Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Just Beneath the Surface


As you begin this new week ...
Please allow me to challenge you to slow yourself ...
Take a healthy, cleansing breath ...



And go just a bit beneath the surface of the experiences,
offered to you, by Life, this week.



For, My Dear Reader,
I promise you that there is beauty, and exquisite wonder ...

just beneath that superficial conversation ...
that surface phone call ...

that exchange with co-worker, family member, neighbor, or friend.


If you will but simply relax for a moment ...
and permit yourself to drift, with the current of the instant,
and discover the wonder that lies just beneath the surface,
of your life's fleeting happenings.


I am anxious to hear, from You, about the treasures that you find ...
as you enjoy this adventure.





These IMAGES are from the BBC's presentation of winners of a photo competition sponsored by the conservation group Reef Check … (celebrating special life forms found on Australia’s coral reefs.)

The UPPER IMAGE is by John Natoli, and the LOWER IMAGE by Justin Gilligan

24 comments:

Anonymous said...

What beautiful pictures. This challenge is a wonderful one for me. Having anxiety disorders, it is often far too difficult to relax and let go, as I have mentioned before. But I am consciously going to do so and look forward to what I may find in those moments. Lisa L.

Anonymous said...

And a refreshing breath it is indeed this morning. Humidity down here in FL. I often try to see beneath the surface of conversations.....its an exercise in perception for me. If you listen & watch closely you can learn so much about another. Thank you John-Michael for the lovely images.

Suldog said...

There are always lovely little places to go in every experience, if we just take the time to put aside the fear. As always, you remind me of the truths I need to remember more often. Thank you!

Tess Kincaid said...

Okay...I'm floating! It's lovely down here beneath the surface!! :^)

aims said...

I will close my eyes and just - Be.

John-Michael said...

I sincerely thank You, Dear Lisa, for your spirit of willingness to turn from all of the cacophony of our world's goings on ... and minister to the needs of your Soul. This is most heartening for me.

Lovingly ...

John-Michael said...

Ah yes ... My Darling Anonymous Friend, how I do relate so well to that "wet woolen blanket" of humidity, that is our consistent garment, here in Florida. That "listen & watch closely" is something that I delight in as I enjoy the presence of others. Richer is the experience, when embracing what they bring to life's party.

Enjoying your refreshing Presence ...

John-Michael said...

As is always true, I am grateful for your joining me in this moment, Jim. You have made my personal walk a far more pleasant one.

namaste ...

John-Michael said...

I bid you "Welcome" to a moment of "alternative living" My Darling Willow. Thank you for making it so much richer for me.

With smiling Spirit ...

John-Michael said...

I really do believe that I will never lose the rush of delight that accompanies your Presence, My Dearest Aims. Thank you, My Dear, for, yet again, blessing my Soul. [smile]

Lovingly ...

Anonymous said...

Thank you for the reminder to "stop and smell the roses' and to be "mindful of our many blessings". I actually found myself taking slow deep breaths while enjoying the tranquil scenes, and thinking of our special friendship.

John-Michael said...

How lovely, Dear Anonymous Friend, to know that we have shared in a moment of respite, in the suspension of our Spirits, in the currents of conscious and intentional Bliss. My Soul rejoices in my having been able to bring this moment to you. I smile!

Lovingly ...

SandraRee said...

Thank you... sweet man.

John-Michael said...

You are ever-so-welcome, Precious Sandra.

anya said...

I have found myself of late "drifting with the current of the instant". Your beautiful writing made me see this morning that it is a blessing, not an alarming symptom of ennui. I'm going to allow myself to relax here and discover the wonder as you suggested.

John-Michael said...

Anya, Dear Friend ... I thank you for letting me know of your visit and your feelings. You prompted a most enjoyable visit to your blog ... and I was then, in turn, blessed.

namaste ...

San said...

You're right, John-Michael. There's always more. Something between and under the words. Something under the surface. Something that wants to be seen, despite Its hidden nature.

John-Michael said...

Oh, My Darling San! How much richer my choice ... to explore, discover, embrace, and celebrate, all that is hidden beneath Life's surface ... is made ... with my knowledge that you, My Dear One, are at One with me, in this election, to immerse Self, in Living.

Lovingly ...

Meg Wolff said...

This week I will remember to breath and go beneath the surface to look for the beauty and wonder. Thank you John-Michael.

John-Michael said...

An awareness that I have your company, in my acceptance of the wonder of this moment, gives the experience richer flavour. I welcome your Spirit's openness, Dear Meg.
[big smile]

namaste ...

nitebyrd said...

Some days just trying to breathe is a chore. To be in the water - weightless and careless would be so wonderful.

Beautiful pictures.

Happy Elf Mom (Christine) said...

The pictures and the poem are beautiful, John-Michael!

John-Michael said...

I do hope that I have provided, even a brief moment, free of all care. That thought is most encouraging to me. I would like to make that a Gift to you, My very Dear NiteByrd.

Lovingly ...

John-Michael said...

I do thank you, Mrs C. You have made me feel very good! [smile]

namaste ...

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