Opening Slowly

Upon Opening, Tulip at Allen Centennial Garden, University of Wisconsin-Madison

Upon Opening, A Tulip Β© 2011 Bo Mackison

β€œAnd the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.” ~~Anais Nin

Seems I need to have this quote up for another day.

That day does come, the day mentioned in the quote by Anais Nin . . . the day when it is more painful to stay hidden, even if you are tucked in, swaddled and protected. The time comes when you need to take a deep breath and open yourself to the wonders and joys of the world.

You can’t stay hidden because not everything is wondrous and joyful. Some things in this world are painful or frightening or just plain messed up, some people are angry and don’t care what they say or who they hurt in their bid to get what they want.

I got a message in an email today which went something like this: If you look for the good while you are on your journey, and look for good in your relationships, and in your work, then you will find good.

And if you look for the bad, well, then you will find that, too. Ah, so true.

——————–

I am back home after spending the first part of 2011 in Arizona, had a couple of rough weeks adjusting to life back in Wisconsin. Still adjusting, still adjusting…

About Bo Mackison

I'm a photographer, book-artist, traveler, naturalist, and creator of the Contemplative Creatives Journey, An Online Workshop and Community and Desert Wisdom Cards and Workshops. Though often not well known, I find the desert a welcoming place - a healing space. Its mysteries and gifts transformed me several years ago. Since that first encounter, I return again and again to fill my well in what most people think of as a desolate region. I'd love to share my desert discoveries and wisdom with you. Please subscribe to receive my five part mini email course The Gifts of the Desert. It's my gift to you.

Comments

  1. Joanne Keevers says

    Bo, you are so right, we are a mirror of the people we meet. It is the perfect indicator of how we are feeling and viewing the world ourselves, when we meet other people. If we do not like the attitude of the people we are meeting, we must adjust our own attitudes. Right now, I’m loving the people I have been meeting along life’s journey! πŸ™‚

    Another beautiful flower photo and so appropriate to the quote.

    • Bo Mackison says

      Thanks, Joanne. I’m so happy you are meeting great people on your journey. What wonderful experiences!

  2. Bo, your photos continue to enrapture me. Thank you. And your message – it is powerful. I am pleased by your way of sharing your daily truth. It inspires me.
    Angels be with you.

    • Bo Mackison says

      Thank you, Wendy. I am always pleased when you stop and leave a comment. The work on your blog and your art is inspiring as well!

  3. One of my favorite quotes..and one that resonates deeply with me. And – it’s so true. Our thoughts have great power. What we think..is who and what we become. We are on such parallel journeys! Stunning image!

  4. Yes…

  5. Another great image. All the parts of the flower are stretching and opening to the world. (I’ll bet that’s why you chose this one.)

  6. Unlike a flower we have a choice and for us, more than once.

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