Some call it a “Romantic” view of life. They insist that to see the beauty, to hear the harmonies, to feel the gentleness and opt for kindness is to be “unrealistic” in perspective.
Their argument would have us devalue the very real presence of life’s best. But alas, Dear Friend, for us to adhere to what is proclaimed by news media, public forum, and religious rantings as the “factual” and deny the always-present good and lovely … is to harden our Spirit’s ability to respond to the elements of living that nurture, encourage, stimulate, and enliven its existence.I choose (and it is, My Friend, a matter of individual choice) to embrace every small moment of joy … to proclaim the merits of all that is beautiful;
to encourage and celebrate each act of kindness, thoughtfulness, loving generosity, and selflessness that I am aware of … to all of the world that is so starved for hope, happiness, peace, and loveliness.Does this mean that this old Romantic is oblivious to the overabundance of mean, unkind, greedy, ugly, and even evil forces and influences that are a constant presence all about us all? Certainly not, Dear One! All of those aspects of life on this ever-shrinking globe are options that constantly clamor for my focus … but I choose to protect my soul from the excessive pain, discomfort, and agony that would accompany my opening of my Self to their influence.
Again, it is a matter of disciplined election.So, in keeping with that understanding, I send these hope-filled, spirit-stirring, and deliciously inviting images to your Soul and Spirit today.
Because I do, indeed, love You … and am committed to contributing all that I can, to a joyful and peaceful Today … for You.These IMAGES through the gracious courtesies of Ian Britton (upper and lower images), FreeFoto.com; and Jon Sullivan (center 2 images), PDPhoto.org
26 comments:
As you aaid in your previous post, J-M, whatsoever things are true, pure, lovely etc..Think on These Things!
Annie
ps Thanks for your visit to my blog..yes it is good to be home for a while now! And to be able to enjoy the beauty of the jacarandas and spring flowers, the latter are fast fading already, but there will be others to take their place.
"there will be others to take their place" ... How I do love the hope and promise in these words, and their reflected Spirit, my Dear Annie. You are God's Glow in my world. And I love You for it!
I choose to be at peace today John-Michael and see the beauty all around me.
And I bid You "Welcome," Lovely Lisa, to the Better place. May your Spirit know the cradling comforts of Respite and Rest ... apart and away from all of the clamor and clash of all that stirs without.
For the beauty that your Spirit contributes to this moment ... I lovingly thank you ...
I am a true romantic at heart, too. Happiness, peace and loveliness are paramount in my book.
Your blog is a peaceful place and I always leave here refreshed and smiling!
I love the words of St. Francis, "make me a channel of your peace" and wear a vintage St. Francis medal to daily remind me.
I can conceive of no nobler charge than that of "make me a channel of your peace." Would that it could be adopted by All, who lead nations, governments, religious faiths ... and families.
Your finding a source of refreshment and smiles in what I offer, Dear Willow, is cause for my Soul to smile in satisfaction. I thank you, for your telling me so.
In gentle Love ...
"I choose to embrace every small moment of joy..."
these words ring true in my heart as well...lovely imagery to get lost in for a few moments...thank you....for everything you share and more.
To know that you, My Most Dear Joni, and I share a Place ... a Moment ... a time together in kinship of Spirits ... is, for me, a whisper of eternal bliss. To have provided imagery that plays host to such a occasion, is joy!
I rejoice in the loveliness of all that we, You and I, are blessed with. This sacred Friendship that supersedes definition ... what a Gift! Yes! I do love 'us.'
Thank You John-Michael for the images. The first reminds me a far away place I lived once in total peace & harmony. Now each new day brings the hope of that harmony once more. Your words bring me joy & anticipation.
That I may have launched your new day under sails billowed full with "joy and anticipation" is something that I find quite satisfying. "Happy sailing" to you, this day, Dear Anonymous Friend.
Lovingly ...
i think this falls under the notion i shared with you a while ago...cultivating awareness and gladness. otherwise we descend into self centered misery.
We paint our own pictures of life. Some go in for ultra-realism, others for abstract. Always worth remembering, John-Michael. Thank you!
Beautiful images John-Michael as are your words.
As you know, Dear Lime, I am presently caught up in the mental, emotional, academic, moral, and philosophical quagmire of Today's economic and political upheavals. And, as I am challenged with my innate temperamental and spiritual bent ... set against my background in the world of finance ... complicated by the post traumatic stress disorder that my past has blessed me with ... I am much in want of an Isle of Respite upon which I can find relief for my tortured mind. (I awoke, this early morning, with a jolt of "how can the actual value of the mortgage derivatives be calculated?" pressing on my mind. ...after only 2 hours of sleep.)
So, you can see that what I have been bringing to you, in these recent days, is what I find to be a necessity for my own well-being. Much as I would like these considerations to be poetic or romantic excess ... it is more a matter of health, and even survival for my Spirit. I do hope that it is of benefit to others as well.
To recognize, and respond to in an accommodating fashion, the appetite of the moment that satisfies our Soul's need ... is a healthy and even enjoyable exercise, My Dear SulDog Friend. Much as differing styles of music minister to my cravings of a particular moment, so it is true of imagery, as well. (I find that one of the most satisfying aspects of our Friendship is your constancy of Soul, that permeates the full range of your delightfully diverse range of presentations. You are just ... so cool! [smile])
Beautiful images and beautiful words.
Thank you Sandra, My Friend. Your kindness is a soothing and invigorating balm to my Spirit.
I am smiling with pleasure, in the knowing that I have given you something that pleases you, Dear Casdok.
I am glad that you are "committed to contributing all that I can, to a joyful and peaceful Today". It is life-giving and infectious. Thank you! My heart is smiling. :-)
Oh Meg, Meg, Meg! "Delighted!" That is what you have made me. I am simply and joyously delighted to consider that I could provide the source of smiles for your Heart. You have made my sun shine brighter this morning. I thank you, Dear One.
Such beauty John-Michael. I myself am an old romantic too;o)
John-Michael - Please come over to my place and claim an award :-)
And I do thoroughly delight in every reflection of your wonderful Spirit's manifestations in every aspect of your life, Darling Crystal. Your sharing of all that is blessed, by your response to living, thrills and encourages my Soul.
Lovingly ...
Thank you Jim, my Dear SulDog Friend. I do appreciate and enjoy the compliment of your inclusion of me in your life and world.
I love You, Ya know ...
More than ever, it's important to find beauty and peace in the world. No matter how small or fleeting, we definitely should grasp it and appreciate it.
Your "it's important to find beauty and peace in the world" says it so well, My Dear NiteByrd. And I am constantly gratified in my awareness of your Presence in my life ... that is a valued source of comfort with and enjoyment of my personal world.
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