I Walk in Beauty

I live in awe of beauty.

The natural world touches my heart and soul more deeply than words can express.

So, when the time came to "finalize" the look of my blog, I knew that it must transmit the beauty of this world—as well as all the peace and joy its energy can bring us.

Thanks to a dear friend, my blog now has such a look. And though she desires to remain anonymous, this oh, so generous craftswoman must be thanked publicly for her gift. 'Tis true, she gifted me with the lovely, new banner you see above.

Over the last two months, we've worked together to create a visual expression of my highest hope for myself and others. Here are a few words of explanation:

First, calm. Symbolized by water. A limpid, yet refreshing pool of blue that invites us to let go, breathe, and be well. In a world characterized by static energy, often crescendoing into chaos, how important it us for us to find pockets of peace.

Next, clarity. When we are able to access a sense of calm, the world, both within and outside of ourselves, can be perceived in new ways. Emotions ease, thoughts wind down, and clear-seeing vision is ours. Spiritual practices, gently honed, symbolized here by a woman in "prayer," bring us home to our truest selves.

Finally, compassion. When we are calm and clear, wisdom rises up. Our inner knowing takes over and we lean into greater understanding of our journeys, of others. Our heart naturally breaks open and compassion takes up residence. We convey the Love we are sourced in, symbolized here by a flower in full bloom.

My highest hope for you when you visit here is that you will "feel" more calm, clear, and wise. That you will find an oasis of understanding and acceptance. That you'll feel welcome and safe enough for your heart to break open and shatter into a million tiny pieces, knowing that it can be put back together with Love. The Love that is here ... Love that is unbidden all around you ... the Love that you are ... and the Love that you can be to others.

Now, I know that is a pretty tall order for a blog, but, truly this is my hope. Thanks to fairy godmother, JRS, thanks to her vision, grace, and the technological know how (which I absolutely lack), we are here. Thank you, my dearest heart, for making my wish come true!

What joy, that each time I visit this page now, I get to take a walk in beauty. And please know this, my friends:

My ambling here is made all the more lovely because I get to walk with YOU.

You make this walk vibrate with beauty by your soulful presence here. How bland the journey would be if we did not have one another to share our stories and learnings with!

Together may we continue to walk in the spirit of how the Navajo elders prayed:

With beauty, may I walk. 

With beauty before me, may I walk.

With beauty behind me, may I walk. 

With beauty above me, may I walk. 

With beauty all around me, I walk. 

As always, I welcome your thoughts ...

~~~~~

(Image of "Woman Walking in Forest" by  Henri Rousseau. 

Poetic text excerpted from the Navajo Nightway Ceremony.)