Thursday, July 17, 2008
Blue Hole-Walk and Talk
Your now seldom trodden paths fall under new feet, withstanding each impact of soul and sole, bearing up upon unyielding and ancient rock the weight of another exploration, an adventuring spirit, another of the millions of creatures that you have felt wander across your very spine, and with thoughtless query your impatient question of 800,000 years rises again...
Will this be the one? Will this be only another impertinent and transient creature that errantly uses the earthy mystery of this space for gathering dirt and stone, or ripping foliage aside for consumption, or splattering in fury, another's blood upon you hoping you will shroud its evil form detection? Or will this one impede the conquest and domination long enough to pause momentarily, stand still enough - long enough to allow your archaic message to creep from the core of this vain of our origination and stir as deeply within them as it resides within you, the tendril of impervious and undaunted myth that is your message?
NOTE: Written after walking the Blue Hole path in Bermuda.
Posted by: Theophany at 8:32 PM
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Your now seldom trodden paths fall under new feet, withstanding each impact of soul and sole, bearing up upon unyielding and ancient rock the weight of another exploration, an adventuring spirit, another of the millions of creatures that you have felt wander across your very spine, and with thoughtless query your impatient question of 800,000 years rises again...
Will this be the one? Will this be only another impertinent and transient creature that errantly uses the earthy mystery of this space for gathering dirt and stone, or ripping foliage aside for consumption, or splattering in fury, another's blood upon you hoping you will shroud its evil form detection? Or will this one impede the conquest and domination long enough to pause momentarily, stand still enough - long enough to allow your archaic message to creep from the core of this vain of our origination and stir as deeply within them as it resides within you, the tendril of impervious and undaunted myth that is your message?
NOTE: Written after walking the Blue Hole path in Bermuda.
Labels: adventures, feelings, words
Posted by: Theophany at 8:32 PM
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Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Dolphin Musing
Using a writers prompt, I penned these words. May they bring you some of the peace that they brought me this day.
"Write a one-page description of what it would be like to swim with dolphins."
It seems like more than a few years ago. I stood on the bridge spanning the inlet at St. Augustine, Fl. Statuary of regal lions poised themselves as sentries guarding access, an access now in no need of guards, concrete or otherwise, a mere gateway from one tourist infested section of the town to another.
That evening, late, I stood on the crest of the low bridge and gazed blankly into the grey swirl of sea below. Small caps of sea foam occasionally formed and then faded, improbable punctuations, a writer's words quickly deleted returning the emptiness to the page. I had been unable to write for weeks. My mind blank, no, so filled with images and sensations falling over each other in chaos that no assembly of words could seem to contain my thoughts. So there the formless confusion of my mind was met by its reflection there in the dark sea.
The first one almost escaped my attention. A thin slice of light grey broke the ocean plain, a small twist of foam, and it was gone. I strained to see. I heard the song. At first I thought it was the wind carrying children's voices, softly to my ears. Then I saw them, dolphins. They swam below me, hiding just beneath the sea's veil, shadows, wisps of silver form. I leaned over the railing, dangerously far. They circled below me, entwining among themselves. There where three of them, two adults and a small one. They seemed unaware of anything but their own dance. What grace and poise they created with movements so fluid and quick; touches so gentle and tender.
I fell. Somehow my foothold failed and although I grabbed hold of the rail, my body already hung over the side and my one handed grip wasn’t enough. I tumbled the few feet and into the surf. I felt the sting of the water's chill. It had barely warmed from these early spring days. Something brushed my side and I felt myself being pushed toward the surface. I lifted my head to the night air, rubbed the salt water from my eyes, and as I began to tread water, was astonished to see the smallest of the trio of dolphins floating just inches from my face. It rolled onto one side, exposing one eye to the surface and lifting a fin as if to wave. I laughed. I heard them sing again. A gentle high note that seemed to hang in the air and settle in my soul, even more, it settled my soul.
The two adults were on each side of me now, and as I shifted my weight and began floating on my back, I could feel them moving around me. Soon, there dance included me. I joined them. I swam gently, rolling my body with the shift of the currents, allowing my hands to touch them and then the sea. I closed my eyes and listened to their song and swam with them.
Perhaps it was the caress of the sea, or the magic of the moment, or maybe just the release of my daily constraints, but, my head spun in delight and I felt a drug-like euphoria rise within my being. I was at once lost in bliss and fully present with myself.
