Meditations

The earthy aroma of coffee mingled with the heady scent of books.  A favorite activity, strolling the towering, colorful shelves of a bookstore, is a bliss like no other.  New books, paperbacks, bargain shelves, children's corner, magazines and newspaper from around the globe lovingly caressed, thumbed through and appreciated by confirmed bookaholics.

The bargain shelf always beckons.  Upon this shelf I see something of interest.  "Meditations from A Course in Miracles: Inspirational quotes of universal wisdom."  A smallish book, covered with silhouettes of trees in a misty forest, it stuck to my hand like honey.  Flipping through the introduction I see a passage that gives me pause that goes as follows:

"Nothing real can be threatened

Nothing unreal exists

Herein lies the peace of God"

The book divides the course thematically into eight topics.  My original intent was to read and meditate daily upon each page and write in my journal.  However, another goal has come to the fore, which is to post a photo a day - or thereabouts.  Sometimes my travels take me to places that do not allow for posting so I shall not beat myself up if I miss some days.  However, I can combine the two into one project, and add more books as I wish.  More quotes as I wish.  A book, a quote, a photo.

Recently, I've challenged myself to go outside every day with my camera and shoot whatever I find that's of interest.  Just in my yard.  There is always some tiny miracle occurring; it's up to me to discover it and see how many ways I can capture it digitally.  It's my daily meditation now along with reading and journaling.

The first section from my new Meditations book is on Adversity.  Page 1 - not admitting (into your life) pain.  "Nothing can hurt you unless you give it the power to do so."  This is good for me today for I have been allowing a situation to cause me deep pain.  The situation is unimportant, but what is important is my reaction to it.  It's an old reaction - an embedded pattern that I am trying to break.  Seeing it is the first step.  Just like seeing the beauty of a leaf floating in water.  I see, I see.