To Be(lieve) or Not To Be(lieve)
“Just as a candle cannot burn without fire, men cannot live without a spiritual life.”
BUDDHA
As we follow the news of the storm-wrought disasters across the northeastern U.S., we are reminded that bad things happen to good people. In times of crisis, we often wonder whether there is any rhyme or reason to the universe, and indeed to question any faith we may have in a greater good.
Thinking about the plight of friends, neighbors and strangers in the north, I am moving outside the box a bit to post about spirituality. Although raised Catholic, I am not a religious person. My husband and I respect each others’ beliefs both where they match and where they diverge. In my mind, we all come from the same place, and so long as we live a good life, are kind to others and respect everyone’s right to their own beliefs, we’re on solid ground.
“Keep your feet on the ground, but let your heart soar as high as it will.”
ARTHUR HELPS
As I look at the beauty of the world around me, despite any moments of crisis, it seems reasonable to think that there is something or someone in charge of what we in the computer business used to call design and implementation-not to mention ongoing support. The most brilliant among us simply cannot come close.
“The spiritual path – is simply the journey of living our lives. Everyone is on a spiritual path; most people just don’t know it. ”
MARIANNE WILLIAMSON
Crisis is a time when our faith can bring us solace. We wonder about the reasons things happen as they do. I remember one of the most valuable lessons I ever learned was when, as a young teen, I was upset about something I’ve long since forgotten. My dad quieted my distress with the simple question “Who ever told you life is fair?” Honestly, I’d never considered that and somehow it made me feel better knowing that sometimes life ISN’T fair and you just have to accept it and do your best with the hand you’ve been dealt.
Losing someone you love is another time when one is likely to turn to thoughts of spirituality. I lost my parents many years ago, both quite young. I’ve since had some very vivid dreams where my parents have reassured me that all is well and I shouldn’t worry about them. The dreams leave me with a deep sense of peace and contentment. Am I simply reassuring myself, or can our spirits reach out after death? How very egotistical and foolhardy it would be for us to think we can know the answer to such questions.
“When you are in doubt, be still, and wait; when doubt no longer exists for you, then go forward with courage. So long as mists envelop you, be still; be still until the sunlight pours through and dispels the mists — as it surely will. Then act with courage.”
PONCA CHIEF WHITE EAGLE
The Dalai Lama said, “Religion is meant to “facilitate love and compassion, patience, tolerance, humility, forgiveness.” So here is my view of spirituality. Religious or not, to be truly fulfilled, each of us must find our own version of a spiritual life. Mine is: Appreciate the beauty around you. Live your life with gratitude. Forgive yourself and others for any shortcomings while striving always to improve. Believe in and contribute to the Greater Good. And finally, Accept and be open-minded about the things you cannot understand.
“It is the flash of a firefly in the night. It is the breath of a buffalo in the wintertime. It is the little shadow which runs across the grass and loses itself in the sunset.”
CROWFOOT, BLACKFOOT
In searching for quotes to include in this post, there were many wonderful thoughts from some incredibly great minds. From the Dalai Lama, to Buddha, to Thomas Aquinas and many, many more. But for me, my favorite new words to live by are these, by White Elk:
” When you were born, you cried and the world rejoiced. Live your life so that when you die, the world cries and you rejoice.”
My thoughts go out to those in crisis, in the hope that they find solace.
- African Sunset – Nikon D/50, Nikkor 70-200mm @70mm, f/11, 1/320, ISO 400
- African Sky – Fuji FinePix F/30, f/8, 1/320, ISO 100
- Sunset on the Marsh – Nikon D/300s, Nikkor 70-200 @70mm, f/11, 13s, ISO 400
- Sunset with the Whales – Nikon D/80, Nikkor 70-200 @120mm, f/4.8, 1/400, ISO 800
- Sunrise at Bennett’s Ridge – Nikon D/300s, Nikkor 18-200mm @18mm, f/8, 1/8000, ISO 1000
- Golden Hour – Nikon D/300s, Nikkor 18-200 @28mm, f/11, 1/40, ISO 250
- Moonrise – Nikon D/300s, Nikkor 70-200 @150mm, f/9, 13s, ISO 1250
Tina is just plain HOT – nothing to do with menopause. Photos are wonderful. Lar
Thanks Dr Lar!!!
Love the photos and quotes. Granted, “heavy” for you. Perhaps you were still on your “high” from your big poker win the night before? Just saying.
LOL, thanks Leslee! I’m sure that was it 🙂
i loved the one about Botswana……i happen to be a Motswana living in the USA….. this made my day and my heart went really warm.
very beautiful…..
Well I can think of nothing better than having someone from such a beautiful country appreciate my photo. Thank you so much for your comment!
you welcome…
i just showed my friends here the picture and they are all blown away by its beauty…, we really appreciate good positive pictures like yours.. people know every little about Africa and most of the pictures we see are very sad and children starving .. so to see something way cool and greater than us captured is a treat and refreshing… thank you
Well stated. To add to your take on the meaning of life: ” Always remember; time heals all wounds and things somehow always work out in the end”. Quote by The King.
Thanks big bro. And to add to your addition, “May your basement be dry, your lights be on, and your GF’s troubles be over. xxoo
This was so touching….so thoughtful & calming….got list in Willet pond…the timing incredible for me!!! Thank u!!
Thanks April, happy you enjoyed it. Hope things are going ok down there.
The beauty of your photos and thoughts remind me of a favorite quote:
“Let the beauty that we love
Be what we do.”
Rumi, 13th century Sufi from Persia
Thanks Diane. Need to see more of his quotes!
Stunning pictures!! Wonderful words.
Thanks Kathy. A hard time out there for so many. We are so lucky.
Just beautiful. Your words and the quote make it perfect.
Thanks so much Emily. Your comment is very much appreciated!
Love the Botswana sunset.
Thanks travel monkey! Loved Kongo!!
Tina,
I’ve seen the photos before. They’re great. Your thoughts tho are the best.
Your loving husband,
B
Sent from my iPad
So beautiful and peaceful. Made my day. Hope you and Bailey are well.
Thanks Toni. So good to hear from you. Hope to see you both soon.
Beautiful Tina. This one is a keeper.
Thanks Bettie. So happy you appreciated it!
As my heart is so heavy for the loss of so many, your post brought lightness. Your quotes touched me deeply; your photos incredible.
Thanks so much Wilma. I’m sure you have as many friends and family there as any of us. I hope they are all safe.
Very inspirational !! Thank you for your insight and thought provoking post. Photos are truly amazing.
Many thanks Ms. Huxley :-). A bit on the heavy side but how can we help it in times like these ?
Wow this is so wonderful. Thank you so much for your amazing photos and quotes and for letting your soulful voice speak.
Thanks so much sandy. Are you back yet?
Tina, excellent post…photos as well choice of quotes are very inspiring and thought provoking. One of your best. K
Thanks kath! Not like me to get so heavy happy u approve!
Tina
Fabulous pictures. I particularly like the Willett’s Pond one where the light appears borrowing from an impressionist painting.
Andy
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Thanks Andy! One of my favorites too.