photo credit: h.koppdelaney
“As you sit on the hillside, or lie prone under the trees of the forest, or sprawl wet-legged by a mountain stream, the great door, that does not look like a door, opens.” ~ Stephen Graham
Lance writes stories from his heart, aiming to inspire and motivate, as you align more fully with YOUR true peak. When he’s not here, you can find him hanging out with his family, riding a bike, or just generally acting goofy.
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i look forward to your thought of the day on sundays! this one is no exception.
great photo & wise words…
.-= melly´s Last Fabulous Post ..So grateful for good friends =-.
Hi Lance. I could just walk right into this picture. Nature conjures up a huge sense of serenity for me, not to mention appreciation for the great outdoors. Not a day goes by where I don’t notice a tree or cloud formations in the sky, or listen to a bird’s song, or hear the wind. There is an entire symphony out there and life would be pretty empty without this.
.-= Davina´s Last Fabulous Post ..If You Could, Would You? =-.
Hi Lance .. I too could just get up and go for a walk in the forest now, meandering through the woods, smelling the earthy smells, looking at the wild flowers, see the sun pop through the canopy, find a knoll to rest on and just letting the mind escape ..
Thanks — lovely words and thoughts — open the door
Hilary Melton-Butcher
Positive Letters Inspirational Stories
.-= Hilary´s Last Fabulous Post ..Has the earth’s mantle turned into a bed of ants? Cobblers talk Cobblers. A toddler and his floating car … =-.
HI Lance,
What a beautiful picture and a lovely quote as well. Aren’t we all talking about opening doors to “follow our bliss”:) This quote is a Lovely extension to my chain of thought at the moment.
See how much better a sunday quote on your blog feels.…;)
.-= Zeenat{Positive Provocations}´s Last Fabulous Post ..Inspirational Quote/Thought of the Week{15.8.09} =-.
My first thought when I saw this was, “I love that photo.” I’m glad others have commented on it, too. And that phrase, “the great door, that does not look like a door”… Mmm, that really grabbed me. The longer I walk this beautiful path I’m on, the more I realize that nothing is how I imagined it could or “should” be. It’s so much more subtle, and infinitely better.
Have a fabulous day!
.-= Megan “JoyGirl!” Bord´s Last Fabulous Post ..The Earth: Teacher of Unconditional Love (Quote from Byron Katie) =-.
Beautiful picture, as always Lance.
This quote makes me smile. Often those “doors” don’t look like doors, and if we’re too busy buzzing through life, we are apt to miss opportunities that are right under our noses.
.-= Barbara Swafford´s Last Fabulous Post ..Bloopers, BooBoos and Ideas That Went Bust =-.
When you are in communion with nature your spirit soars.
Love all you share.
Many blessings
Jeanne?
.-= Jeanne´s Last Fabulous Post ..40th year anniversary of Woodstock =-.
My angel card this morning told me to spend time in nature visualising what I want in my life. This photo and quote are the perfect accompaniment! I always find amazing synchronicity when I visit your blog — thanks Lance
.-= Hilda´s Last Fabulous Post ..The best things in life aren’t things =-.
uhoh
I.Tired.
Just for this morning I shall opt for sprawl.
Thank you for starting my Sunday Lance and for all that you do.
.-= Miz´s Last Fabulous Post ..MizFit Monday Radio: =-.
Wow! That’s just deep. Great thought!
Hi Lance!
Of course you know how I appreciate photos like this! Thank you!
Yes, even the invisible has a door but the most important door to open and walk through is the door of your heart and soul! Until then, other doors will never be within reach to even open, let alone walk through!
I love making the time to visit here…
Hugs!
.-= Henie´s Last Fabulous Post ..Unshackled by a Mere Smile =-.
I agree with Barbara, sometimes we don’t even notice the doors. There is always one waiting to open if we can slow down and really notice!
Happy Sunday!
.-= Stacey Shipman´s Last Fabulous Post ..Podcast Interview with Sister to Sister: Educating Women About Heart Disease =-.
Oooh, this was a good one! It really moved me!
.-= Positively Present´s Last Fabulous Post ..happy anniversary, positively present! =-.
