Shine the Divine: Creativity IS a Spiritual Practice: Sacred Purpose

NEXT Friday, May 31^st @ 1pm EST/GMT-4 will be our last “live” meditation tele-circle in The Healing Womb for the season. Podcasts will remain available through the summer.

Dial-in # 1-857-232-3000 Access code 475535

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

If you value how these podcasts bring some ease, release and healing into your life, please support this work with a small donation via PayPal.

Thursday, January 17, 2013

Sacred Purpose

black inked tattoos grace

the spaces between your breath

and mine feeding us

trees scrawl out their names

willing us to remember

their sacred purpose

mist from air too warm

meeting January snow

melting far too soon

trees bleed out our names

willing us to remember

our sacred purpose

Fresh snow hides poison seeds sown by unclean hands. Addicted to consumption we witness beauty and still do not change habits, destroying our home the very magnificence we adore. We must not squander what we have been given, nor forget we are all responsible for the planet and each other. Not me not you, WE.

Yesterday morning we awoke to fresh snow, the thaw passed, yet temps are still much higher than they ought to be this time of year in New Hampshire. YES I am an unabashed "tree hugger". Surprise!!!

The trees need our help, this earth is bleeding into the sea as icebergs melt and the waters rise in the ocean. Other places are thirsty and barren, but for animals and people starving and struggling to survive. Complaining, ignoring, these are not compassionate acts, and they will get us no where but into a deeper state of grief, anger and helplessness. However, if person-by-person we made changes in our consumptive habits, lived with more consciousness and care for this amazing planet turning, perhaps together, we can save our world from destruction by our own loving human hands. If not for our own sake, then for the sake of generations and species unborn, protecting Earth IS our sacred purpose.

Linking to:

himmelsk

macro monday
Tones on Tuesdays

the weekend in black and white

55 FFF for the G-Man

nature notes

62 comments:

Steve BorichevskyJanuary 17, 2013 at 6:59 PM
This is what it looked like north east Massachusetts, too. Unfortunately, I had to go to work and didn't have time to go out.
ReplyDelete
Myrna R.January 17, 2013 at 7:13 PM
I'm a tree hugger too and I realize we need to do more than hug. I hope we change our ways, that we bless the trees as they bless us. Thank you for your post Laura. Always, I appreciate your kind words.
ReplyDelete
Angela RecadaJanuary 17, 2013 at 7:17 PM
Bless you for spreading the word, Laura. These are difficult times, indeed. I hope enough of humanity wakes up very soon to the reality of what's happening to Earth and all who call her "home". Your photos of the trees are magnificent.

Blessings and love from one tree-hugger to another.
xoxoxo
ReplyDelete
Introverted ArtJanuary 17, 2013 at 7:28 PM
Stunning Laura.
ReplyDelete
Kim, USAJanuary 17, 2013 at 7:36 PM
I so love these photos and the words inspires me!

Kim,USA
ReplyDelete
Sherry Blue SkyJanuary 17, 2013 at 7:59 PM
Beautiful, Laura. Am right there with you.
ReplyDelete
KateriJanuary 17, 2013 at 9:03 PM
A woods lightly coated with snow is one of the most beautiful things in the world. Such beautiful photos!
ReplyDelete
MargaretJanuary 17, 2013 at 9:20 PM
The first and last photos are exquisite! I find the winter trees fascinating, and love the light and how it sounds so different walking through them now. I hear the woodpeckers easier and love to hunt them down with my eyes ... not always successful, but more so at this time of year! Beautiful, true words.
ReplyDelete
KarenJanuary 17, 2013 at 9:56 PM
Magical captures Laura. I'm a tree hugger too.
ReplyDelete
G-ManJanuary 17, 2013 at 10:57 PM
Laura...
What an exquisite bevy of TRUE Haiku's.
You absolutely KNOCKED OUT all of the prompts!
A fantastic piece of writing.
Loved your bucolic 55.
Thanks for including me in your mix of brilliance.
Have a Kick Ass Week-End
ReplyDelete
ladyfiJanuary 17, 2013 at 11:09 PM
So true - why is it that we squander so much? Beautiful beautiful!
ReplyDelete
Jidhu JoseJanuary 17, 2013 at 11:45 PM
lovely shots and nice lines
ReplyDelete
AmitAagJanuary 18, 2013 at 1:35 AM
Beautifully captured!
http://amitaag.blogspot.in/2013/01/theres-more-to-beach.html
ReplyDelete
Eli♦Bella bloggJanuary 18, 2013 at 2:34 AM
Beautiful and mysterious. Have a nice weekend.
ReplyDelete
anthonynorthJanuary 18, 2013 at 3:29 AM
Beautiful words and a strong message.
ReplyDelete
eileeninmdJanuary 18, 2013 at 5:31 AM
Layra, wow! Your photos are just gorgeous. I enjoyed seeing the trees in all the different lightings. Hubby and I are both tree huggers. Loved the poem, wish you a very happy weekend!
ReplyDelete
Tina´s PicStoryJanuary 18, 2013 at 5:37 AM
wonderful playing with the colors! thanx for sharing your piece of heaven with us :)
ReplyDelete
Kim MailhotJanuary 18, 2013 at 9:57 AM
What beautiful images surround your important reminder.
Thank you for your message today.
Happy Friday !
ReplyDelete
DelphyneJanuary 18, 2013 at 10:31 AM
Love this, Laura - another Tree Hugger here, so much so that my surname actually means Oak Trees in Spanish - I didn't know that when I was dating my now ex and I deliberately kept the name because of its meaning.

