Friday, April 18, 2014

The Platform of Our Lives

by Deanna


Here at Focusing On Life we touch on many different subjects and topics and we tend to “focus” on one theme for each month.  Some are specific like the color “red” and others lean to interpretation such as “joy”.   This month we are focusing on one of the most concrete “things” in our life….earth and with the celebration of Earth Day being next Tuesday, April 22 I felt today’s post should reflect that most significant topic, the great Earth beneath us. 

There are those that practice mindfulness of the earth each day by rising every morning, immediately kneel, and touch their forehead to the ground, helping them to begin their day with humility and gratitude for the earth that holds us.



All day we walk, run and drive around the surface of the earth usually completely unaware that the earth is the platform of our life, with a force of gravity that supports our every step and grounding our lives.  


Many times during the day we tend to “be in our heads” distracted and easily thrown off balance.  We can end that distraction by drawing our attention from our head to our feet, and in doing so we can feel more solid, grounded and less swayed by thoughts or emotions.  A Zen Monk writes….

“I like to walk alone on country paths, rice plants and wild grasses on both sides, 
putting each foot down on the earth in mindfulness, 
knowing that I walk on the wondrous earth.
 In such moments, existence is a miraculous and mysterious reality. 
People usually consider walking on water or in thin air a miracle. 
But I think the real miracle is to walk on earth….a miracle we don’t even recognize.”


So let us always be aware of this great miracle that supports our every step and treat it with the kindness and respect that is the perpetual platform of our lives.  

15 comments:

Carol said...

Deanna - this is absolutely beautiful. Each image is perfect and I found your words very moving this morning. I have often said that I am thankful to have feet to put on the ground each morning - you remind me to also be thankful for the ground I put them on.
Enjoy your weekend ,all.

Kim Stevens said...

Just beautiful Deanna....very moving words and the images, wow! We do live on such a very remarkable place that so many take for granted each and every day - it is a place to be celebrated for sure!

Anonymous said...

So very true, and often taken for granted! I love the feel and smell of the fresh grass, and sand under my bare feet…it renews my soul and makes me stop and give thanks to this beautiful and mysterious earth! Great post, and awesome photos…thanks for sharing and have a great weekend!

kelly said...

oh deanna...yes, the miracle that is our planet. even those of use who consider ourselves nature lovers from time to time get distracted. or busy. we all need this reminder. a beautiful post. xo

Unknown said...

Ahh yes! The miracle IS walking on the earth. I loved this post. :)) great.

CarolHart said...

Such a wonderful post and your images are truly stunning. Thank you for this beautiful reminder. Happy Easter!

terriporter said...

What a beautiful reminder of this planet that we are so lucky to inhabit! Your photos are stunning examples and your words so inspirational! How can we not be grateful for this place we live in? Thank you for this wonderful post to start my day.

heyjudephotography said...

Moving and beautiful Deanna. An important reminder indeed.

Viv@Thoughts from the Desktop said...

Deanna thank you for the lovely and wise words have a peaceful and happy Easter to all of you at FOL.

Cathy said...

Deanna, this was such a good reminder to us all. And your photos are just stunning and your words so true.

Dotti said...

I read this early this morning on my iPad but couldn't comment. We just got home so I wanted to pop in and tell you that this was an absolutely beautiful and meaningful post, in every way.

Katie said...

this is a perfect post for this month.

Anonymous said...

"A miracle we don’t even recognize"... I've never come to think about the earth in this way but your words and the quote you've chosen make me realize the importance. We are so easily distracted not to pay attention to what is really important. Thank you, Deanna.

susan said...

beautiful post and stunning images deanna! love those golden tones…love the message…love everything! xo

Ida said...

Such a beautiful post. Loved your photos and your thoughts as well. God gave us a beautiful place to live for sure.

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