i have a confession. for as much as i say that it’s up to us to make ordinary days extraordinary, and that it’s the regular old days that are actually all of the sacred moments, sometimes, in the middle of those days, it’s hard to see it.
i had a rather unbelievable september, and i realize now, that it is hard for me to come down from the high that i felt throughout the entire month. honestly, october has been a bit of a bore, when i compare the two.
and, even as i type this, i find myself thinking that i’m a big whiney baby. poor me, right. i’ve had so much fun lately that i am bored now.
well, it’s not just boredom.
life is a crazy up + down ride, you know. constantly. and, right now, it’s on a downward turn, with some up moments mixed in. inside, i feel calm. outside, situations are not so fun, though. work has been really, really tough. i am finding myself learning a lot about what i want + who i am. in addition to plain ole work stress, the days are darker + darker and grayer + grayer. nature is reflecting the blah-ness of these current days. and, then, people around me are struggling and hurting and fighting, which makes my heart ache. but i just keep plugging along.
with not a whole lot of energy. and not too much motivation above + beyond my 8-5 job. lacking inspiration. and, yet, all the while, focusing on staying calm + centered. and, amazingly, that seems to be working out pretty good. meditation is the shit, you guys.
still, as i said. it’s all just a bit blah right now.
and i know that that is just how it is sometimes. it is truly all part of the journey.
yet, even in the blah-ness of a gray, cold, tough october, all along the way, there are these sacred moments. sometimes they just happen + sometimes we work to create them. but, the thing is, they are there. moments of calm and connection. moments of beauty and simplicity.
i’ve come to understand that this is the gift of seeking to live a slow life. a life of being mindful + aware.
and the discipline that i have created for myself of having this weekly blog post is the thing that makes it all possible.
perusing the photos i have taken throughout the week, gathering my thoughts, and letting the magic of the beauty of life just rise to the surface… it is truly a mindful and spirit-filled part of my week, giving me time to pause and gain perspective. allowing me a chance to process and understand, and to see how life is unfolding.
and that, in itself, is the gift of the sacred.
mindful, slow living gives us the chance to stay grounded not matter what kind of day or week it is, and to discover the beauty in every passing moment. pausing to breathe makes all the difference, because it is then that we see that even though there is suffering and disappointment and hurt and boredom, there is also magic + mystery. if only for one split second.
whether we observe beauty or create it, it is always there. hopefully, we are experiencing both: learning how to live lives that recognize and are aware of the beauty that is found in even the most ordinary of moments; and also actively working to make and enjoy moments of beauty and meaning.
that, to me, is what living life is all about.
wishing you a week just bursting with spirit + beauty. because, no matter how it all looks + feels, the magic of the mystery is swirling all around us with each and every breath. it’s up to us to just slow down + breathe it all in.
xoxo. liz.
Thank you for the reminder to be mindful of each moment, in peace,stillness, bliss and joy. Because no matter what my mind is telling me I am feeling, Love is always present. Blessings on your day.
I am so grateful that this post spoke to you, Louise. And so humbled. I do hope that you are having a cozy Canadian autumn. Hugs to you.
I so know those days and weeks of blah. The change of seasons often brings it along, together with grey and cold weather. It’s comforting to know that we all struggle with it from time to time, no matter how happy and fulfilled we are. Thanks for the beautiful reminder to not only wait for magic to appear in our lives, but to create it! ❤
Even if I don’t feel like doing it, once I have settled down to write, or take photos, or done yoga, I always feel better too.
You are so right. The blahs come and go just as the highs. Somewhere along the way, I totally decided to grab on to my own power and make my magic as well. Sending you lots of love and peace, my dear friend. <3
It’s funny, we all must have these up and down moments. I have so much greatness and happiness, but there are still some niggles, some things that make me not my 100% feel, and I always remind myself that that’s OK and doesn’t take away everything else that’s good.
ps. Loving your glasses!! They suit you xx
Absolutely. Life really is made up of those back and forth moments. And, you’re right… it’s absolutely ok to feel how we feel because the good always remains.
And, thanks, love! xo
A great post that spoke to me also. As someone with bipolar and dysthymia, I’m very aware of those ups and downs. Sometimes I get stuck in the down times too much. I do try to recognize the beauty around me even if it’s not noticeably lifting my mood. I think somewhere in there, it lifts my spirit a little.
Another thing is that I never lose hope. I’ve been through the rollercoaster so many times that I realize the moods are temporary. It’s taught me a lot of resilience which is a great thing!
I am so glad that this post spoke to you, tracy. I cannot begin to imagine what it feels like to struggle with the ups and downs as you do, but I have very grateful that you do find some moments of peace and beauty. xx
your pictures are always so beautiful and your words so inspiring <3
Oh, Sunita, thank you so very much. That means the world to me. xx