Lately I have been missing upstate NY. In Florida there isn’t much nature…for me! I’m not a big beach fan. Upstate NY had beautiful trees, streams and gorges to hike. I miss that connection with nature. How quiet it can be while the snow falls. How noisy it can be when the wind blows through the tree tops and the raging water travels down the waterfall. Everyday on my way to work I would drive past a waterfall! Buttermilk Falls State Park! You should check it out! I tried to never take it for granted and I didn’t, but now I miss it terribly! For me the great door that opened was serenity!
.-= Natalia Burleson´s Last Fabulous Post ..Displaying precious art! =-.
Thank you, Lance… I think I am looking at that very open door now.
.-= Lisis´s Last Fabulous Post ..Inspiration from Brenda Short: Thank You =-.
@Melly — Thanks so much for being here today Melly!
@Davina — Hi Davina. That picture is almost magical, isn’t it! An entire symphony…I love that thought. And that’s part of that door opening up — seeing all that is there around us — and then within us.
@Hilary — And there’s something very comforting in all of that — this walk through the forest. I believe it takes us back to our true being when we let that experience move into our body, into our soul. Nature is so connecting…
@Zeenat — Hi Zeenat. Yes, finding that door to our bliss…a door that can sometimes be hidden. Especially when we’re not letting ourselves fully connect with our being. And that’s where I think nature plays such a big role — something about nature is connecting to a Source great than us. So great having you here today Zeenat…
@Megan — Of all the photos I looked at, this one just “felt” so right for this quote. That light shining down, like discovering that great door within, and letting our own light shine outward…so uplifting! And this door that doesn’t look like a door — Megan, I know what you mean — how good, deeply good, this door is. A door, when discovered, that feels completely like the “right” door to enter through. Thanks so much for this.
@Barbara — Thanks much, Barbara. The light from this picture really feels like the unknown door within each of us, opening up as something new is discovered…on visit to our natural world. Slowing down, and appreciating that which is around us — how good this can be. And that’s just when these “doors” often open. Great thoughts, thanks much Barbara!
@Jeanne — Together, in communion — with nature — how connecting that is. Especially when we truly come together and let the natural world engulf our soul. So, so good…
@Hilda — Synchronicity is a pretty awesome thing! It’s so good having you here today, Hilda. The thought of spending time visualizing — that’s the door, appearing, opening, inviting you in…
@Miz — Sprawl is good! And the doors will continue to open…
@Dr. Rus — Thanks much Dr. Rus! If you really let this one sink in, there is so much here… Nature is such a great place to connect to our deeper selves.
@Henie — Hi Henie. And I think that’s exactly the doors that will open for us when we take that time to “be still” within the natural environment. Invisible doors that connect back to our heart and soul. Henie, this is so wonderfully said! Thanks so much for being here today.
@Stacey Shipman — Happy Sunday Stacey! That’s it…we live in this world of “rush”. And in rushing around — how can we fully connect with ourselves? It’s all about doing more, and faster. Or is it? No — it’s really not. Because is that more and faster even the “stuff” that matters deeply to us? If we haven’t slowed down and taken the time to “dig deeper”, then probably not. And nature is just so good at this. Nature isn’t rushed. It just is. At it’s pace, and we don’t change that. Stacey, I couldn’t agree more about those doors — they are there…we just have to slow down to see them.
@Positively Present — when you let this thought settle in, there’s a lot of depth to it. Thanks much!
@Natalia — What I like about the beach is especially one that is deserted — which I do find very powerful — especially with the waterlapping against the shore. It reminds me of a time many, many years ago — camping in far northern Michigan, on the shores of Lake Superior. And there was something just extra special about being right there on the beach, no one else around. When the beach becomes crowded with people — while this is still nice — it’s not the same as the solitude it provide. And I understand completely about the forests and waters that flow through them. So, so good for the soul. The quiet and the noise. And I just looked up Buttermilk Falls — gorgeous! What a view to experience every day! Serenity…what a beautiful door to open… Natalia, thanks so much for all of this, it’s taken me back to an earlier time, and of very fond memories of how our amazing world is so full of beauty…
@Lisis — And Lisis, that door is there…and I’m sure it will open for you. You are in a place that is so good for you. It’s there… So good to see you here today, my friend…
Lance,
The door that does not look like a door… I wonder how many of these I’ve missed walking through in my life, because I didn’t recognise them as doors. Great quote, and lovely photo as always, and as everyone else has said!
