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Friday, July 30, 2010
Finding Renewal in a Child’s Smile
Today I was reminded of just how dynamic is the naïve energy of a child.
A friend dropped by my studio at he gallery. With him was his six year old daughter, filled with enthusiasm and wonderment. An ice breaker that often works with these mystical little people can be a simple as 5’s… high, low, behind and around. We were both giggling in a moment.
When I first saw her, she was busy taking photos of various art in the gallery. I did not think to ask her how she chose the ones she captured. I should have, but nevertheless, her intent approach was inspirational.
Later, after making her rounds of ALL the studios, she returned to ask me to pose with her for a photo. We picked an appropriate spot with one of my pieces in the background, and we smile widely as her father did he best impression of Ansell Adams.
It was apparent that she was thrilled to share the moment. In truth it was I who had been most moved… for she had brought new light into the shell home of my brain. Her being had caused me to once again become the little boy along the same street of my youth. Memories of past joys flooded and swept away any need for the present.
Yes, the magic of youth is but fleeting… yet recaptured in a wink… by the effervescent energy of a happy inquisitive child.
Thank you little lady for your gift this day, and I look forward to visiting with you and your father soon.
Yes Pocahontas, life is “just around the river bend.”
A friend dropped by my studio at he gallery. With him was his six year old daughter, filled with enthusiasm and wonderment. An ice breaker that often works with these mystical little people can be a simple as 5’s… high, low, behind and around. We were both giggling in a moment.
When I first saw her, she was busy taking photos of various art in the gallery. I did not think to ask her how she chose the ones she captured. I should have, but nevertheless, her intent approach was inspirational.
Later, after making her rounds of ALL the studios, she returned to ask me to pose with her for a photo. We picked an appropriate spot with one of my pieces in the background, and we smile widely as her father did he best impression of Ansell Adams.
It was apparent that she was thrilled to share the moment. In truth it was I who had been most moved… for she had brought new light into the shell home of my brain. Her being had caused me to once again become the little boy along the same street of my youth. Memories of past joys flooded and swept away any need for the present.
Yes, the magic of youth is but fleeting… yet recaptured in a wink… by the effervescent energy of a happy inquisitive child.
Thank you little lady for your gift this day, and I look forward to visiting with you and your father soon.
Yes Pocahontas, life is “just around the river bend.”
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Maintaining Balance in an Upside Down World
Again today I have been challenged to keep my balance.
I once again find that my ability to pause before replying (using a quick retort instead), has been severely strained. Doesn’t it seem curious that we “snap’ sooner with those we love most, much quicker than we would someone unimportant.
Familiarity? Forgiveness? Patience? Are these the traits that well known in that special person, that we assume they will prevail?
The truth is, words matter… a lot.
For those of us who are dealing with mental overload or PTSD as the case may be, this is la rigueur de cours.
What is the cause, the root source that defines the process for resolution. Most times I find that this challenge is the natural offspring of having too much on the plate. I lose track of the goal… whish for me is always to, “Walk in Balance.”
Most times it is as simple as recalling that my vitrol’s “target” is my very best friend, who is always there for me… deserving none of the claptrap I serve on these occasions.
As Jack Canfield (of Chicken Soup) reminds us, break our schedule into manageable chunks, and dispose of them, one chunk at a time. So tomorrow, I promise to chunk, chunk, chunk my projects in little bites. Further I resolve once again, to internalize my frustrations, not regurgitate them for others to process in my stead.
With good planning and a tad of luck, I pray that tomorrow will be in much grater balance.
I wish you well with your chunking.
Another thought to share tomorrow.
I once again find that my ability to pause before replying (using a quick retort instead), has been severely strained. Doesn’t it seem curious that we “snap’ sooner with those we love most, much quicker than we would someone unimportant.
Familiarity? Forgiveness? Patience? Are these the traits that well known in that special person, that we assume they will prevail?
The truth is, words matter… a lot.
For those of us who are dealing with mental overload or PTSD as the case may be, this is la rigueur de cours.
What is the cause, the root source that defines the process for resolution. Most times I find that this challenge is the natural offspring of having too much on the plate. I lose track of the goal… whish for me is always to, “Walk in Balance.”
Most times it is as simple as recalling that my vitrol’s “target” is my very best friend, who is always there for me… deserving none of the claptrap I serve on these occasions.
As Jack Canfield (of Chicken Soup) reminds us, break our schedule into manageable chunks, and dispose of them, one chunk at a time. So tomorrow, I promise to chunk, chunk, chunk my projects in little bites. Further I resolve once again, to internalize my frustrations, not regurgitate them for others to process in my stead.
With good planning and a tad of luck, I pray that tomorrow will be in much grater balance.
I wish you well with your chunking.
Another thought to share tomorrow.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Question Everything
"Philosophical Psychology professor at the University of Dayton, who challenged me to question everything, origin, deity, faith, political and "humdrum minutia" with equal zeal.
Never become so complacent with that which "feels right" that we take our eye of the ball... that is truth and justice... as Superman said, "It's the American Way."
Jim Great Elk Waters ©2010
Peace This Day
"Find your peace within this day, for it is here that we can make change. Our past is as stones along life's trail... immovable and of no consequence."
It's our choice... we can make our lot better by making choices that will improve ourselves and our surroundings, or we can find refuge in the wilderness of self pity and misery. Irrespectively, we will in the end make choices that will be the markers on our trail of life... immovable and of no consequence. The choice is yours.
It's our choice... we can make our lot better by making choices that will improve ourselves and our surroundings, or we can find refuge in the wilderness of self pity and misery. Irrespectively, we will in the end make choices that will be the markers on our trail of life... immovable and of no consequence. The choice is yours.
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