Reflecting on Peonies

Peony Still Life by Susan Waterman

Capturing a moment in time has long been a driving force for painters and photographers.  In my dining room we have a large framed photograph, Peony Still Life.  Each time I see it I take a moment and reflect on how life moves quickly and to keep perspective and gratitude in mind.  Nature always bring me into a more relaxed and understanding perspective.  Taking a short walk I am reminded of how large the world is, and in relation, how small my problems really are.

"Always aim at complete harmony of thought and word and deed. Always aim at purifying your thoughts and everything will be well." 

Mahatma Gandhi

Through the Threshold

Ashland Threshold by Susan Waterman

Life is a fascinating series of events.  When I reflect on times that I have struggled, it seemed confusing as to why I had to go through certain conditions. In hindsight I can now see that life changed me, altered my reality in some expansive way. These life lessons allowed me to move on to a new next phase.  At times living is joyous, at times a struggle, but it is always expansive, urging us on to be stronger, wiser, more of who we really want to be.  We may not know where steps may lead, we only know that we must keep moving forward.  Hopefully we listen, following our heart which guides us.



"When the soul remembers, what will it say? Go in the wind...like someone who knows their way. Though in my heart I'm only obeying a voice that pulls me forward...only forward."  -film "Illuminata"

Happiness is a Butterfly

Monarchs Upon Flowers by Susan Waterman

We look for fulfillment each day, but often end up filling ourselves up with things we don't need in an attempt to quiet the emptiness we feel. Some people use food to obtain a feeling of fullness, some choose to zone out by watching an endless stream of television, and a lot of us, true to the American way, attempt to buy something that will fix us, making ourselves the person we long to be. Owning an exercise bike will not make you fit. Life requires effort and being able to honestly listen to yourself without distraction.

 

“Happiness is a butterfly, which when pursued, is always just beyond your grasp, but which, if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you” Nathaniel Hawthorn