Inspiration Set in Stone

I have often said that inspiration can be found anywhere and everywhere… but I can now say that some places hold more creative offerings than others. Traveling down the Colorado River, through the Grand Canyon, was just that. In every moment, anywhere I looked there were visual WOW’s.

For 16 days, there was a continuous deluge of wonders to take in… of the sights, sounds, and experiences that the river and canyon offered up. It was a journey that can’t be compared to any I have ever experienced. It has been three weeks since returning home but the river and the magnificent rock walls have not left me (and may never leave). I now carry them with me, or maybe a piece of me is still in the Canyon. 

The greatest inspiration came from the massive rock walls. There was a constant and fascinating stream of intricate formations, textures, lines, cracks, and colors to be found in the stone. Their beauty often brought me to tears.

Looking at the rocks up close was mesmerizing… the shapes and details, and how one or more types of stone would be imbedded within another. Stunning!! Everywhere I looked I found inspiration. 

Having seen the Grand Canyon from it’s river view, I don’t know if I can ever return to the rim. It would only make me long to be on the river again.

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Finding Inspiration in the Majestic Presence of Trees

Finding Inspiration in the Majestic Presence of Trees

Trees are a magnificent presence in our world, standing strong and tall, lifting their branches towards the heavens, growing their roots down into the earth in order to support their height and breadth and to feed the tree with nourishment. They are able to bend with the winds, withstand the storms, and in the case of our local redwood trees, are even able to survive the fires. 

With their remarkable longevity, I have often reflected on the history they have witnessed and the environmental changes they have experienced through the years. The intricate shapes and textures on the bark of a tree tell the story of its personal history of growth and resilience. And these beautiful formations, sculpted by nature, become visual inspiration for those who take a moment to observe this artistry.

Years ago, I used to spend time in a peaceful forest behind a museum. With each visit, I would sit under the canopy of leaves and limbs, asking the question, “What lesson do you have for me today?” And I always received one. The lessons had to do with concepts like: flexibility, balance, or growth. 

Now, in considering the lessons in the ridges, nooks, and crannies of a tree trunk, we are reminded of how we are able to thrive and grow through life’s challenging moments. Just like the textured bark, our own journeys are marked by experiences that shape us into the unique individuals we are today.

Trees offer many lessons… such as the importance of staying grounded and drawing strength from the foundations we create for ourselves. They teach us about the beauty of flowing with the natural rhythms of our lives. As a tree changes with each season, it becomes an ideal symbol of gracefully accepting life’s natural cycles.

In these final days of summer (and beyond), as you walk out among the trees, may you find inspiration and wisdom in their presence, their resilience, and their beauty.