.-= Daphne @ Joyful Days´s Last Fabulous Post ..Can We Grow into Selflessness? =-.
The great door opened last night for my aunt Lance.…just shortly after my visit with her. One day, I will know where her door led. I pray it was the gateway to heaven.
Ladies, PLEASE go get your yearly breast exam. Do it for your family if not for yourself. Don’t ignore the lump you feel and hide it from your family until two days before you die.
This quote is so true it’s freaky. Yesterday I was surfing twitter, and I read an ebook on how the recession is great for helping college grads prove their worth by working for free very successful companies, while all the other less-informed grads go to Monster.com. I think I’ve seen the door… and in a few years I will go through it.
.-= John´s Last Fabulous Post ..Life is a Rollercoaster =-.
I love the picture and the quote is so fitting.
Lately life seems to be going full throttle — this is a great reminder for us to slow down and smell the” roses” before another season is over.
.-= BunnygotBlog´s Last Fabulous Post ..Eleanor Roosevelt: Speaking Volumes, Part 2 =-.
…and sometimes when we feel the door closing upon us, we begin to see the light and all is well. Lance Thanks for this quote. It brought so many things into perspective for me (us) as we attempt to sell our house and plan a move, etc… sometimes we get inspired and we get our hopes up then everything crashes. It is good to take the time to just “BE” and let the doors open all on their own.
I have missed the sunday thoughts but we’re back now–so glad.
Thank You.
.-= SpinDiva´s Last Fabulous Post ..Kids do listen when we talk =-.
I looked out upon the Gulf of Mexico yesterday and had a peaceful thought like that. Sometimes just a different view makes one look at life a little differently. Thank you for the lovely thought this morning.
.-= Lynn´s Last Fabulous Post ..Directions, discovery and the Blue Ribbon =-.
Lance,
The photo reminds me of being a kid always outside to work before the sun became to hot to work. It was quiet, dewy, blissful…nature at its best. A pleasant escape. The quote…Hennie nailed it.
.-= Tess The Bold Life´s Last Fabulous Post ..Have you dealt with your shadow? =-.
Lance, your talent for choosing pictures that stir the soul is unmatched! And all of them lately seem like they were taken right by my lake house — this one too! Awesome. Now you know why I love my brief summer time up here — the ultimate nature experience, bugs and all! ha!
The quote is thought provoking — and what it provoked in me was how limited our language is! The word “door” conjures up a vision of just that — a door. And maybe that’s why we miss opening some of them? We expect it to appear as if a door, maybe with a sign saying what door or where it is going to lead us? I know we are stuck with the word door but my preference would be to use “field of energy” or something less physically descriptive.
One thing is for sure though — in the stillness, preferably in nature, is the opening — the opening to whatever you want to call it!
Great inspiration as always — have a terrific day!
.-= suzen´s Last Fabulous Post ..Return to Innocence =-.
Lance:
Thanks for sharing this great thought and awesome photo…its a great way to start the day. Thank you also for your previous post — I am thinking about really pushing my limits in a bike ride in a few weeks. I have the option to do 35 miles or 62 miles in the Boulevard Lakefront Tour in Chicago. Last year, I did 35 and it didn’t seem too bad. Your post convinces me that, whatever choice I make (especially the longer distance), I will learn something more about myself. Thanks again for your posts!
.-= Tim´s Last Fabulous Post ..Weekend Musical Diversion: Woodstock =-.
Hi Lance!
Wonderful photo! I love the quote! I love all reminders that nature is where it’s at–that nature is where we can connect to the Source so long as we absorb ourselves in and really notice it (that’s when the door appears!). Thank you for this! Have a great week!
.-= Jodi at Joy Discovered´s Last Fabulous Post ..Inspiration Pages =-.
