Day 17, Small Pause, "Curve Balls"

Today's Small Pause ...

When life throws you curve balls, it is within the storm you must find calm. I was reminded of this truth recently with my son's hospitalization.

Today nature exemplified this point as a winter storm whirled about outside. My winged friends sought refuge today as strong winds tossed them to and fro. They fought their way to our feeders taking small pauses to rest and feast. 

Within the storm, they found delight in a common routine. They took time to rest before they ventured back into the snowy air. Their rest stop provided sustenance to endure the driving snow and navigate challenging winds. Renewal was part of their plan in order to withstand stormy conditions. 

Nature always whispers truths... we just have to pay attention in order to hear her whispers.

Warmly,

Debbie

"The little reed, bending to the force of the wind, soon stood upright again when the storm had passed over. 

~Aesop Quotes

I would love to hear your thoughts or small pause today! Please feel free to share in the comment section below. 

Day 16, Small Pause, "Snow Bubbles"

Within the Breeze, 7x5in. Oil on canvas. Sold

Today's "Small Pause"...

This morning I decided to relish in some quiet time to practice yoga and read. With a nice hot cup of tea, I sat by my kitchen window and continued to read "The Wisdom of No Escape...". After reading a particular passage that really resonated with me I gazed out my window to reflect on what I had just read. 

Tiny snowflakes floated about in the gray sky. They reminded me of tiny bubbles as they bobbled about in the breeze; catching flight and moving in whatever direction the wind took them. They were decidedly happy as they dipped and dived without care; tossing their worries aside and drifting along. 

Their carefree nature reminded me of childhood when we ignored the world and danced about in nature. We blew bubbles, spun in circles and laughed in the delight of small occurrences. I think if we all took time to run about in nature without a care, the world would be a more joyful place!

Warmly,
Debbie

P.S. The excerpt in Pema Chodron's book that gave me pause was: "There's a possibility of what Rinpoche used to call "gap" at the end of the out-breath: you're mindful of your breath as it goes out, and then there's a pause as the breath comes in. It's as if you ... pause."

I would love to hear your thoughts or small pause today! Please feel free to share in the comment section below. 

Day 15, Small Pause, "Light Dance"

Welcoming Spring, 4x4in. Oil on linen/panel.

Today's Small Pause...

I love late afternoon light as it enters my kitchen. It transforms objects into statements of beauty as it strikes their many shapes. Today the light transformed fresh tulips into a spectacular vision as it danced between crevices and folds of petals. It illuminated sections of petals until they appeared translucent. Interesting shadow patterns added to the drama as they contrasted with brightly lit areas. 

I have always found the striking of light fascinating. Today tulip greens became a brilliant lime green, while light pink petals shimmered and glowed. My eyes roamed up and down long stems and over petals as I observed the affects of  the late afternoon light. It was a moment to relish as it would be short lived. Soon the sun would shift and the light dance before my eyes would fade.  Being open to these brief moments adds depth to one's day allowing joy to step in.

Warmly,

Debbie

I would love to hear your thoughts or small pause today! Please feel free to share in the comment section below.