What a gorgeous week it has been. We enjoyed open windows most of the week, And I rejoiced in feeling gentle breezes caress my skin. One evening I went out to make night photographs in our neighborhood.
Soft Summer Night
While I’ve dreamed of going up north and finding a place to photograph the milky way, this week I stayed put at home and found beauty in my own front yard at night.
“The sky grew darker, painted blue on blue, one stroke at a time, into deeper and deeper shades of night.”
― Dance Dance Dance
I have been following the news of the United State’s withdrawal from Afghanistan with dismay and horror this week. Though I have no desire to see the 20 year occupation by U.S. forces continue, I grieve for the people of Afghanistan who have known nothing but war for decades.I also grieve for the suffering that our country has caused or will cause by our actions there. And I particularly feel sorrow for the women of Afghanistan who face a complete loss of rights and any gains they may have made in the last 20 years. It breaks my heart to think about what so many people of that country face right now.
Today, my sorrow over what is happening in Afghanistan and over climate change bring up feelings of helplessness and powerlessness. Top that off with the terrible news of another devastating earthquake in Haiti and I risk wallowing in despair.
Antidote to despair
Instead I spend time out on the deck swing soaking up the beauty of the day and sending prayers of loving kindness to the world. What else can I do?
How is it that I am so blessed in my life here in Minnesota and so many face such pain and sorrow? All I can do is to send prayers of loving kindness to all who are in pain, to all who suffer. And to recognize how privileged and lucky I am in my life right now. I look for ways to share what I have with those in need.
“The wound is the place where the Light enters you.”
―
Then I look around me and see all the beauty of the world. And I give thanks again. The joy I feel is tempered by the sorrow and fear of all who are suffering.
May all beings be free from suffering and fear. May they be healthy and happy. And may they thrive and prosper and find beauty.
“I want to see beauty. In the ugly, in the sink, in the suffering, in the daily, in all the days before I die, the moments before I sleep.”
― One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are
I wish for you a day of joy, compassion and gratitude.
May you walk in beauty.
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