Why I Meditate and Journal Write

Meditating and Asking

This morning during meditation and prayer, I expressed that I was ready to release certain aspects of my life. As I was ready to face whatever needed to arise and be embraced.

During journal writing, I asked, “What am I to focus my attention on today?”

Basically, the answer that came forth was to focus on being present in each moment. That I am to give each person I am with my undivided attention. Also, that I am to fill my heart with love and send that to each person with whom I speak. And that the overall focus of the day was to listen, with the word of the day being … LISTEN.

Receiving

Not too long after the above, one unwanted action by Thomas towards Lillian, eventually erupted into full blown “disturbance of the peace”. The peace of our humble abode.

I felt my lower self hook into the unkindness being exchanged between Thomas and Lillian. Thoughts of, “Why does this have to happen? Why does this arise and ruin the quiet of the morning? Why …. ?”

There was much yelling, door slamming, and unkind words being thrown about. I remained to the side until I allowed that hook to pull me in and add my own string of profanities and demands into the mix.

Thomas chose to go for a walk; which was a wonderful choice to make in that moment. Shortly after that, something within switched and the thought, “Have you acknowledged how Lillian feels?” Did you LISTEN?

Ah, yes. Not just acknowledging with words, but with love and understanding. Did I listen? Well, crap! I did neither of those.

And, then … I did …..

And Lillian and I had a meaningful and healing conversation. One in which we talked about closed hearts, hearts turned cold and turned to stone, and the opening and thawing of said hearts.

When Thomas returned from his walk, Lillian had not fully released the hook of, “I need to get you back for what you did.” In other words, revenge. You did this to me and now I must do this to you.

This is a painful trigger for me. Not a trigger that causes anger or similar feelings to arise. A trigger of resisting, pushing against others need for this. I used to have this same need. I no longer do and it causes my whole being to wilt in the presence of it.

This is one of the reasons I teach and model for them to “let it go”, to not respond from the lower self, and that an argument cannot continue if one person refuses to engage in the argument.

I made it clear in the most peaceful way possible that I would not allow this “revenge” by way of hitting or scratching. After much going back and forth, the matter was resolved with the two of them throwing a pillow back and forth to one another.

This entire episode lasted about an hour and a half to two hours. After this, and after everyone was calm and back to themselves, I went for a walk in the drizzling rain.

As I approached a tree, I felt the need to look up. This is what I saw and the message I received:

Tree Cradling Sun Cloudy Day Vintage Walk 2.7.17

I’ve got you.

You are never alone.

I am always here supporting you.

Further, as I was walking, I remembered what I had asked for in meditation and prayer and the journal message.

Realizing You Have Received

Aha! I see now. Yes, yes. So I spent much time filling my heart with gratitude for having experienced what I asked to experience and face.

In order that I may continue on this path I have chosen to travel ….

Blessings,

Camilla
See It. Share It. BE IT … Spread Love Everywhere You Go!

Wonderfully exciting news! My 10 year old son, Thomas Darnell‘s book, Biggest Little Photographer has arrived. Be inspired! Learn more and order here.

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Lessons from Nature: Open the Heart to Be Free

Palm Tree Looking Up San Antonio July 2016

“Nature knows not
Her beauty without us.
We know not
Our beauty, compassion,
And peace without her.”
Oh beautiful tree
The lessons thy impart to me
Open the heart to be free
Grateful to you
I will forever be.” ~ 2016 Camilla Downs, Lessons from Nature

(Picture in San Antonio along the Riverwalk July 2016)

Hearts and Love: Cloud Love

This post introduces a new category – Hearts and Love. I’ve been taking these pictures for at least 3 years now … A collection of Hearts and Love spotted during Team TLC adventures … Some provided by nature, Some provided by US!

It surrounds us
It connects us
It’s at our core
It’s who we are
It’s love, and
Love is the answer. ~Me

hearts-heart-shaped-clould-2013

Driving home from picking up Team Member T & L at school on March 18 2013.

Blessings,
Camilla
See It. Share It. BE IT … Spread Love Everywhere You Go!

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Photography Musings: My Soul Is All But Out Of Me

O world, I cannot hold thee close enough!
Thy winds, thy wide gray skies!
Thy mists, that roll and rise!

Thy woods, this autumn day, that ache and sag
And all but cry with color! That gaunt crag
To crush! To lift the lean of that black bluff!
World, world! I cannot get thee close enough!

