Tag Archives: nature

Wisdom through the lens

23 Sunday Aug 2015

Posted by in Art, philosophy, photography, reading

≈ 8 Comments

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , ,

During another bookcase sorting, filter and purge this weekend, a few dozen items eluded the donations box.

I am not doing very well with this purging concept.

It’s a difficult process, almost like saying goodbye to old friends – or acquaintances with whom you have yet to sit down and get to know better. 

It has been almost three months since I started on this endeavour. The objective was to tidy up the bookcases, to take a break from writing attempts and all the sitting at the computer it involves.

books on bookcase and in boxes

One section of the personal library, sorted, categorized and tagged for potential purging.

In-between five sweaty laundry room trips on a Saturday night, I tackled the non-fiction bookcase again, rearranging sections according to quantity of remaining books.  It became a curious exercise in space and logic.

During a bout of romantic whimsy, I was kinda hoping that Matthew McConaughey would show up.

Okay… Back to earth.  

Some of the remaining books “fit” into more than one category.  One seemed to fit into Art & hobbies, Philosophy and perhaps self help.

Book cover Wisdom through the lens - A practical guide for photography as a means for self transformation

Wisdom through the lens – A practical guide for photography as a means for self transformation by Pierre Poulain

I obtained this autographed copy after attending a Cultural Diversity event in Ottawa a couple of years ago. I think it deserves another look after my recent dabbling into smart phone photography and deep, urban reflections.

tree branches in january

Winter 2015 – Two trees with naked branches outstretched into fractals of themselves as they greet and mesh into each other.

I think I should get into photography more since it would get me outside often for fresh air and moderate exercise. I’d like to capture sharper images with devices other than my Windows Phone and the Canon Powershot.

What would you recommend as a simple camera?

Requirements:

  • Must be digital
  • Affordable
  • Idiot-proof (simple to use)
  • Display screen for previews
  • Good for outdoors

Thanks for dropping by, for your comments or recommendations.

T

Advertisement

Detours and gentle paths

03 Sunday May 2015

Posted by in community, Health, therapy, Travel, writing

≈ 3 Comments

Tags

, , , , , , , , ,

I got lost on my way to a Jane’s Walk Ottawa event yesterday.

To put a positive spin on it, I got in plenty of walking time as planned for my spring stay-cation activities.  I also got a sunburned nose and hands although I had ample skin coverage.

I take full responsibility for not making better arrangements ahead of time … and for trusting the vague instructions in the OC Transpo travel planner.  Something tells me I should have listened to the loud yellow songbird as I ambled down the wrong NCC path.

yellow song bird in tree

Hey! You’re going the wrong way!

I didn’t make it to the event but had plenty of opportunities for deep blonde thoughts and walking meditation.

When planning jaunts about town, I make sure I pack:

  • A full water bottle
  • A snack of fruit, nuts or grains
  • A loaded Presto pass AND OC Transpo bus tickets
  • Charged cell phone (for communication and taking pictures)
  • Seasonally appropriate attire (hat, sunglasses, overskirt, change of socks, umbrella)
  • A book to read
  • A notebook and pen.

The lengthy detour along the picturesque Rideau River gave me a good workout.  It provided a warm and sweaty reminder to accept responsibility for my actions and my choices – but to forgive myself for occasional mistakes.

Mistakes are part of the dues one pays for a full life.
– Sophia Loren as attributed on The Quotations Page

I eventually made my way to a recognizable road then a location where I could catch a bus downtown to my next destination. At least I arrived with enough time to refill my water bottle and freshen up.

During the Vesak 2015 Ottawa celebrations, there was frequent mention of the recent earthquake in Nepal. The attentive audience members sat or stood quietly as the Buddhist monks and nuns said prayers and chanted songs. It was beautiful and sad.

After a while, I found a few empty seats where I could relax while listening to speeches and watching performances.

feet resting on back frame of chair, buddha eyes of compassion bag

My tired feet

Colourfully costumed people from various Asian cultures took to the stage in dance and celebration.  It was disappointing that some audience members stood in the middle aisle and at the front with their iPads or smart phones to record them.

Vesak 2015 celebrations Ottawa City Hall

iPads and smart phones everywhere! Vesak 2015 celebrations Ottawa City Hall

Ironic in a way, that on this day with much talk of compassion and mindfulness, these folks were blocking the view, lessening the enjoyment for others!  

Little Buddha

As with other belief systems I have explored, I find that Buddhism has sprouted into complex teachings as evolved in different cultures over thousands of years.  Although it seems to have many levels and paths of enlightenment, it is the one belief system most compatible with basic virtues I embrace.

  • One should treat others as one would like others to treat oneself.
  • One should not treat others in ways that one would not like to be treated.

– Golden and sliver rules

Overall, attending the event was a good learning opportunity as I continue to broaden my knowledge, to get out and experience new things.

Thanks for visiting. If I may lead you down one more path, please sample a bit of the ebook for The Year of the Rabbit where the author touches on a few belief systems.

T