I often feel bereft about what humans are doing to the Earth and the rest of creation and when that happens, I connect even more deeply with the Earth to help me remember that she is the source and sustenance of my body and being.
ReplyDelete
Carol L McKennaJanuary 18, 2013 at 10:32 AM
Powerful post ~ lovely photography and poetry ~

(A Creative Harbor) ^_^
ReplyDelete
Dawn ElliottJanuary 18, 2013 at 10:57 AM
I couldn't agree more with the poignant Haikus and comments about humans' collective consumption in this world...may simplicity and caring for others come into vogue and become the standard to which we all strive...
ReplyDelete
MTWagginJanuary 18, 2013 at 11:15 AM
Your writing always makes me pause for thought and your pictures are so lovely. I hope it is okay but my Monday post this week is to direct people to your blog, I enjoy it that much.
ReplyDelete
Fitness BuffJanuary 18, 2013 at 11:23 AM
Beautiful pics. Happy ESH!

My entry.
ReplyDelete
JohnJanuary 18, 2013 at 11:34 AM
Beautiful photography and sentiment Laura.
ReplyDelete
Other MaryJanuary 18, 2013 at 12:24 PM
Beautiful images and words, and an important message. You hug those trees!
ReplyDelete
WabiSabiJanuary 18, 2013 at 1:15 PM
This is a beautiful, beautiful post! Your first haiku resonated in my soul!
ReplyDelete
Livet ... på Øvre Holt !January 18, 2013 at 2:51 PM
Thanks for your nice comment.You have some beatyful pictures and poem waaaaw !
ReplyDelete
TeresaJanuary 18, 2013 at 2:56 PM
Your pictures are beautiful, and the words profound. Very nicely penned.
ReplyDelete
Gemma WisemanJanuary 18, 2013 at 3:02 PM
An exquisite set of haiku! So loved the lines:
"trees scrawl out their names...
trees bleed out our names..."
A powerful, descriptive message!
ReplyDelete
DebbieJanuary 18, 2013 at 3:52 PM
i enjoyed my visit here today laura, your words warmed my soul!!

i so appreciate all of the outdoors, all the treasures, both large and small!! thanks for spreading such kind reminders, to take care of mother earth!!

ReplyDelete
DragonstarJanuary 18, 2013 at 3:53 PM
Your trees are so beautiful!
ReplyDelete
LeoviJanuary 18, 2013 at 3:57 PM
Simply exquisite, that gorgeous ... fantastic forest with fog!
ReplyDelete
BarbaraJanuary 18, 2013 at 4:01 PM
Beautiful! "Trees bleed out our names willing us to remember our sacred purpose" went right to my soul! Perfect words to go with your photos!
ReplyDelete
HansHBJanuary 18, 2013 at 4:27 PM
Great B&W!
Well done!
ReplyDelete
DeniseinVAJanuary 18, 2013 at 5:09 PM
A wonderful post! The pictures are fabulous and wise words for all of us.
ReplyDelete
Zandarmid PhotographyJanuary 18, 2013 at 6:24 PM
Those first two pictures are magnificent. As if I'm stepping into a Gothic fairy tale...

And yes, I agree with your message -- the world needs to take better care of its trees.
ReplyDelete
my heart's love songsJanuary 18, 2013 at 6:48 PM
i'm not sure that would be enough since so much damage is caused by corporations and governments, not individuals. i so worry for my grandchildrens' sakes!

♥
ReplyDelete
Priti.LisaJanuary 18, 2013 at 10:18 PM
Your a such an artist...the beauty of you shines
and even one gentle plea does make a difference. I am sure of that ♥
ReplyDelete
Beth NiquetteJanuary 19, 2013 at 12:25 AM
Ah, Laura--these pictures, your words, touched me so deeply. They fill my eyes...your words fill my heart. Blessings be upon you, dear one.
ReplyDelete
Beth NiquetteJanuary 19, 2013 at 12:25 AM
Ah, Laura--these pictures, your words, touched me so deeply. They fill my eyes...your words fill my heart. Blessings be upon you, dear one.
ReplyDelete
AmitAagJanuary 19, 2013 at 1:59 AM
Very nice monochrome!
http://amitaag.blogspot.in/2013/01/polished.html
ReplyDelete
GunssideJanuary 19, 2013 at 5:02 AM
Lovely post, I really like your two first shots ;)
ReplyDelete
Robert NicolaescuJanuary 19, 2013 at 5:16 AM
Beautiful series!
ReplyDelete
Magical Mystical TeacherJanuary 19, 2013 at 8:42 AM
The haiku about the spaces between breaths is divine. Thank you.