Long have I known a glory in it all
But never knew I this,
Here such a passion is
As stretcheth me apart. Lord, I do fear
Thou’st made the world too beautiful this year.
My soul is all but out of me – Let fall
No burning leaf; prithee, let no bird call.
-Edna St. Vincent Millay

Fall 2015 Vintage Lake Sunset

This photo is available to purchase as a color engineer print. Here’s a description from the printing company:

Phone photos blown up big take on a dreamy lofi look that we just can’t get enough of. So we’re printing them up huge, on lightweight matte paper that’s a cinch to hang.

DETAILS

A huge 4 feet by 3 feet
Extra-light 20 lb. paper
Can be hung on wood poster rails, or something like this cool magnetic poster board hanger, or any other creative idea you have.

Cost is $55 which includes shipping. Use this PayPal link to place your order. You are welcome to mail a check if you prefer that method: PO Box 19812, Reno, NV 89511.

Or choose a high quality smaller print mounted on single weight mat board. It will either be 8X8 or 11X14.

Cost is $30 which includes shipping. Use this PayPal link to place your order. You are welcome to mail a check if you prefer that method: PO Box 19812, Reno, NV 89511.

Blessings,
Camilla
See It. Share It. BE IT … Spread Love Everywhere You Go!

Wonderfully exciting news! We’ve completed the first book trailer for my 10 year old son’s, Thomas Darnell, upcoming book, Biggest Little Photographer. You can learn more and pre-order here.

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This post includes an Amazon affiliate link. Just means I’m linking to something cool they have so you can check it out. If you buy something while over there, we get a few cents and it doesn’t cost you any more than if you had not gone through my link. Thanks! 😉

Photography Musings: Share Your Peace

“If you are yourself at peace, then there is at least some peace in the world. Then share your peace with everyone, and everyone will be at peace.” -Thomas Merton

Zen Rocks Little Washoe Lake October 2015

Blessings,

Camilla
See It. Share It. BE IT … Spread Love Everywhere You Go!

Did you know I wrote a book? It’s titled “D iz for Different – One Woman’s Journey to Acceptance” and you can read more about it here.

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Photography Musings: Good Actions

“Certain are the blessings growing out of your good actions.” -Buddha

Salt Lake City Tree July 2015

This tree lives in Salt Lake City at Temple Square (7.2015)

Blessings,

Camilla
See It. Share It. BE IT … Spread Love Everywhere You Go!

Did you know I wrote a book? It’s titled “D iz for Different – One Woman’s Journey to Acceptance” and you can read more about it here.

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Photography Musings: This is a Wonderful Day

“This is a wonderful day. I’ve never seen this one before.” -Mayo Angelou

Tree at Sand Harbor 2014

(Sand Harbor – Lake Tahoe 2014)

Blessings,

Camilla
See It. Share It. BE IT … Spread Love Everywhere You Go!

Did you know I wrote a book? It’s titled “D iz for Different – One Woman’s Journey to Acceptance” and you can read more about it here.

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Photography Musings: Love This World

“I am in love with this world.” ~Me

Blessings,

Camilla
See It. Share It. BE IT … Spread Love Everywhere You Go!

Did you know I wrote a book? It’s titled “D iz for Different – One Woman’s Journey to Acceptance” and you can read more about it here.

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Photography Musings: Behold the Beauty

“All the beauty we behold in the world is simply a reflection of mind on where we have become willing to see our own innocence.” ~ Lessons in Love by Brad Oliphant

Blessings,

Camilla
See It. Share It. BE IT … Spread Love Everywhere You Go!

Did you know I wrote a book? It’s titled “D iz for Different – One Woman’s Journey to Acceptance” and you can read more about it here.

Latest “Photography Musings”:
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Go here to subscribe to my blog to ensure you receive new posts delivered straight to your inbox! Right here

(This post contains an amazon affiliate link to the book, “Lessons in Love”)

Nature’s Lore

Nature’s Lore
Your grace beckons
The invisible touch of your embrace soothes the soul
The quiet of your peace welcomes all
You are the healer that encourages one to shed what no longer serves
Your beauty encourages renewal with every step in your glory
Thank you for your love.
©2016 Camilla Downs

Blessings,

Camilla
See It. Share It. BE IT … Spread Love Everywhere You Go!

Did you know I wrote a book? It’s titled “D iz for Different – One Woman’s Journey to Acceptance” and you can read more about it here.

Latest Articles:
[catlist name=blog]

Go here to subscribe to my blog to ensure you receive new posts delivered straight to your inbox! Right here!