Tag: Nature Photography

Everything is Sacred

Everything is Sacred

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Connecting with the land and sea was my first intention for journeying back to Ireland. The other was to see more megalithic sites from 5000 or more years ago. Inis Mor is covered with them and it was a wonderful experience to explore them back in September of last year.

There is something incredibly special about being in silence where people came together 5000 years ago to connect with each other in reverence to the Earth, Spirit or even for protection. It isn’t difficult to feel the essence of these places for many were built in natural concentrations of Earth energy.

Yesterday while in the Burren National Park I stepped up to a very large rock that towered over my head and was massive in size. I leaned against it and placed my forehead against the rough, gray surface and went into silence.

I heard clearly that every place is sacred and not to be attached to visit places where others gathered, even if they left behind structures and carvings of art. There are many places that have not been labeled and they are just as sacred. The message continued, “Feel the energies of each place and go to where you feel guided. You will feel the true source of power behind the place in its raw form, not changed due to thousands of tourists who visit and thus alter the energies.”

It made perfect sense. In the park there was the sweetest energy on the trail we walked. It felt like a cocoon of nurturing calm. There were several places that invited me closer and made me want to simply immerse myself in the rugged landscape and quiet groves of ash trees.

Everything is sacred. It’s up to us to slow down and listen for the whispers that guide us deeper into relationship with the Earth and Her children. When we do that, there’s no telling what we will discover.
May Your Life Rise Up to Meet You

May Your Life Rise Up to Meet You

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May the dawn find you at peace with the coming day.

May the beauty of the first flower of spring cause joy to burst forth with gladness from your precious heart.

May the cycles of coming and going of the moon ever remind you of the cycles of your own coming and going.

May the life that longs to live in you rise up like the Earth’s daily awakening and guide you ever onward to your hearts true calling.

May every breath that warms your lips be one of peace with your life.

May your life be the true expression of your soul’s brilliance.

And may you find friendship with all of creation so you know you are never alone.

 
The Magic of Ireland

The Magic of Ireland

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Back in September I spent ten days in Ireland, mostly on the island of Inis Mor. The pull was strong to return to the land where I felt most free, most able to be myself.

So four months later I find myself sitting in a cottage on a hill in Doolin looking at stars twinkle through the window before me while the lights of the village twinkle down the hill. Beyond that, the mighty Atlantic Ocean.

Yesterday the Cliffs of Moher called to my spirit as I hiked the muddy path perched high upon the edge. Even with the multitudes of humanoids that visit during the summer season, the power of the land and sea remains steady and enormous.

By way of recommendation of a shop owner, my friend and I traveled to Ennis and I purchased a new Irish whistle to add to my collection of Irish instruments, the intention being to purchase it on the visit and play it in various locations. I wanted to infuse the sweet sounds of it with the magic of Ireland.

Today found us on a beach during low tide. Rivulets of sea water reflecting the sky reminded me of the sea running through my veins and I felt at one with the land and ocean…perhaps more so than ever before.

The Poulnabrone Dolmen has called to me from the first time I saw photographs of it so it was on the list of places to visit. When we arrived heavy clouds were moving in and after being at the portal tomb for only a few minutes, it began to rain and sleet. Everyone left but me…and the spirits of the place.

I kept my camera out and removed the whistle from my pack and sat down. The wind made playing very difficult but I managed to produce a few sweet notes. As a played I sent love and thoughts for a peaceful rest and afterlife for those thirty-three individuals that had been laid to rest there perhaps 5000 years ago.

From my heart I played and then stopped, closed my eyes and dropped into stillness. The rain stopped. The clouds parted and within minutes the only clouds in the sky overhead were feathery wisps that seemed to decorate the top stone.

Tonight at a local pub, Irish music filled my heart and brought tears of joy. The magic of Ireland is helping rekindle the magic within me. And for that I am ever so grateful.
Treasures

Treasures

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Sometimes our greatest treasures are those we forget we have.

The poem scribbled on a scrap of paper.

A rock from a stream where the elk appeared from dark, green woods.

A shell found on the beach during that amazing sunrise.

The white horse appearing as if by magic.

Sunrise at the prehistoric fort in Ireland.

Using our bank account balance or the amount of cash in our hand to measure wealth will surely lead us to misery, even if they are filled…because then we worry they won’t be.

Our real, lasting treasures are those that are priceless. This is the wealth upon which we truly build our lives.
Cycling in the Clouds

Cycling in the Clouds

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It wasn’t high altitude that created the sensation of cycling in the sky. The clouds came down…far down to sea level.

While the space above me was beautiful, it was the puddles of puffy clouds below that expanded my sense of space and time. That sensation of pedaling above the ground stoked my imagination, fueled my spirit.

Life is so much more than we see at first glance. If we look a bit closer we find Oneness reflecting back to us in the most unexpected places.