Love Story

ReplyDelete
teriJanuary 19, 2013 at 9:39 AM
Heartfelt words- your connection brings us all closer to seeing. xo teri
ReplyDelete
MarcieJanuary 19, 2013 at 1:21 PM
Beautiful...magical winter scenes and images!!
ReplyDelete
CarverJanuary 19, 2013 at 6:56 PM
I love trees. These are very beautiful and mysterious shots of them.
ReplyDelete
MerleJanuary 20, 2013 at 6:20 AM
Wonderful trees! I like it!

Happy sunday, Merle
ReplyDelete
ireneJanuary 20, 2013 at 9:56 AM
wisdom and power come through your photo and words today. i particularly like the phrases trees scrawl, trees bleed. thank you.
ReplyDelete
Vane M.January 20, 2013 at 3:52 PM
Lindas imagens e versões, gosto disso! Beijos!
ReplyDelete
Madge BloomJanuary 20, 2013 at 6:29 PM
Lovely wintry scene.. love the bare trees! I'm so glad you came by to share on Weekly Top Shot #66!
ReplyDelete
Kim NelsonJanuary 20, 2013 at 7:44 PM
I come here, mostly, Laura, to feel of your spirit. I am satisfied!
ReplyDelete
TracyJanuary 21, 2013 at 6:27 AM
GORGEOUS images, Laura... I'm a tree hugger to! ;o) That last line of your poem really struck me, " trees bleed out our names...willing us to remember...our sacred purpose"... I will carry this with me today. ((HUGS))
ReplyDelete
Hanne BenteJanuary 21, 2013 at 8:37 AM
Nice pictures youre showing:) Hanne Bente
ReplyDelete
TanyaJanuary 21, 2013 at 11:41 AM
beautiful!
ReplyDelete
MaryJanuary 21, 2013 at 12:13 PM
What a beautiful message to accompany stunning winter images!
ReplyDelete
kaykualaJanuary 21, 2013 at 1:13 PM
trees scrawl out their names
willing us to remember
their sacred purpose

There is that mystical feeling relating to the trees. The pics are classic and blends well with your verse. Nicely Laura!

Hank
ReplyDelete
Spare Parts and PicsJanuary 22, 2013 at 1:40 AM
A beautiful post... and really like your photo-editing!
ReplyDelete
D.M. SOLISJanuary 22, 2013 at 9:32 PM
Beautiful images and post. I am a poet, blogging about creativity as a life quality and find your work here most intriguing. If you would like to take a look at my blog, I hope you will. If not, kindly pardon this tiny intrusion. Peace and all good things for you in creativity and in life.

Sincerely,
Diane Solis
www.dmsolis.blogspot.com
ReplyDelete
Lisa GordonJanuary 23, 2013 at 12:54 PM
What a wonderful post this is, Laura, and your photographs are just gorgeous.
Happy day to you!
ReplyDelete
Love for Food and PhotographyJanuary 23, 2013 at 4:18 PM
Hallo Laura, nice to meet you :-)
your trees pictures are very beautiful, compliments for your work!
Hallo from Switzerland
Dany
ReplyDelete
ChristineeeeeFebruary 3, 2013 at 1:46 AM
Magnifiques photos !

Forêts enneigées
Magie hivernale
Les troncs élancés

Biseeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeees de Christineeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
ReplyDelete

Add comment

Bright Sparks:

Ellie

Your prayers (and the medication) are helping. Our precious dog Ellie has only had two small seizures since the first 10, in that terribly frightening twenty-four hour period the first day of March 2013. Unfortunately there are some new symptoms now, some problems with ulcerations in her nose, some difficulty breathing and she has gained 12 lbs (without eating more than she did before) since this began in March. This has our vet suspecting a pituitary tumor or something autoimmune going on. She is still her playful gentle self, but she seams to be slowing down some. Still wearing good-nites with the tail hole cut through to prevent accidents in the house. And she still needs to be let out many more times a day, and at least once in the night. Reminiscent the full time, fulfilling and difficult first years of raising our daughters. Infant care to eldercare, this is the circle of life one end tied into the other. Loving someone is not always convenient or easy; it gets messy, it gets scary. Yet how empty our lives would be without love and companionship. We have been and continue to be blessed with an abundance of love flowing through all the many illnesses we’ve nursed each other through over the years, both human and fur babies. Thank you to everyone for all the kind and compassionate messages, for every prayer uttered and held in your hearts. We are grateful for all of the support. My blogging will likely be limited for a while as we adjust to these changes in our family life.

Remnants

Before the eMeS, my now constant companion begged me to stay close to home, I taught art, yoga and meditation to Jewish teens in the Greater Boston area. The collage series in the slide show above was created using forgotten paper scraps that slipped between the cracks of the tables onto the floor, from an Art as a Sacred Practice class I taught to High School students several years ago. My intention was to find the intrinsic value in each remnant. Often the beauty of an individual person goes unrecognized or unappreciated until it is revealed in the context of a relationship; the same is true of colors, shapes and textures. Click on the images to take a closer look. They are tiny works, some no bigger than 1.5” x 1.5”