Shine the Divine:

Creativity IS a Spiritual Practice

When we see through our hearts, we recognize that every single one of us is infused with creativity. Divine Sparks are embedded in everyone and everything. It's up to us to be courageous, to look and listen deeply, to find the sparks, gather and release them back into the universe, transformed into something new. Join me as we wake up to the sacred-ordinary blessings waiting to greet us each and every day.

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Friday, September 16, 2011

Grace



Swans are pure elegance as they glide across a river.

While we don’t feel the ease and confidence that seems so natural to a swan in all moments, each of us is blessed with our own inner compass. It beats in our chest and tells us to keep paddling even when we are not sure where we are going. With determination and faith a courageous heart grows. We learn that it is OK to struggle sometimes, to even make waves.

With practice we discover our own way to grace.

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at 12:00 PM
Labels: , ,
Posted by Laura

58 comments:

  1. UnknownSeptember 16, 2011 at 12:08 PM

    Did you write this for me?

    I have just been sending out some emails, most of them with the word "grace" in the subject line. Trying to explain my absence, trying to weave and unravel and glide.

    love to you. you live grace and give it in abundance and for that I am forever grateful. Keep shining.

    xoxox

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  2. KarenSeptember 16, 2011 at 12:11 PM

    I once glided like a swan! Now I waddle like a duck! MS has totally discombobulated my inner compass ;)
    Lovely photos Laura, and I keep paddling!

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  3. rjerdeeSeptember 16, 2011 at 12:12 PM

    Lovely words and metaphors to explain grace, a theme I found over at Collage of Life today. Great minds...

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  4. Genie -- Paris and BeyondSeptember 16, 2011 at 12:54 PM

    The grace of swans is a wonderful expression of your comforting words. We need to glide and yet make waves when needed. Lovely reflections.

    Bises,
    Genie

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  5. KarineSeptember 16, 2011 at 1:14 PM

    Thank you for this post, it gave me comfort on this day when I am not feeling particularly graceful :o)

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  6. SivindenSeptember 16, 2011 at 1:27 PM

    Great pictures of beautiful birds - lovely reflections!

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  7. teriSeptember 16, 2011 at 1:50 PM

    Ah you have brought words to what many people are feeling today... well done. I am continuing with the word balance for this year...I think it will be my word for a long, long time. I just started a book called Deep Water Passages- by Ann Linnea. A kayaker writing about her journey around Lake Superior- There has not been much gliding...I have the feeling like balance the gliding is in between. - xo teri

    oh and the verification word if you can believe it - is cruise

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  8. ClaudiaSeptember 16, 2011 at 2:17 PM

    yes - it's ok to struggle sometimes...thanks for the reminder...i tend to forget..

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  9. DebbieSeptember 16, 2011 at 2:34 PM

    all that matters is that we are in the water and we are paddling!!

    lovely photo's...have a wonderful weekend!!

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  10. Janice Lynne LundySeptember 16, 2011 at 2:39 PM

    Wonderful thoughts and guidance, Laura. I think swans and ducks and geese invite us to this. I love watching them every day from my office/couch. :-)


    Blessings of grace and ease upon us all!

    Have a lovely weekend my friend!

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  11. Sylvia KSeptember 16, 2011 at 2:54 PM

    Lovely reflections of such a beautiful swan and duck and a perfect match for the wonderful words! Great post for the day! Enjoy your weekend, Laura!


    Sylvia

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  12. jooSeptember 16, 2011 at 3:00 PM

    So beautiful Laura!
    Have a great weekend:)
    Hugs
    Joo
    xxx

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  13. ayalaSeptember 16, 2011 at 3:32 PM

    This is beautiful, Laura :)

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  14. 'TsukiSeptember 16, 2011 at 4:18 PM

    Lovely sharing this week again, dear Laura... Your words are so strong and your pictures so pretty...

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  15. DragonstarSeptember 16, 2011 at 4:40 PM

    What lovely, graceful photos Laura.

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  16. TexWisGirlSeptember 16, 2011 at 4:41 PM

    very nice, laura.

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  17. JimSeptember 16, 2011 at 5:00 PM

    Great.
    Sydney - City and Suburbs

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  18. JamesSeptember 16, 2011 at 7:01 PM

    Three wonderful photos and I like something best about each one. The top is such a beautiful bird, the middle has great looking concentric circles and the bottom has an excellent reflection!

    I hope you have a good weekend!

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  19. JanieSeptember 16, 2011 at 8:11 PM

    I'm good at paddling and even at making waves. But, darn, I always wanted to be that graceful swan!

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  20. AnonymousSeptember 16, 2011 at 8:25 PM

    The second shot intrigues. The dark duck against the lighter water is counterintuitive, which is probably why I like it so much.

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  21. G-ManSeptember 16, 2011 at 8:29 PM

    Laura...
    I always feel so uplifted after I visit here. You are an Angel...

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  22. SharonSeptember 16, 2011 at 8:47 PM

    A timely post for me too, Laura.

    Your words had me reaching for "Traveling Mercies" by Anne Lamott, page 143 where she writes, "I do not at all understand the mystery of grace - only that it meets us where we are but does not leave us where it found us." Amen and thank goodness.

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  23. CarverSeptember 16, 2011 at 10:05 PM

    Very beautiful words and photography.

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  24. Brian MillerSeptember 16, 2011 at 10:34 PM

    nice...with practice we discover our way to grace...love that line and how true..

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  25. RejenSeptember 16, 2011 at 11:36 PM

    Very nice pictures..;D

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  26. MyMaracasSeptember 16, 2011 at 11:51 PM

    Lovely words and photos. I love the textures, contrast, and pose in that second one especially.

