A Conversation With Dawning Sun: Join My 365-Day Peaceful Photo Challenge
DAY 156. Curating peace through photos, with and without words.
February 4, 2025
The softness and serenity of this winter sunrise view at the edge of bustling New York City mesmerizes the heart and spirit if we stop to observe.
A white ball of rising Sun that gives life to the earth below, where we live, struggle, and thrive, greets us gently: "Good morning, sweet children. How will you interact and play today?"
Darkened, bare trunks, branches, and a few remaining leaves respond for us as we are too preoccupied to stop and converse with the Dawn: "They are busy, Sun. You know, hustling, bustling, worrying, earning, spending, drowning, wishing for, and wondering when things will change."
Dawning Sun, glowing brighter now and warming the frozen waters and earth below, sheds a teardrop as the snow melts and falls to the cold, hard earth below:
"Ahh, sweet children. If you paused from the harriedness of what you believe you must do as soon as I declare your eyes to be opened, you would see how taking a moment to start your day with silence, gratitude, purging of all that is past, and entrusting the uncontrollable relentlessness of busyness and worry to me would free you to live, love, befriend, hold, support, and receive all these liberally in return. Are these not the things you truly desire?"
Blinking, Dawning Sun continues, "Silence and gratitude are not just poetic, children. They are profoundly nurturing practices that help you let go of the uncontrollable pace of wild, unhealing action and the irrevocable differences we all face. Have you ever tried listening to the rustling leaves, inhaling the ripple of calm, or immersing yourself in quiet appreciation for what you already have?
When did you forget the philosophies and traditions emphasizing the importance of living in harmony with nature and embracing the present moment?
The Stoics taught us the value of focusing on what we can control and accepting what we cannot. Eastern philosophies encourage mindfulness and the deep connection between all living things. And I, Mother Nature, show you this repeatedly in every day's cycle.
These timeless teachings remain relevant today, dear ones. Come, take my hand, and reconnect with me. Together, let us uncover all we truly desire and need and be filled to overflowing.”
Do these photos help you lean into quiet, calm, gratitude, and peace? How so?