John Greenleaf Whittier

In Nature’s Cathedral

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“The blue sky is the temple’s arch,

Its transept earth and air,

The music of its starry march

The chorus of a prayer.”

– John Greenleaf Whittier –

 

Pause for a moment whenever you step outdoors this week. Look up and take in the cathedral of nature. Join the chorus of its prayer.

And as always, nourish peace, cultivate loving kindness, and carry the calm.

Nature of the week:

mooncrapemyrtle

Shadow of the Week:

ptonshdw1

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For my posts on coming of age in a community of faith, link here.

Text and photos © 2016 Karyn Henley. All rights reserved.

 

I Have Loved the Stars

 

 

White as Wings of Prayer

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“The mists above the morning rills

Rise white as wings of prayer.”

– John Greenleaf Whittier –

 

Need a bit of solace for your soul? Gently soar on the soft music and prayerlike, birdlike wings of this kinetic sculpture, Diffusion Choir. It’s short, and it’s amazing.

Nourish peace, cultivate loving kindness, and carry the calm.

Nature of the week – fragrant ginger, still blooming here in November!

ginger

Shadow of the Week:

shdwflrspikes

For my posts on coming of age in a community of faith, link here.

Text and photos © 2016 Karyn Henley. All rights reserved.

 

Cares Will Drop Away

 

 

WOW = Windows Open Wide

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“All the windows of my heart I open to the day.”

John Greenleaf Whittier

I love windows, all shapes and sizes. I love open windows when the day is mild and breezes drift in. I love sleeping by open windows, especially when insects serenade the darkness and distant trains call out on their journey through the night. I love to wake up to a view of dawn out the window, whether I find its light trickling down winter-bare branches or turning green leaves into morning gold.

myb'rmwindow

Then there are windows not-so-literal windows, open to our minds, our hearts, our souls: sight, smell, hearing, taste, touch – our senses. Yesterday, my family opened a window by listening to an episode of Fresh Air that explored the sounds birds make. It was amazing to hear these birds (one, a lyre bird mimicked the sound of a chain saw perfectly!). All we could say afterward was WOW.

Windows Open Wide. Windows Open to Wonder.

Open wide to wonder this week. Where do you find it?

Nourish peace, cultivate loving kindness, and carry the calm.

(And if you’re a mom, Happy Mother’s Day!)

Nature photo of the week – from my Wednesday Walk at Cheekwood Botanical Gardens:

YlIrisWtrfl

Shadow of the Week – morning coffee:

CupShdw

 

Text and photos © 2016 Karyn Henley. All rights reserved.