Sooo inspiring, Lance. I don’t know who Stephen Graham is but he sure nailed the power of the invisible with that statement. It must have felt like a natural state of grace for you when those words and that equally powerful image came together at your direction. Lovely, lovely, lovely.
.-= Brenda´s Last Fabulous Post ..On Abundance =-.
Absolutely beautiful concept. The photo is gorgeous too. I look forward to your Sunday posts.
.-= Caity´s Last Fabulous Post ..The Library! =-.
Hi Lance,
Beautiful post and beautiful quote, as always. I think so often in life we forget that life is so simple and that it is meant to be simple. We just think things have to be hard. There is no door because the door is always there…it is just waiting for us to see it.
Hope all is awesome and that you are having a wonderful Sunday!
.-= Nadia — Happy Lotus´s Last Fabulous Post ..One Year Already? – Sunday Song for August 16, 2009 =-.
It’s in meditative moments such as these that answers come to questions we didn’t even know we were asking. Beautiful reminder, Lance, to be quiet and listen.
.-= Julie´s Last Fabulous Post ..The Honor is All Mine =-.
I love the picture and the quote fits right into it. My guess is that this means that we shouldn’t always look for the obvious. “…the great door, that does not look like a door…” It may not LOOK like a door, but its a door.
.-= Carla´s Last Fabulous Post ..Being here now =-.
Lance, loved the quote today. It reminded me of my recent vacations in the mountains where I did sit on a hillside, lie prone under the trees of the forest, and sprawled wet-legged by a mountain stream. Thanks for the thought and the memory.
.-= Stephen — Rat Race Trap´s Last Fabulous Post ..Mavis Karn’s Secret =-.
Being in nature opens doors, it opens hearts, it opens minds…
The Redwoods always do this to me, their gigantic-ness, just like the ocean, helps me put things into perspective.
I always look forward to Sundays with Lance. Thanks for again adding life and light to my day.
Enjoy your day today!
.-= Lori´s Last Fabulous Post ..What the Tide Brings =-.
You know Lance, Sundays are always made a little bit better by reading your posts.
I love it! The door that doesn’t look like a door opens… that’s SO true and seems to happen so much more to me lately. It’s funny though, because that door only seems to open when you’re not focusing on it like that. Just like the quote. Incredible!
.-= Nathalie Lussier´s Last Fabulous Post ..Raw Food Dehydrators: What, Why, and How To Dehydrate Snacks =-.
Every human being has free will. You have a choice to notice the existence of doorways or not. You have the choice to find ways to apss through them, or not. Every choice has consequences, anticipated and unforeseen.
.-= Liara Covert´s Last Fabulous Post ..5 ideas as food for thought =-.
I get so excited about what is going to happen when I least expect it, when I’m not looking for certain things to happen. That is when real living happens! Hope you had a great weekend and I’m sure you are looking forward to a wonderful, peace filled week.
.-= Audra Krell´s Last Fabulous Post ..Make Love, Make War =-.
What a perfect match , I love the image,
Thanks makes me want to head down to the river and see what new doors are opening
.-= Suzie Cheel´s Last Fabulous Post ..Brian Said I Should Watch This! =-.
Relaxing and peaceful — comforting — all of which I needed right now!
.-= Lisa’s Chaos´s Last Fabulous Post ..The Burying Point =-.
I need to practice Peace today. Because that definitely closes doors. Ugh.
.-= Yum Yucky´s Last Fabulous Post ..Sunday Buffet: Suckling Pigs and Fat-So, Inc. =-.
For me.…I saw the open door yesterday. On the way back from a training I led…I purposely (un-purposely) drove down the wrong road just because it called to me. And on the road I remembered that that day would have been the 18th birthday of my friend, Max who died a year ago. As I drove on the unknown road, I cried and cried, listening to music as loud as it could go ( Max loved music) and then laughed quietly remembering him. Finally, I felt quiet and so grateful to be alive with the ability to take an unknown road.
That road ended up forming a 35 mile loop back to where I had started from. But the road, my doorway that day, definitely did not leave me in the same place where it found me.
