consumed with fear how to dive. She stood on the pool deck, that first night of class, and was shaking uncontrollably. Not even wet or in gear, she was terribly afraid. While my partner/instructor began the class, I began to work with her. What was uncovered were deep-seated fears about trusting herself. As a child she was taught to fear, to not trust herself to make good decisions. She experienced much growth from facing her fears and with a lot of one-on-one instruction from my partner, went on to become a good diver.

A friend of mine diving in Bonaire (not my student) — A friend of mine diving in Bonaire (not the student I referenced in writing) showing the joy that can occur from doing something that pushes us through our fears

“Occasions of fear are invitations for freedom and courage.” (John O’Donohue)

How many times do we allow seeds, that other people plant within our minds, destroy our peace of mind or even relationships with those we love? How often do those seeds of fear grow into mind-beasts that control us and ruin our happiness or our potential for happiness?

John said that fear blinds us and we see only one door, one possibility, when there might be seven or eight doors. Every person is the holder of incredible possibilities. Deep down, he said, we know exactly what is going on and we have to give that truth a chance. If we can drop into stillness, silence and solitude everything that needs to happen will happen. The key is recognizing the seeds planted by others, that we have watered and tended with attention, that overshadow the truth.

Injured diver from Great Britain doing a dolphin therapy session

He tells of sitting at people’s bedsides while they are dying and finding that regret is one of the loneliest places humans can ever find themselves.What is it that your heart truly wants to do but you are too afraid to do, he asks? What seeds have others planted that have made you doubt your own heart’s voice? How does fear keep you from living your life the way you want to?

So many need help…..children, animals, rivers, oceans, elders, trees, veterans. What holds us back? What seeds of fear have we allowed to take root so deeply that we choose no action rather than risk an imagined or perceived outcome based in fear, not in truth?

What if we choose to sow seeds of love and compassion? If we align our passion with that group or situation we feel most drawn to, only good can come from our step toward that which calls us. What is your passion? What opens your heart? My wish is that we all have the courage to step out of fear and follow our heart’s path. Imagine the results!

Girl Scouts welcoming wounded veterans to Key Largo, FL

Seeing with Different Eyes

By Simone Lipscomb | February 22, 2013

I was playing at the end of a dive in about six feet of water in Bonaire, N.A. The colors....the patterns....ahhhh — I was playing at the end of a dive in about six feet of water in Bonaire, N.A. The colors….the patterns….ahhhh

My artist cousin invited me to an art opening in Pensacola….an underwater photographer had an exhibition opening at Pensacola State College Visual Arts Center. Sure….of course! With no idea of what to expect I arrived at the gallery and met Donna.

We started walking through the gallery and I told Donna the images looked just like the places in Florida where I cave dive. Sure enough, the walls were filled with images of freshwater springs in Florida that are very familiar to me. Karen Glaser had captured the visuals most people never notice when entering the underwater caves of Florida. Most photographers want to capture the arches and tunnels that make the underwater passages so spectacular but Karen doesn’t photograph the caves, she focuses on the somewhat abstract images of duckweed, algae, patterns of light and shadow and the geometries of water rings from a place at the surface, just beneath it in fact.

Sometimes it seems we overlook beauty that is right in front of us. We set our internal compass to the destination with little regard for the amazing beauty we pass along the way. All it really takes is for us to let go of that hell-bent dash toward our goals and allow each step along the way to gift us with a treat, a treasure.

While underwater, divers can become seduced with the idea that the faster they go, the more they will see. To the contrary, the faster you go the LESS you see. No matter how many times I told this to scuba students, I would see their frustration when I would slowly frog kick along, observing minute creatures of amazing beauty as they tried to hover and stirred up billowing clouds of silt or sand. (…..sigh……)

Photo by Ed Jackson in underwater cave, Akumal, Mexico

The brain can only process a finite quantity of information that the eyes gather. My theory is if I go really slow, I’ll actually see more.

When I first visited the caves of Akumal, Mexico, I remember trying to sleep at night and my brain processed the entire day spent in the amazing formations of these underwater cathedrals. My eyes took in so much beauty and my brain was hungry to review and process it, even while I tried to rest.

Entrance to underwater cave in Akumal, Mexico

When we choose to see with different eyes, to take time to slow down, to look at life differently, we might find the treasure we really want lies in front of us, in the present moment, not at some far-away destination.

Sometimes I just pray the beauty I see is somehow translated via the photograph. I took this one in the Nohoch system in Akumal, Mexico

After a while away from underwater caves, I’m headed back into their inky, spectacular beauty….and I can hardly wait! I will make some dives in Florida with buddies and then on to Mexico in autumn with my good friend Connie LoRe. Excitement builds and I can’t wait to get there but I enjoy the entire journey with each dive before then, whether in a cave or open ocean.

I treasure each moment underwater for these precious times teach me to see with different eyes.