Listening to Luiz

When I found this quote recently I agreed with it immediately, and recognized that far too often I listen like "most people." It's something I often remind myself to work on, because I think that deep listening, while seldom easy, is so important...

And then a short time later, along came this wonderful video. I was moved and inspired not only by Luiz's heartfelt and compassionate convictions (of course!), but also by how naturally his mom listens to him with such love and with such an open heart and mind, and what a perfect example she provides of listening with the intent to understand...

I especially found the last part of their conversation very touching. It probably goes without saying that I fell utterly in love with this wise, sensitive, soulful (and undeniably adorable) child. Luiz, may life always treat you, your mother, and the animals with kindness, and may you never, ever lose your beautiful compassion.

"I am committed to cultivating loving speech and deep listening 

in order to bring joy and happiness to others 

and relieve others of their suffering."

~Thich Nhat Hanh

SkyWatch Friday: Savoring Sunrises

Happy February!

After a mosey into the sunset last week, let's celebrate this first day of a new month with a return to our ever-dependable, beautiful sunrises...

Pretty good instructions for blogging, too! :-)

same scene - wordless version. :-)

Love those serendipitous birds!

Several months ago I read an article about the sunrise paintings of Debbie Wagner. Following a couple of brain surgeries in 2002 to remove two malignant, pear-sized brain tumors, Debbie had lost many of her abilities and as a result was unable to pursue several of her favorite activities. Though she lost her abilities to sleep through the night, multi-task, or manage complex tasks like following a recipe or plot of a novel, she instead gained heightened visual perceptiveness and an irresistible desire to express herself through painting. 

Noticing that no two sunrises are ever alike and appreciating how they represent new beginnings, Debbie began painting sunrises in December 2005, when an especially vivid, colorful sunrise left her feeling grateful for the ability to greet a new day. And she has painted the sunrise nearly every day since. How's that for following Mary Oliver's wise instructions? :-) You can read more of Debbie's story and view (and purchase) her beautiful sunrise paintings on her gallery's web site, or enjoy an interview with her and glimpse some of her paintings in this video...


Often when I share my latest sunrise photos, some people will leave comments saying they wish they were early risers so they wouldn't miss the sunrise. If you are one of those people (or are like one of those people), maybe this will help...
The Most Successful Techniques for Rising Early from the wonderful blog, Zen Habits
Wakey-wakey and happy SkyWatching! :-)