“Be Still…”
“In transitions, we must learn to be still. Being still is, in part, about learning to be comfortable with ambiguity.”
― Janet Rebhan
These are the words that echo through my head, as I consider this recent image and the events over the past several months and yesterday evening. I find myself standing here once more, drinking in the beauty and the quiet, as the world goes on about me. But here, in this place, in this moment, I am still. I am still and the quiet of the forest surrounds me, nourishes me, makes me aware of its life. In this small part of my world, I am at peace.
The contrast between the dark tree trunks and the bright sun soaked forest floor, as well the bright green ferns, still lush among the fallen leaves, makes me consider all the extremes we are faced with and how they can coexist in this small, quiet place and make the whole scene beautiful.
Be Still…, also echoes the verses of a favourite hymn, and reminds me that I am part of an incredible creation and that there is peace in faith as well.
This is my refuge, my quiet place, and affords me the ability to be still, even though I can’t be there right now. I’m hoping this little glimpse affords you that stillness as well.
Nikon D800
Tamron SP 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD @ 75 mm
1/4 sec, f/14.0, ISO 200
High resolution image can be viewed on 500px
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Ed Lehming Photography 
Where were these taken? They look like they were taken in a burn area almost.
Locally, tree trunks are dark with moisture, not burned.
Oh good to hear. There is a grove I drive through from the King Fire in El Dorado Nat Forest that looks quite similar.
Beautiful
Thank you
Yes, stillness, nature, exercise help in hard times.
Absolutely
Beautiful peaceful, picture, Ed, and so important. Sometimes it takes several re-starts when I walk our wooded labyrinth before I can calm my monkey-mind to be still and present to the space and time I am there.
I love reading your blog. I may not always have time to visit and reply, but it’s a blog I love spending time with when I do visit.
Karen, thank you so much for these words of encouragement. I’m first and foremost a photographer, and sometimes, the thoughts linked to the photo follow naturally, other times, not so much 🙂 Your comment is very motivating for me.
Beautiful thoughts, Ed! Psalm 46:10 reminds us to “Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” That’s my peace.
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