To the mind that is still, the whole universe surrenders.

— Lao Tzu

” Life Is Beautiful is a 1997 Italian film which tells the story of a Jewish Italian, Guido Orefice, who must employ his fertile imagination to help his family during their internment in a Nazi concentration camp.” Wikipedia

This film demonstrates how it is possible to hold the highest awareness and vision– while at the same time keeping our eyes open to what is really happening in the world– and taking right action.

I think this is perhaps the most inspiring film I have ever seen.

There is a temptation to close our eyes and not get into the tangle of the opposites in the world. But that way bars the gate to the Void.

I feel at last my life’s reality

Which, severed from the world’s existence,

Would in itself obliterate itself,

And building only on its own foundation,

Would in itself bring death upon itself.

— Rudolf Steiner, The Calendar of the Soul, Twentieth Week (August 18-24)

Here is a link to the short segment of the film I mentioned. It shows in a gripping way that we can live and engage fully in this world with an evolved consciousness. We can keep our eyes open, avoid getting snagged in reactions, and act toward the highest ends.

Abandon all thought and take refuge in me: I am in every aspect of nature.

Nature is filled with examples of gentleness. Let them inspire you… Follow the course of nature day by day.

— Gurumayi Chivilasananda, Enthusiasm, 138

This morning had its own subtle essential qualities, difficult to put into words. I felt the uniqueness of the sunlight, muted partially by clouds. I breathed in the warm air with its barely-detectable fragrance. The chickadees and nuthatches seemed to have songs and rhythms of movement adapted to this particular morning. Like a bee alighting on a flower to snuffle in its nectar, I imbibe each moment. Each moment is unique and special, and will never happen in the same way again. It is my retreat to behold nature each morning. It provides me with a flavour for the day, something to re-experience throughout the day as I remember to– when I “wake up.”

This morning just after sunrise, I heard the sound of a lot of geese on the move. I made haste to go outside with my camera in hand to capture part of an upwelling of geese, which truly seemed to arise from all around me. I have heard geese in the last week, but farther away and fainter. This is a sure sign, along with the rapidly shortening days, that the summer is coming to an end.

This morning I was up and ready for sunrise, which appeared in magnificent color under the edge of a gray sky blanket, behind which the sun would soon disappear. After preparing the coffee, I returned outside just to be and breathe in the warm morning. It was then, in the stillness of watching my breath, that I was present to hear the very first drops of light rain falling. When I am present, there is so much beauty and newness presenting itself to my senses. What a contrast to the state of ruminating in my own thoughts that veils the world around me!

Lynn Zabel Tatro shared Daniel Montenegro P‘s photo.

Earth seen from Mars.

Michele Gleason and Wild West Irish Tours shared Wild West Irish Tours‘s photo.