Freeze Frame

My dear husband use to tease me that I had absolutely no concept of time. For the most part he was right. I could easily let the day slip by while I soaked up the beauty around me. 

It is widely known that time slowly creeps by for the young, while the older one gets it passes too quickly. Although, I do admit time seems to be going faster as each year passes, there are still times when it almost stands still. I am most certain if this was my yard, I would often find time standing still as I enjoyed the peacefulness of this setting. 

I can easily picture myself sitting there sipping a tall glass of sweet tea as I listened to the chatter of the birds. Or perhaps dozing between pages as I read some historical novel while relaxing in this quaint garden. 

However, I  do believe if this was my yard I would use this area to contemplate why it is that time can on one hand feel like it is whirling by at break neck speed while at the same time feel like each day drags by slowly. Because time in retrospect always seems to have passed too quickly, even when it didn't feel that way.

Maybe what we all need is a special spot like this, a sort of Freeze Frame spot. A place where one can make time stop if only for a moment and just soak in the beauty around them.

New Year's Resolutions

The new year has begun and thus ends the whir and blur of the holiday season. Don't get me wrong, I love the time spent with family and friends; I love the beauty of the season and all the glitter and lights. With the end of one year and the coming of a new year my mind begins to focus on the future and plan what changes need to be made in the upcoming year. I have never considered myself one to make New Year's resolutions, and yet it occurs to me that in many ways the plans I make for the upcoming year are just that.

After feeling overwhelmed by the whir and blur of November and December, I have come to realize just how much I as an individual am in need of quite time.  Time to rejuvenate my spirit, time to foster inner peace, time to inspire creativity. Always the over achiever I realize that, as I have often done, last years plan left me with little time for quietude. While I did accomplish a lot last year, I often found myself feeling a bit overstretched and in a state of mental chaos.

Most likely because I enjoy spontaneity, down time rarely remains down time. Thus my plan for the new year is to schedule regular quiet time. To help myself remember to do just that I have created this inspirational print and will be hanging it above my desk.

What kinds of New Year's resolutions have you made? What methods or reminders do you use if any to help you follow your New Year's resolutions?

Relaxation & Empowerment Through Imagery: Running of the Grunion

by Nita Davis

photo compliments of morguefile.com

 On this warm summer night, the full moon is high in the sky as we stroll along a Southern California beach. The ocean breeze has cooled the night air after the hot day. We slowly walk along the shoreline silently enjoying the slightly salty taste of the fresh sea breeze in our face. The gentle swoosh, swoosh of the waves as they roll toward the sand caressing it with such tenderness eases our tattered nerves. We can feel the tension in our bodies begin to relax.  Looking to the horizon beyond the waves a sense of awe overcomes us as we gaze at the night sky scattered with millions of stars glittering down on the dark ocean. At this very moment there are no worries in life, no struggles to be fought only beauty to permeate our souls. The hour is late and the tide is high, sweeping in with it a brilliant display as each wave begins it's curl. We are mesmerized by the phosphorescent glow that begins to form in the curl of the wave turning it a bright silver. We are graced by the beauty and strength we witness as the wave deposits thousands of small silver fish known as Grunion at our feet bound for their annual spawning ritual. As we watch the females work their way into the sand to lay their eggs while the males dance around them in a curved motion for only moments until the wave sweeps the males back into the ocean. The females are left behind as they make their way out of the sand to return to the ocean on the next wave. Watching the struggles of the females as they return only to be replaced by more Grunion both male and female to take their turn in the spawning ritual we are reminded that every creature whether big or small faces obstacles to survival. Fully relaxed we return to our car knowing that if such a small fish can battle the mighty ocean every year to lay their eggs in the sand along the shore surely we can survive the challenges before us.
I hope you have enjoyed my imagery. If you have never had the opportunity to observe the running of the Grunion and are in or visiting California during the full moon from about April through August I strongly encourage doing so. Click here or here to learn more about this amazing example of resilience.

Come Walk With Me

Image courtesy of www.morguefile.com

As we leave the path that has taken us past the long grass and reeds of the dunes to the shoreline, we slowly step upon the golden sand. With each step the warm sand gently massages our tired feet, delivering them from the ache brought on by unforgiving shoes. Breathing deeply of the fresh clean air, our spirit is refreshed. The ocean mist lightly touches our skin, bathing us in its salty glory. Walking along the shore the warmth from the mid morning sun wraps itself around us, as if cradling us in its arms protecting us from harsh reality. We continue along not speaking just absorbing all the beauty that nature is offering. Off in the distance we can hear the faint cry of gulls as they glide along the crisp blue skies. We sense the harmony of nature as it pulls us into its fold. Nearing the waters edge the sand begins to cool, soothing our feet even more as the gentle rolling tide of the ocean dampens the ground before us. Soon we are mesmerized by the gentle swoosh, swoosh of the tide as we make our way to my favorite resting spot. Spreading a soft blanket upon the warm sand just beyond the reach of the surf we sit to relax in the mid morning warmth quietly watching the aqua blue waves build upon the ocean, gloriously sprouting white frothy tips on their crest. Lying back upon the blanket we gaze up at the bright blue sky just in time to see a fluffy white cloud slowly drift by, taking with it all our worries. A strong feeling of peace washes over us as we listen to the steady rhythm of the surf. Ever so gently we are lulled into a state of tranquility. Consciousness begins to drift as if upon the current of the sea, gently rocking until we drift into a peaceful rest.
By: Nita Davis
 
I hope you have enjoyed our walk.