A Luminous Life

I'm DrStephM… living A Luminous Life!

Archive for the month “August, 2012”

Sunset after a Wonderful Day

There’s nothing like watching a sunset to end a wonderful day. I love the seeing the movement and the many gorgeous colors of the sky. I hope you enjoy the view. 

A Glimpse of Peace

After a stressful day, I went for a short drive and found myself at an overlook with a wonderful view of the sunset over the Konza Prairie. Here are a couple images of peace.

Originality and Value

This poster for Svet caught my eye. Hip Hop Violinist… wow!  I love the contradiction and originality. I am inspired by Svet, and just the sight of his poster inspired me to think through all the ways I share myself with the world…or stop myself from doing so.

One of my biggest barriers to blogging is the fear that I won’t be original in my writings. There are so many fabulous creatives out there, and I often doubt that I have anything new to add. One of the best ways to become a better writer is to read. Yet, I fear that the more I read, the more my “voice” will be changed by what others have written.

I squelched that fear today and read an article on the definition of creativity. Runco and Jaeger (2012) state that, “creativity requires both originality and effectiveness.” That, “originality is vital for creativity but is not sufficient.” That brings to mind another fear of mine that I will write something original, but it won’t even matter. I am from the mindset that if I hit the “publish” button, then I better have written words worthy of reading.

In the aforementioned article, Runco and Jaeger quote Bethune who in 1839 (!) said, “To mingle the useful with the beautiful, is the highest style of art. The one adds grace, the other value.” Such lovely words written so long ago.

Svet is traveling the globe effectively sharing his originality. I sit here writing my little blog, peeking out from behind the computer, hoping I have offered a unique take on things, and aspiring to add grace and value to your day.

3rd Day of August

I’ve been inspired by sky photos I saw recently. I captured this view this morning. I’d like to write more, but it’s late, and I’m tired. Sweet dreams…

Super Freak

There are days when I do not feel like going into work. I’d like to wake up just in time for Good Morning America to start, eat a slow breakfast, spend time my 13-year-old lovely girl, and allow the day to just flow where it may.

This morning it was raining. Wonderful rain! We’ve been in a drought, so the sights, smells, and sounds of the rain were very welcome. It felt like a good day to stay home.

As I drove to work, I had the pleasure of Rick James telling me I’m a Super Freak. I decided the day wouldn’t be all bad.

I was mindful of the way the rain had changed the look of the campus as I made my way to my office. The bark of the trees was dark. The green of the grass was so rich. I loved how the water on the limestone made all of the buildings appear old yet beautiful.

I thought of Mr. James telling me that I’m a very special girl… from my head down to my toenails.

I took a final photo noticing all of the paths initially seeming to lead anywhere, yet actually all taking me to the same place. We create the life we want. We can spend a work day at home, or be happy we have a job to go in to. We can hear Mr. James’ fear of taking us home to his mother, or pay attention to him thinking we’re special. In the end, it may all lead to the same place… just be mindful in your journey, connect to the experience of your life, and let the path take you where it may…. maybe there will be some incense, wine and candles at the end.

Project: August Break 2012

I’m participating in Susannah Conway’s  fun in August… August Break 2012.

I think this will be a great way for me to reconnect to my blog. After I wrote the post, “Chance,” life took a turn. I couldn’t quite find a way to share, so I shut down for awhile. I’m ready to put myself out there again, and this project is a great way to begin!

Here’s a photo from today…. I like the light and hint of blurriness. Life feels disoriented right now, so this picture fits perfectly.

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