"Clouds come floating into my life...."

"Clouds come floating into my life,

no longer to carry rain or usher storm,

but to add color to my sunset sky."

~ Rabindranath Tagore

Stock photo

Gone Pink

Joining in support of Facebook’s The Optimism Revolution, the Focus on Insight Facebook page has gone pink today for breast cancer, as well as all cancers…and hope.

I had a dream a few weeks ago that I was back at my elementary school getting ready for a bike ride with my cousin and her twin toddlers.   I was running late and the kids were, um, impatient.  In the confusion of a strange dream moment, I saw my dad shaking his head and laughing at us, standing over by the bike racks.  Back in the day, he used to be in charge of running the Saturday movie for the PTA and we always got to park in the “tow zone” to unpack the refreshments – boxes of cool candy we never got to have any other time.  Thought we were pretty cool those days.  Anyway, the bike racks were in that area and there he was, as clear as anything I’d ever seen.  I left my poor cousin dealing with her twins and strode over to him.  There was a knowing in the air that our meeting was miraculous.  We both knew it.  And we both knew it was a one-time deal.  And then, in the purest joy, I got to hug my dad.

It’s been years since cancer took him and family and friends away from us.  I still hear his laugh, see his smile and, most importantly, feel his love.  My heart is full no matter where he is.

Personal photo taken @ Santa Barbara, CA

Harmony in Humanity

Always remember to thank those who make a difference in your life, year, day, or just a moment.  Gratitude generates harmony in humanity.

Personal photo taken at Mission Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA

"The fact that I can plant a seed...."

"The fact that I can plant a seed and it becomes a flower,

share a bit of knowledge and it becomes another's,

smile at someone and receive a smile in return,

are to me continual spiritual exercises."

~ Leo Buscagli

Personal photo taken @ Pflugerville, TX

Joy

Each day we have moments that have the potential to take us to the depths of sorrow or to raise us to the heights of joy.  Perspective is the filter by which we evaluate these moments.  Every positive assessment is a gift to us and is essential in the support of others.  Ultimately, our personal joy is the path toward compassion, so necessary to evolve humanity.

Personal photo taken @ San Antonio, TX

Mosaic of Your Life

Add hopes and dreams, love and compassion to the mosaic of your life in bright gold, shiny silver and sparkling crystal.  Each time the light falls upon you these unique pieces display a rich reminder of the aspirations of your soul.

Personal photo

"Get Together" by the Youngbloods

Love is but the song we sing,
And fear's the way we die
You can make the mountains ring
Or make the angels cry
Know the dove is on the wing
And you need not know why
C'mon people now,
Smile on your brother
Ev'rybody get together
Try and love one another right now
Some will come and some will go
We shall surely pass
When the one that left us here
Returns for us at last
We are but a moments sunlight
Fading in the grass
C'mon people now,
Smile on your brother
Ev'rybody get together
Try and love one another right now
If you hear the song I sing,
You must understand
You hold the key to love and fear
All in your trembling hand
Just one key unlocks them both
It's there at your command
C'mon people now,
Smile on your brother
Ev'rybody get together
Try and love one another right now
Right now
Right now!

~ “Get Together” performed by the Youngbloods, written by Chet Powers

Stock photo

Wonder and Awe

Wonder and awe about the universe in which we live.

Nature alone serves as motivation for limitless gratitude.

Some are blind to the incredible opportunities for stunning insight.

Cultural variations offer endless possibilities for understanding.

Open your eyes to an entire world that awaits you.

Personal photo

"...the mother of wonder."

“It is not ignorance but knowledge which is the mother of wonder.”

~ Joseph Wood Krutch

Personal photo taken @ Sea World, San Antonio, TX