I think I want to look at Christmas decorations this year in a new light. I want to look at how they are here to celebrate Christ’s birth versus the whole Santa Claus thing!
This world is an amazing place,
and the internet and books
make it possible to explore many of the nooks and crannies hidden here.
Cameras and drones
give me a birds’ eye view
from high up in the sky,
or from the perspective of a turtle in the deep, blue sea.
I am so fortunate to live in an age
where all of this is possible.
I can imagine myself almost anywhere in the world
anytime I want to . . .
the shining temples in Vietnam,
the polar caves in the arctic.
I can gaze across the lowlands and view thousands of tulips in Holland,
or walk the desert dunes of Arabia with donkeys and camels.
I’ve done my share of traveling
and can honestly say
that being an armchair tourist
is not the same as experiencing these wonders in the flesh.
I can summon up how the air might feel against my skin,
or how the scents would tempt my nose . . .
I can pretend to feel baklava melting on my tongue
and how the jungle sounds at night,
but I can’t feel the fullness of the grand experience.
I often look at familiar things anew,
sometimes consciously,
and sometimes unconsciously.
I watch the cats regularly,
notice how the whiskers grow only from special places,
how their eyes look into mine
with all of the expressions of a human being.
I see how delicately,
yet firmly made they are
with obsessive attention to every detail . . .
every part of their bodies
has a purpose.
They are made to eat,
process their food and eliminate the waste . . .
eyes to see,
ears to hear,
teeth and claws for self-defense . . .
they are astonishing creatures,
as are we all.
we’ve all been given different gifts,
tailored to our needs and abilities.
It’s all pretty freaking AMAZING.
Heaven help me
if I ever get to a place in my life
where I do not see this as true. ♥
I seldom see the sunrise only at times in the winter. This week I saw the most beautiful sunrise of reds and pinks at our new home. I had to go out onto by deck and take a couple of pictures. It felt to me like seeing it for the first time. 🌄
I did this before reading the question. As I ate breakfast I looked out my window at cotton-ball puffy little clouds in a big mass, moving rapidly across the sky. It reminded me of being a child, lying on my back on our lawn looking up at the sky seeking shapes in the clouds. The ones passing overhead now are bigger masses, some a bit grayer with potential rain, and yet the sun is still glowing through them, edging the gray with yellow-white. Where the sky shows through it’s a deep blue. Truly looking makes the clouds so much more.
This question made me go looking for the Marcel Proust quote, “The real voyage of discovery consists, not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.” I’ve used this in the past as the jumping-off point for a blog post on looking through the eyes of others with different perspectives than mine. The source I found gave me the longer passage from “In Search of Lost Time,” the fifth volume of “Remembrance of Things Past”:
“A pair of wings, a different respiratory system, which enabled us to travel through space, would in no way help us, for if we visited Mars or Venus while keeping the same senses, they would clothe everything we could see in the same aspect as the things of the Earth. The only true voyage, the only bath in the Fountain of Youth, would be not to visit strange lands but to possess other eyes, to see the universe through the eyes of another, of a hundred others, to see the hundred universes that each of them sees, that each of them is; and this we do, with great artists; with artists like these we do really fly from star to star.”
I can look at my own face in the mirror, knowing only that it is a kind face. I can look without the self consciousness of knowing this is my face. Just see a kind face. Notice how this person is lovable, worthy of love and approval. This face has nothing to prove, and nothing to hide. This is a beautiful face exactly as it is.
This question has me a bit stumped.
It seems so impossible to see things with fresh eyes.
And the longer I’ve known something, the harder it is. I know that absence can help to see something fresh again. I guess I will read all of your responses and ponder this question today.
We are having our first real snowfall in my part of WI. I will see it as a benefit for the moisture it will provide for the earth and not as a driving hazard. Was it Maya Angelo that said “hello day I have never seen you before.”
I’ve read that quote and loved it: “This is a wonderful day, I have never seen this one before.”
This may be the answer to Charlie’s question. We all ARE seeing each day for the first time. What will it hold? What will unfold? Who and what will we encounter in this day?
Oh! I love this – thank you. “Hello, Day! Why – I’ve never seen you before!” How true!!! thanks for gifting this to me, Yram.
I am enthused already.
By the way, – “enthused”, comes from the Greek, roughly meaning “in God” or “in spirit”… as in “inspired”… which also goes back to “In Spirit”….. I do love being enthused, and finding myself inspired….. may we all find some inspiration today…. whatever that will mean to each of us.
