Fresh Lens

'The Elbow Everglow of Las Posas' photo taken by Bernadette Ignacio

Each day, most of us pass through the same streets guided by our inner autopilot. Over trust in where we’re going and how to get there dulls our senses, and the scene around us. We become indifferent to the small wonders that lie in each predictable step or ride through reminiscent routes.

Without awareness, this conditioned conversance can cause One to lose their sensitivity to the infinite sources of inspiration within their immediate and familiar surroundings. Shameful is the case, because this subliminal disenchantment kills our creativity.

Relationship Progress

‘Relationship Progress’ photo by Bernadette Ignacio

When there is progress, there is peace of mind.

To bring harmony to One’s thoughts and actions, there must be a progressive track on which One can lead themselves. Thus, it is important to build a relationship with the concept of progress in One’s own efforts. 

Silence Challenge

'Silence Challenge' photo by Bernadette Ignacio

Silence has solace to offer. Confessions heard by no other ear are the most sincere. Living in an age where constant stimuli bombards our senses, it is a challenge to appreciate what substance there is to be found in quietude. But, when revered, silence offers the same sort of blessed energy as the warm summer sun.

Interconnected Obscurity

‘Interconnected Obscurity’ image by Bernadette Ignacio

Obscurity is a subtle power. When One is out of the spotlight, they can better see a whole picture. They can see the interconnected links all around them. The focus is not on the individual, and the individual can better focus.

Vow Completion

'Bloom Complete' photograph by Bernadette Ignacio

Start what you finish. Vow to this, and your actions will be far and above many others. Completion embodies into those who commit; discipline, substance, focus. Even if your vow is to complete the most mundane task, such as watering a plant. Should you consistently neglect this one simple act, that plant will die. Think of your life, as that plant, and your vow to complete your intentions as the water. Every time you deprive your plant–every time you desist in actions which mean something to you–you leave yourself weak and dry.

Morning Peace

'Peace Rising' photograph by Bernadette Ignacio-Golders Green Park, London, UK

In the still morning, potential for the day breaks. Seize the opportunity to make a manse with the miracle that is morning. Feel the true phenomenon of turning away from ephemeral night, and into the sun star’s light–bask in it. Realize that morning is an earthly  endowment–a rare occurrence in the vastness of cold, dark space. Morning is a gift to our place, our home, in the cosmos.

Ending Mystery

'Do more of This' Photo taken at Washington University- Kansas City, Missouri

There are, and forever will be, mysteries that will go unexplained. Though that may be a troubling certainty, we can take great comfort in the opportunity to solve mysteries to which we can find an end. Such are small, yet miraculous mysteries waiting to be  deciphered day by day.

At any moment we can encounter the keys of locked treasures we will curiously stumble upon. Let us recognize those treasures as given gifts, buried purposefully deep within ourselves to discover boundless joy, happiness, and enlightenment. But to enjoy these things, we must confront the possibility of an end we did not expect–or, finding yet another mystery wrapped in the layers of our lives.