@Daphne — That’s a great observation, Daphne. And not just for you, really for every one of us. When we get too wrapped in in just doing and doing — we miss them. And that’s what’s so great about nature, it’s ability to help us just slow down and take in…so, so good for us.
@Laurie — Oh Laurie, I’m so sorry to hear this. I know how difficult this has been for you. And what an important message for everyone — if something seems “not right”, it’s something worth finding more out about. I know that I personally neglect these “signs” in my life…and the truth is — you never know when your luck will change. Thanks so much for sharing this very difficult story today…
@John — Nature is a great place to find these “doors”, but it’s not the only place. They can appear anywhere…we just have to be open to seeing them. Best to you, John, in all the future holds. And always keep a lookout for those doors…
@Bunny — I love this picture too — the light shining through the forest. To me, that IS the door! I understand about the “full throttle” feel. And maybe even more so during these times, it’s so important to slow down just “be”. Thanks much Bunny.
@SpinDiva — Terie, it’s so good to have you here today. I’m sure this is a challenging time, with all the changes going on in your household. And I’m also sure that this will all work out, and that you and your family will do a marvelous job of making it all happen. And then, this too shall pass. Those doors are there for you, my friend.…
@Lynn — Water can be very calming…the sea and it’s vastness so much so. And not being by the sea, I know what you mean about the change in view — I felt that same feeling over the Atlantic Ocean on a vacation earlier this spring. And in all of that, when we’re ready…doors will appear…
@Tess — What I think about when I think of early mornings outside, is the quiet and solitude. And in that, there can be many moments see those “doors”. How wonderful that you saw these while a kid. That doesn’t always happen…shoot it doesn’t always happen for adults either! And yes, Henie did touch upons something so important — that door into our heart and soul…so good.
@Suzen — Okay, I’m officially convinced I have to visit your lake house!!! And bring a camera! Seriously though, you’ve brought up such an excellent thought. “Door” here does not mean a literal door — but an opening into something new. And those doors, they aren’t going to often look like real doors. Field of energy…something that pulls us in (when we allow that to happen) — what a great look at this!
@Tim — The doors are there…and maybe this is one of them — this bike ride in Chicago. Whatever you choose, Tim, believe in YOU. You can do whatever you set your mind to. Thanks much for sharing this, and for your gracious comments.
@Jodi — Hi Jodi! You really get the essence of what this is saying. Nature is such a powerful provider of life. And it’s so much more that physical life. Especially when we connect to Source, when we hit that deeper place within us — doors will be there…and that’s all so awesome!
@Brenda — Hi Brenda. Stephen Graham (1884 — 1975) was a British author, noted for his travel writing. (I didn’t know him before I found this quote) I had the quote first, and then started looking for a picture to go with it. When I came upon this one, I just knew it was the right one to use. That light from the sky just really says “unknown door” to me. So, yes, you’re right. This was a real moment of clarity when these two came together. Thanks so much for being here today!
@Caity — I love this concept too — how we have to slow down to really “see” those doors. Thanks much Caity.
@Nadia — Hi Nadia. We over-complicate life, don’t we. And what does that bring? Confusion. Uneasiness. Misunderstandings. And more. And then we go out into the natural world — and if we’re able to fully connect t ourselves out there — we can see that nature, while appearing complicated, is really simple. And nature doesn’t try to complicate things any further. And look how well nature “gets it”. Nadia, thank you for this thought on simplicity. So good today. Today was a day filled with simple fun…and it was so good… Hope your Sunday was awesome, as well!
@Julie — The meditative moments we have in our lives — so good for us. Julie, thank you for this, and especially for looking at these as meditative moments. Indeed, that’s what they are — as we quiet our mind and just “be”.
@Carla — Oh, I know what yo mean — these two just go together so well. The obvious — something that’s easy to see. And the not so obvious, well, that takes a little more “going within”. And that comes from quieting our mind. And what a perfect place for this — out in our natural world. Thanks so much, Carla.
@Stephen — Stephen, what a great way to spend a part of your vacation — living this quote! And I’m sure that in these moments, there was some clarity that came to you, some doors maybe appeared, and life felt “right”. Nature does that!