I’m in the desert surrounded by cactuses and plants that have adapted to the most extreme conditions. I remember when I first explored this desert, I was fascinated by everything I encountered. I’ll look at the plants today as though I’m seeing them anew.
Drea, when I was in Tucson, Arizona I remember thinking that it looked like another planet, compared to what I am used to in Florida. I was amazed by black cliffs that rose straight up, and cactus, so large and tall everywhere. I was amazed by the beauty of this environment.
Recently I have felt overwhelmed at caring for myself and my home and the Universe has sent me many kind people to help me. My next door neighbor gathers my fall leaves. The neighbor down the street checks on me several times a week and takes me to Kansas City to a monthly ritual gathering. She also moves plants and furniture around when needed and is constantly asking me to Sunday dinner. Another new friend has offered to take me to doctor’s appointments held out of town. My son comes every weekend to visit and do chores. So much love and compassion making it possible for me to stay in my home.
I want to thank all of you for your kind words, thoughts and prayers. I am improving physically and mentally as depression was really chasing me! My son and his wife came yesterday and brought a lovely turkey dinner and uplifting company. It reminded me of how he was there for my Mom when she was older and widowed. He would join her for supper one night a week. She cooked dinner until she couldn’t and then he brought her dinner. Needless to say, I’m very proud of him.
Deep seeing is important because in the midst of inner or outer woes, we tend to forget all we have.
You are loved and I’m so happy to hear you are feeling better and had a nice Thanksgiving with your son and his wife. One day at a time. Sending loving energy your way💗☮
I am so glad to hear, Carol Ann, about the people who are there for you. I would think that they all enjoy your company very much. I’m also so glad to hear you are feeling better! Just feeling alright is another one of those things that I think most of us take for granted. Sending love, Mary.
I am so pleased that you have helpers all around you,
dear Carol Ann,
and I don’t doubt that they love you very much.
I also think
that you have raised a remarkable son. 🙂
You have given so much, and so consistently, Carol Ann, it is right that the circle comes back to you now. Your being delighted and uplifted by their help is probably all they want, and would continue to make them feel good.
Christina, Today’s question and quote just made me realize how our minds stray and fear and the need to control creeps in. As YRAM says above, “Earth angels are the best.” I wish everyone in the whole wide world could understand how much we need each other.
My boyfriend, whom I’m seeing later. We were in a group of friends so I’ve seen him a good bit. I want to look attentively so I can see him with a fresh eye. He has a nice face.
Love it, Laura. If we’re really confident, no need to show it off. It’s reflective in quite a few of my answers before when I’ve talked about quiet confidence. I just scan the room and have a general idea of what’s to come. Some things are better left unsaid. That’s especially the case if you rely more on intuition over observation.
I will be traveling to my dad’s for our Thanksgiving today – I can look today at his place as if I’m seeing it for the first time… I periodically do this with my own home sometimes too.
Wishing everyone a relaxing peaceful Saturday and weekend. ☮💗
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I think I want to look at Christmas decorations this year in a new light. I want to look at how they are here to celebrate Christ’s birth versus the whole Santa Claus thing!
This world is an amazing place,
and the internet and books
make it possible to explore many of the nooks and crannies hidden here.
Cameras and drones
give me a birds’ eye view
from high up in the sky,
or from the perspective of a turtle in the deep, blue sea.
I am so fortunate to live in an age
where all of this is possible.
I can imagine myself almost anywhere in the world
anytime I want to . . .
the shining temples in Vietnam,
the polar caves in the arctic.
I can gaze across the lowlands and view thousands of tulips in Holland,
or walk the desert dunes of Arabia with donkeys and camels.
I’ve done my share of traveling
and can honestly say
that being an armchair tourist
is not the same as experiencing these wonders in the flesh.
I can summon up how the air might feel against my skin,
or how the scents would tempt my nose . . .
I can pretend to feel baklava melting on my tongue
and how the jungle sounds at night,
but I can’t feel the fullness of the grand experience.
I often look at familiar things anew,
sometimes consciously,
and sometimes unconsciously.
I watch the cats regularly,
notice how the whiskers grow only from special places,
how their eyes look into mine
with all of the expressions of a human being.
I see how delicately,
yet firmly made they are
with obsessive attention to every detail . . .
every part of their bodies
has a purpose.
