Amid the hundreds of thousands of deaths across the globe due to COVID-19, the senseless and horrific deaths of black men and women at the hands of white racists here in the states, the rioting across our country as the result of those crises, and the ‘leadership’ of a president who continues to fan the flames of hate and intolerance, it’s often hard to find joy.
This one daisy standing alone in a dark field reminded me of how hard it is to find joy when everything looks so bleak.
Most days, what saves my soul from total despair are my picture walks. When I’m out and about on a trail with my camera, the sadness of the world falls away as I look for things to photograph that capture my attention, my curiosity or my heart. It feels like a form of meditation.
A Flycatcher and a Goldfinch
A Nessus Sphinx Moth (aka Hummingbird Moth)
Baltimore Oriole and a Gray Catbird
A Barn Swallow and a Tree Swallow
Yellow Warbler
The Cambridge English Dictionary defines meditation as, “the act of giving your attention to only one thing, either as a religious activity or as a way of becoming calm and relaxed.”
A Brown Thrasher and an Eastern Kingbird
White-tailed deer looking coy
Once I spot something that looks interesting or beautiful or odd, there’s no room in my brain for any worries other than how to get the best shot that I can. It’s a game of sorts really–one that I never seem to tire of. Did I get the settings right? Should I change where I’m standing? Can I get a little closer without scaring the animal away? When I do get most of those things right, and the picture turns out clear and crisp and appealing, I feel like I’ve accomplished something.
The Bullfrogs always bring a smile to my face!
Columbine
Green Heron
A Painted Turtle and an American RobinMourning Dove
In addition to feeling like I’ve accomplished something, my picture walks are good therapy. At the end of a very long day of unrelenting heartbreak in the news, I can take to the trails to unwind and re-focus, both literally and figuratively, to find all the beauty that still remains.
A Gosling and a pair of MallardsSpotted Sandpiper
Mute Swan
A Red-winged Blackbird and a Tree SwallowNorthern Map turtle shedding its scutesLupine
I am a 76 year old retired teacher with an avid interest in hiking and photography. I am not a professional photographer, but spend almost every day exploring the natural world, taking pictures and honing my skills. When I review the pictures I have taken, I love researching information about the things I have found-- and then sharing my results with others. The time I have spent walking in the woods (including 4 months on the Appalachian Trail at 68) has always been somewhat therapeutic. When I added photography to the mix a few years ago, it quadrupled the therapeutic effect! Opening pictures on my computer at the end of the day is like opening presents. There are always surprises! It allows me to see so many details that were not visible to my naked eye! I have learned so many new things about birds and bugs, reptiles and mammals that I never knew before--and I have also found, that when I share with others, I invariably learn something new!
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4 thoughts on “The Beauty that Remains”
Thank you so much for your posts. Your willingness to share your meditations is much appreciated.
Thank you so much for your posts. Your willingness to share your meditations is much appreciated.
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Thanks, Anne. I appreciate your feedback. Sharing is part of the therapy!
Beautiful. I so appreciate that you share this with us.
Thanks, Elyse. Sharing is part of the fun.