@Lori — I can only imagine just how awe-inspiring the Redwood forest must be… a place that I have to visit! And the ocean is much the same way — so awe-inspiring by it’s vast enormity. And through this…so much perspective, so much awareness, so many doors…if we truly allow ourselves to be in the moment. Thanks so much for being here Lori, I appreciate all your comments…
@Nathalie — Aww, thanks so much Nathalie! YOu’re so awesome!! And why do you think those doors are opening more for you now? I’m sure it’s because you’re at a place in your life, where you’re open to seeing these doors. And it’s not so much that you’re focusing on finding these doors, as much as it’s just being open to can be. And taking the time to quiet your soul. And that’s such a great place to BE. Keep on doing that Nathalie, I’ve witnessed some of the amazing things you’re doing…
@Liara — Free will, and the choice of seeing these doors…or not. Such a great point, Liara. And in that free will of ours, we choose to BE or not, also — all part of that getting toward a deeper place within…
@Audra — Audra, it’s so good to see you! And I love what you’re saying about real living, and this happening in these moments when the door appears and we walk on through. That’s “living”, not just existing. That’s being so filled with life, and how beatiful that is! Thanks so much for this today!
@Suzie — Hi Suzie! So great to have you here, and thanks so much for tuning in to the interview last week! A visit to the river, to just BE…that sounds pretty awesome!
@Lisa — There is much comfort in this…especially in this thought of just BEing out in nature. And that fits the quote so well — the comfort and peacefulness that comes from moments of solitude in a natural setting.
@Yum Yucky — Peace…it’s there for you Josie. And you exude that anyway. Maybe it doesn’t always feel like it, but I really do believe that you have a peace about you that is so good for me.
@Katie — Katie, thank you so much for sharing this very difficult story. What I’m drawn to is this taking a different path (road) and where it led you to. As difficult as this day must have been one year ago — what you did yesterday — how powerfully connecting to your soul. It’s not about keeping a schedule all the time…sometimes it’s about doing what feels “right”. And you did. And in those emotion-filled moments, there was a presence with you, sitting with you as you drove these 35 miles.… And in that, I can only think there was also a form of peace. Katie, thank you again, for sharing this story. We can all learn from this — the importance to just BE in that moment. As you did…
Wow…! An awesome picture and a thought. I can imagine me being the man in the picture and feel the serenity which lies there and of the mind.
Great work Lance!
.-= vikum´s Last Fabulous Post ..Think Big =-.
Wonderful picture. You seem to find all the best ones
Always inspirational, Lance, thank you! I am going to take a moment to consider the beauty around me right now!
.-= Darren Sproat´s Last Fabulous Post ..Be Present for You =-.
Hi Lance: Nature does have a way to make you reconnect with something larger than yourself. I think that’s part of the problem with today’s society: people are becoming more and more disconnected from nature and are losing their ability to move in harmony with nature.
.-= Marelisa´s Last Fabulous Post ..The Brain That Changes Itself: Good News From the Frontiers of Brain Science =-.
Lance,
This is so full with meanings, different ones. Being outside always makes my mind expand. When I take a walk or jog I like to stop and listen, maybe even hug a tree (try it, it’s great). And that is when the best ideas pop up or when a fog lifts in my head.
Having small children helps in rediscovering nature. Last weekend I made my sons discover a little caterpillar. I let it walk on their legs and tickle them. My little son (1,5) just wanted to smack it dead with his little hands. But my 3 year old took a very delighted interest in this furry little animal which made me look with wonder at it as well.
We should open the door to the outdoors more often. It would make the world a happier place.
Thanks
Mimi
.-= Mindful Mimi´s Last Fabulous Post ..Sunday laugh =-.
It reminds me that when I make space for my thoughts, that’s when I get my big ideas.
.-= J.D. Meier´s Last Fabulous Post ..3 Take Aways =-.
@Vikum — That picture brings so much peace, doesn’t it. The quiet of the woods, mixed with the light streaming through the trees…so, so moving. Thanks much Vikum.
