“We need solitude, because when we’re alone, we’re free from obligations, we don’t need to put on a show, and we can hear our own thoughts.” – Tamim Ansary
This week Patti challenges us to think about Quiet Moments. She suggests we share a few thoughts and pictures, by the way, each picture can be enlarged by double clicking it. Be sure to see Patti’s blog on A Quiet Moment by clicking here.
It is nice to have a few quiet moments as part of a daily routine; a dedicated time to relax, reflect and collect one’s thoughts. Quiet moments can also occur when relaxing and becoming aware of our breath while keeping the mind in the present moment. I learned the value of easy meditation in yoga classes over the years and cannot say enough about its positive benefits for the mind and body.
“Inner silence is the mother of all talents.” – Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
Each person has their own way to enjoy quiet moments, to unwind and recharge their energy. For me, being on the beach in the evening is ideal. If that is not possible, visualizing this picture is very helpful. This is the last shrimp boat of the day heading back home under the light of a full moon. (Kiawah Island, South Carolina)
Animals and birds know the value of spending a few quiet moments alone or with another. These Bottlenose Dolphins are members of a pod who live in the Kiawah River and the mother is sharing a quiet moment with her calf. According to a recent newspaper article, this particular pod is one of the few in the world that practice strand feeding. This is a unique feeding technique where dolphins drive the fish onto the bank and then beach themselves to feed. Unfortunately😢 their future is in danger. This pod plus the unique and vital beach area on the western tip of Kiawah Island, Capt Sam’s Spit, continues to be threatened by developers. This is the same area other endangered species rely on in order to survive. (To see pictures of these bottlenose dolphins strand feeding, check out my photo website, SmugMug / Kiawah Island’s Dolphins.)
“The wildlife and it’s habitat cannot speak, so we must and we will…” – Theodore Roosevelt
“Animals are born who they are, accept it, and that is that. They live with greater peace than people do.” – Gregory Maguire
The Roseate Spoonbills, shown in the header, are enjoying some quiet time together during the middle of the day as well as these Wood Storks. More pictures of Spoonbills can be found on previous blogs, Everyday Moments and Wild.
Wood Storks are massive wading birds which are on the threatened list and generally seen in the southeastern part of the US. They are quite pretty in flight with their long, graceful bodies, 83 to 115 cm (33–45 in), and a wingspan of 140 to 180 cm (55–71 in). The white feathers on the wings are outlined in black and they create a beautiful sight when in the air.
“You’ll know the people that feed your soul… because you’ll feel good after spending time with them.” – Denise Linn
Often time people share quiet moments at the beach with a close friend or companion as they listening to the sound of waves breaking on the shore. Ogunquit Beach in Maine is in the background; this was taken on Marginal Way.
“When I am completely by myself, entirely alone or during the night when I cannot sleep, it is on such occasions that my ideas flow best and most abundantly. Whence and how these ideas come I know not nor can I force them.” – Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Hope everyone is coping well as this coronavirus pandemic continues to change lives around the world.
Please – Stay Well, Stay Safe and Be Kind to Others!