SunriseSunset #3 and BYBS #19 - Solitude

One more variation of last week's Sunset ...

altered in PSE6 with 'Neon Glow Edges'

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"I think that I cannot preserve my health and spirits, unless I spend four hours a day at least - and it is commonly more than that - sauntering through the woods and over the hills and fields, absolutely free from all worldly engagements." ~Henry David Thoreau

I've struggled with myself this week to remain 'calm & centered' in the face of the 'chaotic times' in our world ... shared a bit of my process in Haiku Friday #75 ... and some things of a lighter nature in Smiley Saturday #20. This morning as I gather my thoughts to Blog My Blessings and share My Sacred Life, I find myself thinking of the differences between 'loneliness & solitude' ...

"Language... has created the word 'loneliness' to express the pain of being alone. And it has created the word 'solitude' to express the glory of being alone."
~Paul Johannes Tillich, The Eternal Now

the value of 'stillness & reflection' ... and the necessary balance of companionship with others actually 'engaged with' one another, not simply sharing the same space while doing separate things.

"Each of us is a being in himself and a being in society, each of us needs to understand himself and understand others, take care of others and be taken care of himself." ~Haniel Long, poet

I'm grateful for ... those who walk ahead of me (leaving a path to point the way & guide my feet) and those alongside (offering companionship & support on the journey). I pray that those who follow will find their way ... leaving clues behind as they travel their own path. I know we are all in this together. I pray we each remember ...

"Every individual has a place to fill in the world and is important in some respect whether he chooses to be so or not." ~Nathaniel Hawthorne

For others who 'Blog Their Blessings'

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I created a few new graphics ... shared two versions of one at Small Reflections this morning and two versions of another here. I'm curious what you think of them & why. You're welcome to snag & share with others if you leave me feedback ... just because.

11:37am Addendum - I just learned that today is an International Day of Peace ... and thought I'd pass that information along ... just because. Apparently it was "... established by a United Nations resolution in 1981 to coincide with the opening of the General Assembly. The first peace Day was celebrated in September of 1982. In 2002 the General Assembly officially declared September 21 as the permanent date for the International Day of Peace" ... where (according to the background shared at the website), it was suggested that:

"Peace Day should be devoted to commemorating and strengthening the ideals of peace both within and among all nations and peoples…This day will serve as a reminder to all peoples that our organization, with all its limitations, is a living instrument in the service of peace and should serve all of us here within the organization as a constantly pealing bell reminding us that our permanent commitment, above all interests or differences of any kind, is to peace."

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Thought for Today
"We live in a very tense society. We are pulled apart... and we all need to learn how to pull ourselves together.... I think that at least part of the answer lies in solitude." ~Helen Hayes