Being in the forest is art and life in motion. The greens, browns, grays and blacks, reds and purple, and white flowers abound. I now have an amazing appreciation for seeing the cycle of nature unfold and I allow it to show its beauty to me. I find value and understanding in getting out into nature and looking at the new shoots rising from the ground preening for sunlight and raindrops. I see the dying tree trunks slowly returning their wood to the earth in respect and gratitude. One can really find acceptance in life and what it brings to you if you open your eyes to what is really going on around you. There is so much parallel in nature as in our own lives. The cycle plays out for us before our eyes and it wants desperately to show us all the beauty in life and to not be afraid.

Enjoy your seasons.  Enjoy the change it brings into your life. If you are hurting or need a sign – be drawn to your environment to look for healing.  Let your spirit guide you! Feel open to express your view or experience with your pen or paintbrush, your footsteps, or your camera. Open your ears to the sounds around you. There is healing in the sounds of the forest and the birds. They can remind you that you are alive and your presence here in this world still has purpose.

The same goes for the music in our lives. Allow music to guide your heart. Music will help you play out your emotions and carry you through to the end of the song. Play it. Really play it out. Over and over and over again until you feel at peace. Find a song that fits your journey and let the vibrational words and rhythm fill your soul until you are full. Music can draw out pain like medicine if you let it.

I took all this photographs during the first year after my husband’s passing from cancer.  I found photography and writing to be a way to help me heal from my pain and trauma.  I encourage you to find a passion for releasing your own pain.  It will give you something to look back on and remind you of how far you’ve come!