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  27. lina@home sweet homeSeptember 17, 2011 at 2:01 AM

    Love your words and photos, Laura...

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  28. BirgittaSeptember 17, 2011 at 2:20 AM

    Such beautiful photos! Beautiful words also~*

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  29. isabella kramer - vereditSeptember 17, 2011 at 4:25 AM

    Thanks for this very poetic pictures Laura.

    wish you a wonderful weekend,

    cordially - isabella

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  30. JohnSeptember 17, 2011 at 5:18 AM

    Beautiful photographs and words Laura. So true too!

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  31. Tatjana ParkachevaSeptember 17, 2011 at 6:41 AM

    Lovely black and white photos.
    Your words are so true.

    Greetings and best wishes for you Laura

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  32. HalcyonSeptember 17, 2011 at 8:52 AM

    Pretty reflections!

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  33. IndraniSeptember 17, 2011 at 9:35 AM

    Terrific captures.

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  34. AnnieSeptember 17, 2011 at 10:36 AM

    Laura, Beautiful post! I totally agree. Grace is my best friend.
    xoxo

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  35. Yogi♪♪♪September 17, 2011 at 11:27 AM

    Beautiful photos, I love the encouraging words also.

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  36. theconstantwalkerSeptember 17, 2011 at 12:56 PM

    Lovely images and I have a really nice browse around your blog.

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  37. DimpleSeptember 17, 2011 at 3:45 PM

    You found some good reflections to illustrate your verbal reflection, Laura.

    I hope you and yours are well!

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  38. One Woman's Journey - a journal being written from Woodhaven - her cottage in the woods.September 17, 2011 at 4:06 PM

    Grace
    what would
    I have done
    without
    it in my life...
    Dear Laura,
    thank you
    have a good day.

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  39. Pat TillettSeptember 17, 2011 at 4:47 PM

    Great words and photos!
    Have a good weekend Laura...

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  40. ruthiSeptember 17, 2011 at 8:55 PM

    great photos. love them.

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  41. Rose - Watching WavesSeptember 17, 2011 at 9:19 PM

    Grace and ease - may we all enjoy them as they become available to us. Swans are great teachers, aren't they? As a ballet student, I danced in Swan Lake, trying to express the peaceful gracefulness of a swan, my white tutu and feathered headpiece helping with the illusion.
    Keep paddling and enjoy the times when we can float along.

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  42. SandyCarlsonSeptember 17, 2011 at 9:26 PM

    There are plenty of days I wish I were better at this. Thank you for this beautiful post. God bless.

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  43. CandaceSeptember 17, 2011 at 10:07 PM

    What a beautiful post and beautiful photos that tie so well to the message! Thanks for sharing them, Candace

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  44. Annelie EsséusSeptember 17, 2011 at 11:18 PM

    Beautiful!

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  45. LeoviSeptember 18, 2011 at 4:14 AM

    A nice crisp encuadre.Excelente B / W

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  46. Favourite picturesSeptember 18, 2011 at 8:55 AM

    beautiful birds

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  47. Deb ShuckaSeptember 18, 2011 at 9:51 AM

    Catching up today on the posts I've missed in the last couple of weeks. I'm soothed and comforted by your gentle words, incredible insights, and gorgeous photos.

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  48. IreneSeptember 18, 2011 at 12:45 PM

    It's amazing how swans can teach us human beings a valuable lesson in life!

    I'll be leaving your blog feeling refreshed and rejuvenated once again, Laura. Thank you so much! :-)

    Irene

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  49. OlgaSeptember 18, 2011 at 1:55 PM

    This is a very graceful post. Makes me ponder our actions during our everyday life.

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  50. EG CameraGirlSeptember 18, 2011 at 8:46 PM

    I don't feel like I have ever moved gracefully through anything, and I think most people feel awkward. Some are are just better at hiding their ungraceful moves. :)

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  51. Sallie (FullTime-Life)September 18, 2011 at 9:46 PM

    Beautiful thoughts. The changing of the seasons brings introspection that is, I think, good for us!

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  52. mermaidSeptember 19, 2011 at 4:17 PM

    I love how you return again and again to the shelter of your own heart for answers. Mother Nature does a pretty darned good job of guiding you there.

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  53. AnonymousSeptember 19, 2011 at 6:48 PM

    Lovely. My favorite is the second image -- the duck.

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  54. Myrna R.September 20, 2011 at 3:27 PM

    What a talented woman you are. I am grateful to have found you.

    And I must keep practicing grace. Thanks for this Laura. Your posts are always filled with such hope and spirit.

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  55. Lady NyoSeptember 20, 2011 at 5:33 PM

    Laura, I've said this before about your blog and writing, and I will say it again.

    Everytime I come here, I feel at peace, wiser (from your wisdom) and renewed.

    You are a remarkable woman and writer.

    Peace to you, dear, dear heart.

    Lady Nyo

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  56. FranciscaSeptember 21, 2011 at 12:07 PM

    Grace is nice to look at, even nice to feel; yet often it is struggle that leads to stretching our comfort zones, feeling alive, evolving our souls. Lovely reflections, Laura.

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  57. ThinkingSeptember 21, 2011 at 5:14 PM

    hmmm...nice post...

    Gratitude is the present we give to nature...

    I will again visit you soon.

    Nice blog !

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  58. KarenSeptember 22, 2011 at 12:44 AM

    Hi Laura,
    I can't seem to get to your latest posts. I click on it in my blog list, or try through Google reader but I always end up here, Sunday Sept. 18.

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