@Darren — There is beauty all around us — great point Darren. It doesn’t have to be nature that we experience this in. Although what nature does provide us is a space that is so well-suited for just that — a place that is filled with life at it’s own pace — and there’s something so good about this, as we slow down and really experience the moment… Thanks much, Darren, for the thoughts here today.
@Marelisa — Hi Mare. I love what you’re saying! Especially the idea of connecting with something larger than ourselves. That’s it — and by something larger, I think of of all that can be in our lives, things that challenge us, and things that make us grow. And to your thought about being disconnected — as much as I love technology, I do believe that this is a major factor in our getting away from nature more and more. It’s just too easy to use technology to never have to leave our homes or workplaces. Yet, getting out in nature, disconnected — what a truly beautiful place to be! And connect with ourselves… Mare, thank you for all of this today.
@Mimi — Okay Mimi…since you’re telling me this is great, I’ll try it! And while I haven’t done this before (hugged a tree), what I love is that it’s something so unique and awesome. And what a great way to really love nature, than to give a part of her a great big hug! I think this is an awesome idea! Kids connect with nature — and with no hidden agendas. It just is. And that’s so wonderful — and so good for us too. So, what wonderful ideas — taking kids out into nature, and just letting them BE. Yes, getting out there more, what a great thing. Thanks so much for sharing all that you did, Mimi.
@J.D. Meier — Making a space for thoughts — that’s an excellent way to look at this. And that’s something that nature does so well for us (not that it is the only place for this to happen — it’s not).
So true Lance.… when we take the time to commune with nature we see God. His door opens up to us. He is seen clearly through His creation. It’s only up to us to see and listen. And it’s always worth it. It’s amazing what can happen in those quiet places. Thank you for sharing this reminder and this great photo with us. I hope your week is fabulous!
.-= Jennifer´s Last Fabulous Post ..Success or Failure? =-.
Hi Lance,
It was funny reading this because I was just thinking about how I need to spend more time prone looking up at nature last week when we were outside checking out the meteor shower. I thought to myself, “It has sure been a long time since I’ve done this.” I am always glad when I do. It was really fun interviewing you last week and really looking forward to hearing more about yours and Katie West’s projects over the upcoming weekend!
.-= Amy Jewell / Cirklagirl´s Last Fabulous Post ..Happy 40th Birthday, Jenny!! =-.
My most recent opening door was looking out at the Mary Poppin’s Chimney Pots in London from my hotel room — I just felt totally present in that moment and as if the moment was profoundly real. Great picture and quote to come home to — Thank you for sharing.
I can see other’s truly enjoyed this pause here too — wonderful comments
.-= Patricia´s Last Fabulous Post ..No Reversing Without Rear End Supervision =-.
I just love this photo and taking in the words of what that “opening” can really mean to and for us.
The presence illustrated here speaks volumes and it is such a valuable gift to be reminded of that always!
Where I am concerned, I think you may know by now that I am not short on love for nature and every chance I get, I do really revel in her amazing gifts
This was just as beautiful Monday as it was Sunday… Thank you!
.-= The Exception´s Last Fabulous Post ..The Race =-.
I love that quote! Absolutely love it.
.-= Mama Zen´s Last Fabulous Post ..A Little Disappointed =-.
Great quotation. Nature is wonderful for helping us see the gateless gate. Thanks!
.-= Kaushik´s Last Fabulous Post ..Call off the Struggle =-.
Well this sure makes me think! The door never really looks like a door does it? That is why it can be so tricky to find… Sometimes we have to feel around blindly and trip through it!
Lance, I think my greatest teacher and “door opener” has been nature. The glory, wonder, and unexpected delight of it all. When I was burned out many years ago, health ailing, I took a year and didn’t do much but walk the beach, listen to the waves and whispers of beach grass, lay in the sun and under the stars at night. Sunshine, moonbeams, and water nurtured me back to homeostasis–wellness. That was also the year I “fell in love with God.” Nature, paired with Rumi’s poetry, blasts open the heart–at least it did for me. Thank you for this lovely thought and picture.
.-= Jan Lundy´s Last Fabulous Post ..Meditation Monday =-.