They are made to eat,
process their food and eliminate the waste . . .
eyes to see,
ears to hear,
teeth and claws for self-defense . . .
they are astonishing creatures,
as are we all.
we’ve all been given different gifts,
tailored to our needs and abilities.
It’s all pretty freaking AMAZING.
Heaven help me
if I ever get to a place in my life
where I do not see this as true. ♥
I seldom see the sunrise only at times in the winter. This week I saw the most beautiful sunrise of reds and pinks at our new home. I had to go out onto by deck and take a couple of pictures. It felt to me like seeing it for the first time. 🌄
I did this before reading the question. As I ate breakfast I looked out my window at cotton-ball puffy little clouds in a big mass, moving rapidly across the sky. It reminded me of being a child, lying on my back on our lawn looking up at the sky seeking shapes in the clouds. The ones passing overhead now are bigger masses, some a bit grayer with potential rain, and yet the sun is still glowing through them, edging the gray with yellow-white. Where the sky shows through it’s a deep blue. Truly looking makes the clouds so much more.
This question made me go looking for the Marcel Proust quote, “The real voyage of discovery consists, not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.” I’ve used this in the past as the jumping-off point for a blog post on looking through the eyes of others with different perspectives than mine. The source I found gave me the longer passage from “In Search of Lost Time,” the fifth volume of “Remembrance of Things Past”:
“A pair of wings, a different respiratory system, which enabled us to travel through space, would in no way help us, for if we visited Mars or Venus while keeping the same senses, they would clothe everything we could see in the same aspect as the things of the Earth. The only true voyage, the only bath in the Fountain of Youth, would be not to visit strange lands but to possess other eyes, to see the universe through the eyes of another, of a hundred others, to see the hundred universes that each of them sees, that each of them is; and this we do, with great artists; with artists like these we do really fly from star to star.”
Love your reply…eyes to see and ears to hear so we many be healed.
Beautiful quote,
dear Barb . . .
thank you. ♥
ps. I love your sky.
Wise and gorgeous quote! Thank you, Barb. ☀️
I can look at my own face in the mirror, knowing only that it is a kind face. I can look without the self consciousness of knowing this is my face. Just see a kind face. Notice how this person is lovable, worthy of love and approval. This face has nothing to prove, and nothing to hide. This is a beautiful face exactly as it is.
♥
😊
This is wonderful, Mary.
🥰
https://cac.org/daily-meditations/practicing-gratitude-weekly-summary/
This is so appropriate for today’s question!
I love the meditation
posted after the weekly summary,
dear Carol Ann.
It would make a good Daily Question . . . ♥
This question has me a bit stumped.
It seems so impossible to see things with fresh eyes.
And the longer I’ve known something, the harder it is. I know that absence can help to see something fresh again. I guess I will read all of your responses and ponder this question today.
Maybe studying someone or something,
dear Charlie,
with a mental magnifying glass would help (?) ♥
I felt stumped when I came to the site this morning, too. Still thinking!
We are having our first real snowfall in my part of WI. I will see it as a benefit for the moisture it will provide for the earth and not as a driving hazard. Was it Maya Angelo that said “hello day I have never seen you before.”
Yram, I’m next door to you in MN. As of 7pm, the official amount at the Twin Cities MSP airport is 2.4“”” and still snowing.
I’ve read that quote and loved it: “This is a wonderful day, I have never seen this one before.”
This may be the answer to Charlie’s question. We all ARE seeing each day for the first time. What will it hold? What will unfold? Who and what will we encounter in this day?
Oh! I love this – thank you. “Hello, Day! Why – I’ve never seen you before!” How true!!! thanks for gifting this to me, Yram.
I am enthused already.
By the way, – “enthused”, comes from the Greek, roughly meaning “in God” or “in spirit”… as in “inspired”… which also goes back to “In Spirit”….. I do love being enthused, and finding myself inspired….. may we all find some inspiration today…. whatever that will mean to each of us.
Enthused meaning “in God” or “in spirit” and inspired meaning “in spirit.” Thank you Carol Ann!
such a pleasure to be here sharing with us all!!!
I’m in the desert surrounded by cactuses and plants that have adapted to the most extreme conditions. I remember when I first explored this desert, I was fascinated by everything I encountered. I’ll look at the plants today as though I’m seeing them anew.
Drea, one thing I like about the desert southwest . . . everything has the ability to bite, sting and poke sharply!
