This week has been emotional for absolutely everyone. Whether your vote was cast for the President-elect or for another candidate, the enormity of the change has created an energy in this country that I have never felt in my lifetime.
When I need to ground myself, I find my way to Mother Earth and soothe myself through the simple act of lying on my belly, looking at things. Preferably through a camera lense, but sometimes just nose-down, right upon her, looking for details to notice, appreciate and see. I highly recommend it as a practice. Sunrise is the very best time, by the way!
I talked to my oldest friend early this morning, and we spoke about what it means to soothe the soul. And so I dedicate this brief retreat to the members of my congregation, St. Timothy's Episcopal Church in Danville, California. We have diverse opinions about almost everything, and we worship our God together every Sunday, and indeed every day, putting those differences aside.
simple lines, water, and sand.
bright beautiful colors.
the life which springs forth from the sea.
and the mystery of the bayou.
the sensibility and the security of the heart wood.
and the mirror of the cold water in the River of Mercy.
these leaves looked like hearts to me.
and looking at water in any way is one of the things that brings me great peace.
I like to translate tiny things, like this tip of a plant, to things in my life. What is the tip which is springing forth in my life right now?
a seasonal creek begins to flow, and autumn is washed away.
in a swirling flash, things change.
the rubbish of another time, worn smooth
what do reflections even mean? The shadows are dark and the waters deep. It is not as clear as one might want or imagine.
details in creation can be very intense sometimes.
and so can edges of things. They can be sharp and blurry all at once.
The pebbles are hard and unfeeling (are they?) and the jellyfish sting...this is familiar.
And water always, always soothes.
this flower always looked sad to me. That is the beauty of going close-up...it allows for the emotion to be known.
the great mystery of the turning.
I love and crave clear lines between things, even when things seem cold and distant.
I rejoice when something fuzzy becomes just a little more clear.
the healing power of Mother Earth has never failed me
Nor has my God, who created the heavens and the earth and who is patient and kind, who does not insist on its own way, is not irritable or resentful, who rejoices in the truth. Love which bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. God is love. I deeply bow to love today.
Credits:
This photography retreat is dedicated in gratitude to St. Timothy's Episcopal Church, Danville. All content by The Rev. Stacey Grossman, Interim Rector.