@Jennifer — Especially if we see nature as God’s work, beautifully done. Then we’re connecting with that Source — God — and all that He gives! And I think you’re touching upon something so important — the idea of quieting ourselves. And we’ve talked about that above. However, not in the sense of God’s presence shining through in these moments. When we quiet our minds and our heart, God connects to our souls. And that is the amazing part right there! Jennifer, I shall have a wonderful week, and my hope for you is the same and more, my friend…
@Amy — Hi Amy. A meteor shower — how awesome!! And getting down to really look up and see that…what a sight…and what a connection! Thanks so much for having me last week, it was so much fun talking to you! And I’m really excited about this coming weekend!!
@Patricia — Welcome home Patricia! And what a wonderful moment for you…having this connection right outside your hotel room. Thanks so much for sharing this!
@Evita — Evita, I do know your strong connection with nature, and her pull to you. And I’ve witnessed that beauty shining through in you! Nature at it’s best, connecting with another soul, and bringing more light into the world. And that’s what I love about this photo, the light shining through — what I see as the “door” to something deep within. Thanks so much for being here and sharing that light so freely.
@The Exception — Wonderful to have you here today!
@Mama Zen — It’s so great isn’t it, and to what it speaks of — so connecting…
@Kaushik — Nature is so filled with goodness and light! And the gates, they’ll appear when we’ve quieted our soul, because this gate we see from the inside out…
@Caroline — I think that’s exactly it — the door doesn’t look like a door…and that’s what makes it so hard to recognize. And why it’s so important that we take the time to slow down and really see with our heart…that’s how the door becomes visible. And yes, sometimes it does feel like we’re blindly looking for these “doors”…
@Jan Lundy — Jan, thanks so much for sharing your own personal story of how powerfully connecting nature has been. This was so wonderful to read! And such a beautiful example for all of us on just really the true power of nature! So awesome, our world is!
Lance,
I found this blog to be a challenge to remain ‘teachable’ and I must say that coming from you; and i barely know you, it has such impact for I have noticed that you are so gracious, and always learning, embracing new concepts, and meditating on possible windows in each scenario. Truly, you see the jungle of life while most see just life, or the jungle. I love how you intermix the two and live from that reality. Really, just like this quote; you are simply~ deep as a spiritual being. Thank you for sharing! Namaste, blessings ~Jen/Sharmila
.-= Jen´s Last Fabulous Post ..Basics: You Learn to Work With Yourself =-.
Fantastic, Lance — it is being at one with Nature, in the moment, that we see clearly, isn’t it?
.-= Robin´s Last Fabulous Post ..Physical Immortality Discussion On Oprah.com =-.
Great quote, Lance. The picture really calms my soul.
.-= Beth Banning´s Last Fabulous Post ..You Are In Control – How to Fix Your Relationship Problems in Four Simple Steps =-.
@Jen — Thanks so much, Jen. Life sure can seem like a jungle some days. And those are definitely days when this thought here today is so true for me — such a good time to slow down and just “be”. It’s great having you here today, and know you’re always welcome in this here “jungle”…
@Robin — Yes, it sure is! Nature is such a great teacher and guide, although we have to be open to receiving her many gifts. Thanks Robin!
@Beth — Thanks for stopping in today Beth! Yes, that picture is a calming one, and I think that’s because it’s one that so easily goes right to our deep inner being — and to a place of solitude…
A tasty filling quote for any hungry soul. THANK YOU!!!
xo from Canada.
.-= Jannie Funster Funster´s Last Fabulous Post ..Somewhere In Paradise =-.
Hey Lance, you know, only last week I felt the pull of the ocean and decided to head down to the beach for a couple of hours. I felt like I needed to hang out in nature for a while to help me consolidate a bunch of ideas I have for my blog. Wouldn’t you know it, the “door” opened and I had huge moments of clarity. It was the most serene, effortless and soulful planning session I’ve ever experienced!
.-= Sami — Life, Laughs & Lemmings´s Last Fabulous Post ..Twisted Definition of Success =-.
@Jannie — Thanks for visiting while you were out visiting, my super good friend! Good stuff, indeed!
@Sami — Sami, so good to hear! And that’s nature’s best, when it also connects with your best — bringing out some amazing insight!