Settling Into Being

Quote of the day: “Our task is to say a holy yes to the real things of our life.” – Natalie Goldberg

Traveling Garden Gnome

Ok, I can hear you already, “What does a traveling garden gnome have to do with ‘Settling into being’ or with the real things in life?”  I don’t know for sure.  All I know is that I’ve been enjoying playing with my garden gnome statues in the garden and out on photography shoots.  And my friends are responding by wanting to buy photo cards of my cute little guys.  They are just so silly and cute.  What’s not to like about garden gnomes?

Seriously, I think there is a relationship between “Settling into being” and my recent spate of photographing garden gnomes.  I’ve finally relaxed out of the driven “you have to create a successful business” mode into more of a moment to moment awareness of the choices I am making.  There is no one right way.  I am fortunate to have all I need in my life.  So there is no thing I need and no place I need to get.  This brings me great freedom to grow and learn and become conscious of how I am spending my moments.

Having freedom doesn’t mean I plan to sit around eating bonbons all day.  But, I am making more conscious and mindful choices about how I think, where I focus, and what intention is behind the work I do.  My intention is to create photographs that embody infinite love, gratitude and a radical acceptance of what is.

Gandhi said, “You must be the change you want to see in the world.”  I want to see a more peaceful, loving, joyful world.  So I gotta figure out how to BE more peaceful, loving, and joyful.  It’s a lifelong journey that never ends.  Each moment I get to ask myself “What brings me joy?”  and then find a way to create that joy.  I get to focus on what I’m grateful for and what’s right with the world.  I get to create whatever I want to create.  Lately I’m finding joy creating photos of garden gnomes.  Go figure.  I never would have guessed that such a silly activity would bring me joy.  But here I am and  I am very blessed and full of joy.  May you find peace, love, and joy today also.

More silly gnome photos:

Hiding in the flower garden

Traveling Gnome

Hiding Out in the Pine Tree

Gnome Home

Two fisted Tomato-loving Gnome

Dahlia for Beauty