"We become what we think about." ~ Earl Nightingale

Welcome to Sacred Ruminations

I hope you'll look around & leave comments
then visit me at my new blog ...

Giraffe Journal

and/or website ... Labyrinth Journal
both self-hosted at WordPress
where I publish as myself
rather than under a
pseudonym.

I've not had much time for posting or blog visits, but if you're interested I hope you'll find time to check out my new blog, Giraffe Journal or my Labyrinth Journal website ... both self hosted at WordPress.

Thanks for your visit and have a delightful day ;--)
Hugs and blessings,


Sunday, September 21, 2008

SunriseSunset #3 and BYBS #19 - Solitude


One more variation of last week's Sunset ...
altered in PSE6 with 'Neon Glow Edges'
Click for others participating in Sunrise-Sunset this week.

"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'
go to My Blog Rolls and/or click on the logo
at the top of this post.
For those who participate in Sacred Life Sunday
click the logo below:
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."
Click on the logo to learn more.

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

16 comments:

Hootin Anni said...

pretty photo of your sunrise too!!!

Mine's posted.

Blue Panther said...

Ahhhh Loneliness and Solitude!!!

Though the words could sometimes be used to mean the same in the literal sense, yet I feel that we are constantly striving to avoid the former and find the latter.

SandyCarlson said...

Thank you for these perfect quotes that touch my heart right now and thank you for your reflection on others' places in our lives. So true. We do try our best, don't we? There is tremendous peace in knowing that.

Thank you for being you.

PERBS said...

Your sunrise sunset photo today also went so very nicely with your essay. Beautiful environment to reflect one's blessings!

Betty said...

I like the first award better, but they both are nice. You do a good job. The reason I like the first one is to me it seems the colors in it are richer. Think I will snag that one compliments of my friend Storyteller. Thank you.

Mom Knows Everything said...

BEAUTIFUL!

Maude Lynn said...

Gorgeous blessings today, Storyteller!

Mariposa said...

Love the photos and the words...

I always struggle...I've been wanting to do this...and I can't seem to make it happen...(sigh)

Anyway...will keep trying...I'm thinking I should start picking a topic and writing it..so come next Sunday...I'd be able to post it.

Wayfaring Wanderer said...

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

I know this all too well.....My bf and I were talking about this very same thing this past weekend.

Joyce said...

Your new graphics are lovely, Storyteller! I'm enjoying the results of your classes!

Unknown said...

I think I like the top one best, I love the little shell pile in both!

Karen said...

Wow--another post that's really resonating with me. I've been struggle with this too--but my struggle is accepting that I NEED the solitude. Very thought-provoking...

Karen said...

Oh, and I forgot to say--I like the top one best. I like how the words stand out.

storyteller said...

To each of you – Thanks for visiting my Sunrise-Sunset/Blog Your Blessings Sunday post at Sacred Ruminations. Finding comments is always delightful. I value your feedback & responses … enjoy visiting your blogs … and find the ‘resonance’ between what we share in this ‘virtual’ world quite reassuring as I continue to cope with the chaos & confusion I encounter in daily life.
Hugs and blessings,

Momisodes said...

I love the quotes. What a wonderful post.

You did a great job with those awards!

storyteller said...

Sandy (of Momisodes) – Thanks … I appreciate your visit and the feedback ;--)
Hugs and blessings,