by Janet

Happening NOW

“Whatever the present moment contains, accept it as if you had chosen it. Always work with it, not against it. Make it your friend and ally, not your enemy.”

—Eckhart Tolle

THINGS ARE HAPPENING NOW!

I’m really excited about the letter “H,” because things lit up when I thought of the word happening. After re-reading my last post, Grounded, I noticed some negativity and a little self-criticism in my words. That got me to thinking.

I criticize myself a LOT. My images, my words, my thoughts, my actions… it’s like they’re always on the seat of judgement, and I am the head juror—the accuser—ready to convict and condemn. Well… I am done with that!

I love the fact that I’m back in school and pursuing my goals and dreams. One way that I’ve looked at it is that I’m finally learning the art of “delayed gratification.” I spent my earlier years (like the first 50) jumping into action because of what those actions had to offer me immediately, so taking time out to focus on something that will shape my future is ideal.

But then I looked at it from another perspective, thinking that doing something for the benefit of my future was preventing me from living in the NOW. So, there I was… ready to criticize myself again. How apropos!

What I realized, when thinking of the word happening, is that whatever it is I am doing in the present moment—no matter WHAT that is—is what is happening. It doesn’t matter what it is, where I’m doing it, how, or even WHY. It just IS, because it is happening.

So I will embrace whatever is happening, just as I am embracing what is happening right now… as I write this post. Because that is what is happening at the moment, and in the moment is a beautiful place to be.

—Janet

ABOUT THE iPHONE IMAGE

I finally broke out of my comfort zone (which is my comfy couch) and took a walk on a brand new bike path in my neighborhood (like right next door). The featured image is what I saw when I reached the end of the trail, so I took a shot with my iPhone. The effect is appropriate to me because it’s like an urban sketch, showing off the lines in an interesting mix of concrete and nature.

I’m adding a new category to my site for these iPhone images because, although the composition is all me, I can’t take credit for the effects. They can be done in 15-30 seconds with the right app, and this one was done in Graphite, by BeCass‪o. I’ve been checking out quite a few and I really enjoy the effects that are available on this particular app… for $14 a year. Just sayin’.

That’s about all for now. Thank you for stopping by and I’ll see you again soon!

15 Comments

  4. “…I am the head juror—the accuser—ready to convict and condemn. Well… I am done with that!”
    BRAVO!! Love the pic and special effects! Thanks for the tip on BeCasso, Janet! Since I’ve semi-retired, I’ve had time to pursue my interests, one of which is photography….. having a ball!💜

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thanks Elizabeth! Wow I’m glad you’re getting into photography… and having a ball. Happy to hear that!! I’ll mention other programs and/or apps in the future. You’ve given me an idea. 😁❤️❤️

      Liked by 1 person

  5. Yes- drop kick self criticism out the door 👍🏻

    As Eckhart would say “All there IS and will ever BE is found in the now”. And I would add to that, “And in that moment, all we can do is our best”

    Remember, you are fabulous❣️🤗

    Great post! ❤️

    Liked by 1 person

  6. First, I really really appreciate the quote by E. Tolle–what a powerful gift, thank you!!!

    And yes, though it can be tricky, delayed gratification is well worth cultivating (my Amazon shopping addiction is testimony to my struggle with it 🙂 ).

    I’m thrilled that you’re “done with self-criticism”, knowing it’s the enemy’s fave weapon, well one of ’em anyway. I’m still working on crushing his head beneath my heel…

    And, HURRAY for going for a walk on the path–yippee!!!!

    Lastly, when I read “happening”, for some reason it triggered the Bible verse about “not despising small beginnings” (I can look it up, if you want 🙂 )–maybe because every day is a new beginning with potential for myriad small beginnings tucked inside. Great post, dear Sister–much love to you as always ❤ Zelda

    Liked by 1 person

Comments are closed.