I spoke to a priest yesterday about this , The core values that guide me are compassion—both toward myself and others—and the commitment to love everyone equally and without judgment." in a world that appears broken it a struggle. On question 2, Instead of spiraling into worry, I now pause to journal now. By putting my thoughts on paper, I separate the fact of a situation from your emotional reaction to it, honoring the step-work principle of letting go.
Oh, I love that you've found a way to pause and let go! I have a post it on my computer that says: "Practice the habit of letting go rather than the habit of holding on."
Kindness is a core value and being present is another, both of which your substack embodies every time! Also I hate 'shoulds' but I really should learn to meditate...I am such a restless soul.
These are great questions, Karen, and I'm sure we could all write volumes. I'll be brief like my friend Ken Lamberton (but I won't rhyme!): Live with love, always, and practice terraphilia to help humans grow a new, more reciprocal relationship with our home planet. As always, your photos inspire me! Blessings to you and your home territory.
I think of your phrase so often, Susan, which I will paraphrase as "live with your heart outstretched like open arms" because I can't remember the exact phrase. But the image stays with me!
I'm delighted that you remember my intention so well, Karen! It truly expresses who I hope to be in the world: "I am living with my heart outstretched as if it were my hand." (The line is a slight modification of a line in a Mary Chapin Carpenter song, "Goodnight America.") Hugs to you from my outstretched heart!
How my heart swells for the hispid cotton rats and the photos you take of them!! And what beautiful questions you ask.
The core value that guides my life is a deep and abiding love of Earth's creatures, which has been a gravitational force since I was an infant. I attempt to live every moment in honor of that guiding light, striving to bring about a kinder world for all of them. And this is why I am so drawn to your work and what I see as your core value. You SEE them, really see them. Their beauty and their inherent worth, inspiring all of us to live in closer harmony as I believe we were meant to. <3
These photos today were exquisite, especially that mesmerizing photo of the dew drops on the long leaf. A piece of art, there. And the blue bunting with the tiny white flowers around it, the perfect bit of blur on the edges. Gracious me!
As for my values, I try to get through the day without doing battle with another human being. I believe that's the basis toward world peace. While doing my chores, I find myself spewing my anger about things and the people I don't like. But then, I work at being diplomatic with people, having pleasant bits of contact and conversation, pushing that angry me out of the way so I can give something positive to someone else. Your substack works in that way, it appears. While you have your worries and issues, you give the world these beautiful photos that display your love and respect for Nature and the beings around you.
One of my earliest and, actually I have very few memories of my training as a family therapist is a weekend workshop on Value Clarification. We addressed naming and claiming our values as we would go on in our work to help others do the same. I have done my best to live into those values and to help other name and claim their values.
As I’m reading I’m thinking “Ooo no. That’s too much work. Haha on me. “To know, love, and serve God” is the quickest answer, but meaning and response quickly waxes complex (or lazy, take your pick). Love the photos always.
My responses to these photos were "pretty and light" which goes along with one of my key core values, which is freedom. I have realized that many of my most important choices as an adult involved holding my freedom close, including relationships, owning my own house and property vs investments other ways, tending toward self employment, and even pushing against what could have been "good" decisions if someone else was pushing me to do them. So the lightness and sweetness of your photos this morning seem to support that feeling of "free". Thanks for the thought meditation on this Sunday morning. And unexpected and smile inducing experience.
Love the prompt! I try to stay within the limits of truth, beauty and goodness, while avoiding anger and judging of others.
Thank you David!
Some values that seem to come through your Substack are creativity, nature, curiosity, humour, beauty, gratitude, deep listening, gentle care. 💞
Thank you Monica!
I spoke to a priest yesterday about this , The core values that guide me are compassion—both toward myself and others—and the commitment to love everyone equally and without judgment." in a world that appears broken it a struggle. On question 2, Instead of spiraling into worry, I now pause to journal now. By putting my thoughts on paper, I separate the fact of a situation from your emotional reaction to it, honoring the step-work principle of letting go.
