It’s my birthday today. If you’ve been following for a while, you might remember that on my birthday I usually take myself on a mindful Artist Date.
Over the years this has taken different forms. Whether it’s taking myself to a museum, or traveling to Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, or to photograph the cherry blossoms in Washington, DC, the agenda is the same: connect with my inner creativity and listen solely to my body’s guidance that day.
Before covid-19 hit, I had been scheduled to begin a week-long silent meditation retreat today in Massachusetts. Instead of feeling a loss today at the forced change of plans, I’m deeply grateful to be in the comfort of my home, already with a home-based business that allows me to serve in meaningful ways.
My canceled travel plans and stay-at-home orders also opened up opportunities to reconnect with my own back yard, reminding me of many of the lessons I wrote about in Blooming into Mindfulness.
So today, my Artist Date inspiration is to share a few images with you that I’ve taken over the past two weeks of post-travel quarantine and intensified social distancing.
Let me know what you think of my new images! I captioned them quickly here and realized that many of the words that came to mind were wishes I have for you:
May you stay grounded in the “truth” of the present moment, have the “resilience” needed to navigate these challenging times, maintain a sense of “wonder” and curiosity, feel “held” and “protected”, and meet each “morning” with curiosity about “hidden” lessons we can learn from this “suspended reality” and “waiting” period.
The more intention we bring to looking, the more “delicacies” we can find. Even in the midst of uncertainty and suffering for so many, our ever-present “Essence”, which connects us to all of humanity, will sustain us.
Apollo’s a bonus to send you an extra dose of happy energy!
Martha Hendricks says
Happy Birthday, Martha! Once again, you gift US, and I am so grateful that you invited us to your party! As always, I love your iconic photos!! The ones with the single water drop took my breath away especially. You have such a gift for seeing the power in the smallest things. May your day continue to be fun, fascinating, and filled with the joys of the familiar! Much love, TOM
Martha Brettschneider says
Hi Martha! You are so kind! Time is such a blur right now — apologies for my delayed acknowledgement of your happy birthday wishes! So much to be grateful for during this strange time in history. Wishing you continued good health and safety as we weather covid-19. With gratitude, TOM
Barbara Saulsbury says
Martha, may this birthday be extra special for you! Your photos are inspirational. They give you a sense of wonder and awe of the simple things in life. We just need to not only look, but to see, and you have certainly captured this in your photography.
Blessings for you and your family to remain safe and healthy while the storm passes by.
Barbara
Martha Brettschneider says
Thank you Barbara! With each passing week of lockdown, I’m finding more and more simple things to “see” from new angles. I hope that you and your loved ones are also healthy and well, with the resources you need during this hunkering down period. So appreciate you reaching out! With gratitude, Martha
Hema suresh says
Dear Martha, Ravi and I are looking at your pictures together as he’s home for the rest of the term. We both were talking about your ability to capture small and precious details in nature. Thanks for sharing these lovely images and inspiring captions! Much love to the family, stay safe!
Martha Brettschneider says
Thank you Hema!! How delightful that you and Ravi shared the moment together! Sending well wishes (health, safety, joy in each other’s company) your way. With hugs and gratitude, Martha
Sara Cleland says
What we all need right now in these uncertain times is perspective. I love the way your photos have brightened my perspective, and helped me to look at the things in life that remain around us, when all else seems random and chaotic. Thank you for sharing your heart with us, Martha, and for adding some true beauty to our day.
Martha Brettschneider says
Thank you Sara! I am taking great solace in nature right now, the perfect antidote to that “random and chaotic” energy. My delayed reply is a symptom of my staying away from screens when I can. Writing and taking photographs and disconnecting from the rest to the extent possible. Thanks for your understanding, friend! So appreciate your support and kind words. With gratitude, Martha