😆
🙂
Drea, when I was in Tucson, Arizona I remember thinking that it looked like another planet, compared to what I am used to in Florida. I was amazed by black cliffs that rose straight up, and cactus, so large and tall everywhere. I was amazed by the beauty of this environment.
Recently I have felt overwhelmed at caring for myself and my home and the Universe has sent me many kind people to help me. My next door neighbor gathers my fall leaves. The neighbor down the street checks on me several times a week and takes me to Kansas City to a monthly ritual gathering. She also moves plants and furniture around when needed and is constantly asking me to Sunday dinner. Another new friend has offered to take me to doctor’s appointments held out of town. My son comes every weekend to visit and do chores. So much love and compassion making it possible for me to stay in my home.
I want to thank all of you for your kind words, thoughts and prayers. I am improving physically and mentally as depression was really chasing me! My son and his wife came yesterday and brought a lovely turkey dinner and uplifting company. It reminded me of how he was there for my Mom when she was older and widowed. He would join her for supper one night a week. She cooked dinner until she couldn’t and then he brought her dinner. Needless to say, I’m very proud of him.
Deep seeing is important because in the midst of inner or outer woes, we tend to forget all we have.
You are loved and I’m so happy to hear you are feeling better and had a nice Thanksgiving with your son and his wife. One day at a time. Sending loving energy your way💗☮
Michele, Thank you…
Dear Carol Ann, happy you are feeling better. You are blessed to have so many people who care about you, including your son & his wfe. ♥️
I am so glad to hear, Carol Ann, about the people who are there for you. I would think that they all enjoy your company very much. I’m also so glad to hear you are feeling better! Just feeling alright is another one of those things that I think most of us take for granted. Sending love, Mary.
I am so pleased that you have helpers all around you,
dear Carol Ann,
and I don’t doubt that they love you very much.
I also think
that you have raised a remarkable son. 🙂
Thank you, Sparrow…he is truly my teacher.
Yes, yes, and yes. ♥️
You have given so much, and so consistently, Carol Ann, it is right that the circle comes back to you now. Your being delighted and uplifted by their help is probably all they want, and would continue to make them feel good.
My helpers are selfless for sure and refuse to take any payment for their labors. They are definitely the “light of love.”
Earth angels are the best.
Amen, dear YRAM. Made me think of this Alabama song:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6uLxVZDuJCg&list=RD6uLxVZDuJCg&start_radio=1
Carol Ann, sending love and support, and gratitude for your caring community and family.
Thanks, Drea. Your compassion is palpable and deeply appreciated.
Carol Ann, what good fortune you’re having! Knowing these people who help you is a gift.
Christina, Today’s question and quote just made me realize how our minds stray and fear and the need to control creeps in. As YRAM says above, “Earth angels are the best.” I wish everyone in the whole wide world could understand how much we need each other.
Yup!!! you got that right, Carol Ann!!!!!!
My boyfriend, whom I’m seeing later. We were in a group of friends so I’ve seen him a good bit. I want to look attentively so I can see him with a fresh eye. He has a nice face.
My limited vision doesn’t allow me to see the tiny snowflakes falling, but I enjoy watching it as a blur. May everyone have safe travels outside. 🌨
You can feel those tiny snowflakes,
dear Ngoc,
on your warm cheeks. ♥
NCOC, You see what’s important very deeply. One can tell that by your posts.
I agree!♥️
My Ngoc, I’m looking forward to it too.
Myself.
Yes!🌷
Love it, Laura. If we’re really confident, no need to show it off. It’s reflective in quite a few of my answers before when I’ve talked about quiet confidence. I just scan the room and have a general idea of what’s to come. Some things are better left unsaid. That’s especially the case if you rely more on intuition over observation.
I will be traveling to my dad’s for our Thanksgiving today – I can look today at his place as if I’m seeing it for the first time… I periodically do this with my own home sometimes too.
Wishing everyone a relaxing peaceful Saturday and weekend. ☮💗
Thank you everyone:)
Have a nice time with family!
Be safe in your travels,
dear Michele . . . ♥
Michele, Wishing you safe travels.
Have a wonderful trip, Michele. 😍
The sky throughout the day for it will be different every time I look up.
That is so true, Deann! I love the sky so much! Along with the rest of nature, it is God’s art.
I’m another skywatcher, Deann. I love its changeability and persistence. This could be a paradox and yet it isn’t.