Oh, I love that you've found a way to pause and let go! I have a post it on my computer that says: "Practice the habit of letting go rather than the habit of holding on."
Yes Karen that’s great! Sending you lots of love. Thank you for this
Kindness is a core value and being present is another, both of which your substack embodies every time! Also I hate 'shoulds' but I really should learn to meditate...I am such a restless soul.
Love this Ali - and boy do I understand.
These are great questions, Karen, and I'm sure we could all write volumes. I'll be brief like my friend Ken Lamberton (but I won't rhyme!): Live with love, always, and practice terraphilia to help humans grow a new, more reciprocal relationship with our home planet. As always, your photos inspire me! Blessings to you and your home territory.
I think of your phrase so often, Susan, which I will paraphrase as "live with your heart outstretched like open arms" because I can't remember the exact phrase. But the image stays with me!
I'm delighted that you remember my intention so well, Karen! It truly expresses who I hope to be in the world: "I am living with my heart outstretched as if it were my hand." (The line is a slight modification of a line in a Mary Chapin Carpenter song, "Goodnight America.") Hugs to you from my outstretched heart!
Leave no trace unless you make the world a better place.
Love this Ken
How my heart swells for the hispid cotton rats and the photos you take of them!! And what beautiful questions you ask.
The core value that guides my life is a deep and abiding love of Earth's creatures, which has been a gravitational force since I was an infant. I attempt to live every moment in honor of that guiding light, striving to bring about a kinder world for all of them. And this is why I am so drawn to your work and what I see as your core value. You SEE them, really see them. Their beauty and their inherent worth, inspiring all of us to live in closer harmony as I believe we were meant to. <3
I love this Stephanie! And yes, really seeing people is very important to me. I've never thought about it in those terms!
These photos today were exquisite, especially that mesmerizing photo of the dew drops on the long leaf. A piece of art, there. And the blue bunting with the tiny white flowers around it, the perfect bit of blur on the edges. Gracious me!
As for my values, I try to get through the day without doing battle with another human being. I believe that's the basis toward world peace. While doing my chores, I find myself spewing my anger about things and the people I don't like. But then, I work at being diplomatic with people, having pleasant bits of contact and conversation, pushing that angry me out of the way so I can give something positive to someone else. Your substack works in that way, it appears. While you have your worries and issues, you give the world these beautiful photos that display your love and respect for Nature and the beings around you.
Thank you Sue! That's a very interesting way to interpret a value of peace, I want to think about that!
Being a kind human is my biggest value/goal
Being kind to myself is the greatest challenge
Yes....and yes....thank you Jo!
One of my earliest and, actually I have very few memories of my training as a family therapist is a weekend workshop on Value Clarification. We addressed naming and claiming our values as we would go on in our work to help others do the same. I have done my best to live into those values and to help other name and claim their values.
Love this Linda!
These Substack pics are always such a gift. Thank you. ♥️ xoxo
Thank you Laura!
As I’m reading I’m thinking “Ooo no. That’s too much work. Haha on me. “To know, love, and serve God” is the quickest answer, but meaning and response quickly waxes complex (or lazy, take your pick). Love the photos always.
Ha ha, I love this too Laura!
My responses to these photos were "pretty and light" which goes along with one of my key core values, which is freedom. I have realized that many of my most important choices as an adult involved holding my freedom close, including relationships, owning my own house and property vs investments other ways, tending toward self employment, and even pushing against what could have been "good" decisions if someone else was pushing me to do them. So the lightness and sweetness of your photos this morning seem to support that feeling of "free". Thanks for the thought meditation on this Sunday morning. And unexpected and smile inducing experience.
I love this Bobbie, thank you!
Such beautiful photos, Karen. I'm inspired to draw more by seeing them. Hope all is well!
Thank you Mary!