Later, they bid me farewell and I felt a bit of sadness as they vanished into the darkness of the night and the vastness of the sea. I know that I found something that night. For even now, years later, I can close my eyes, breathe in the smell of the sea, and hear their song, the song I learned the night I swam with the dolphins.
Posted by: Theophany at 9:47 PM
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Using a writers prompt, I penned these words. May they bring you some of the peace that they brought me this day.
"Write a one-page description of what it would be like to swim with dolphins."
It seems like more than a few years ago. I stood on the bridge spanning the inlet at St. Augustine, Fl. Statuary of regal lions poised themselves as sentries guarding access, an access now in no need of guards, concrete or otherwise, a mere gateway from one tourist infested section of the town to another.
That evening, late, I stood on the crest of the low bridge and gazed blankly into the grey swirl of sea below. Small caps of sea foam occasionally formed and then faded, improbable punctuations, a writer's words quickly deleted returning the emptiness to the page. I had been unable to write for weeks. My mind blank, no, so filled with images and sensations falling over each other in chaos that no assembly of words could seem to contain my thoughts. So there the formless confusion of my mind was met by its reflection there in the dark sea.
The first one almost escaped my attention. A thin slice of light grey broke the ocean plain, a small twist of foam, and it was gone. I strained to see. I heard the song. At first I thought it was the wind carrying children's voices, softly to my ears. Then I saw them, dolphins. They swam below me, hiding just beneath the sea's veil, shadows, wisps of silver form. I leaned over the railing, dangerously far. They circled below me, entwining among themselves. There where three of them, two adults and a small one. They seemed unaware of anything but their own dance. What grace and poise they created with movements so fluid and quick; touches so gentle and tender.
I fell. Somehow my foothold failed and although I grabbed hold of the rail, my body already hung over the side and my one handed grip wasn’t enough. I tumbled the few feet and into the surf. I felt the sting of the water's chill. It had barely warmed from these early spring days. Something brushed my side and I felt myself being pushed toward the surface. I lifted my head to the night air, rubbed the salt water from my eyes, and as I began to tread water, was astonished to see the smallest of the trio of dolphins floating just inches from my face. It rolled onto one side, exposing one eye to the surface and lifting a fin as if to wave. I laughed. I heard them sing again. A gentle high note that seemed to hang in the air and settle in my soul, even more, it settled my soul.
The two adults were on each side of me now, and as I shifted my weight and began floating on my back, I could feel them moving around me. Soon, there dance included me. I joined them. I swam gently, rolling my body with the shift of the currents, allowing my hands to touch them and then the sea. I closed my eyes and listened to their song and swam with them.
Perhaps it was the caress of the sea, or the magic of the moment, or maybe just the release of my daily constraints, but, my head spun in delight and I felt a drug-like euphoria rise within my being. I was at once lost in bliss and fully present with myself.
Later, they bid me farewell and I felt a bit of sadness as they vanished into the darkness of the night and the vastness of the sea. I know that I found something that night. For even now, years later, I can close my eyes, breathe in the smell of the sea, and hear their song, the song I learned the night I swam with the dolphins.
Labels: adventures, words
Posted by: Theophany at 9:47 PM
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Wednesday, May 07, 2008
Amusing Myself
You are dancing again.
Yes.
Have you missed it?
The dancing?
Yes.
Yes, but I have missed other things more.
Really? What?
I have missed the attentive look on your face as you treasure me.
Treasure you? That is a bit assumptive of you.
Perhaps, but I see it tonight in your eyes.
You annoy me sometimes with you self assurance.
I'm not so assured, so confident about most things. But, I know you.
Indeed you do.
Dance with me.
I already am.
Do you love me?
Always.
I'm glad.
So am I, eventhough it keeps me forever troubled.
Troubled?
Perhaps unsettled would be a better word.
If you were not unsettled by me, you would be worthless, you know.
Yes, and sometimes I get tired of the desire, the longing, the …
Amusement?
You make me smile.
I make you laugh.
And dance.
I dance for you.
Thank you.
You make me laugh.
I know. I know. Dance.
Posted by: Theophany at 8:48 PM
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You are dancing again.
Yes.
Have you missed it?
The dancing?
Yes.
Yes, but I have missed other things more.
Really? What?
I have missed the attentive look on your face as you treasure me.
Treasure you? That is a bit assumptive of you.
Perhaps, but I see it tonight in your eyes.
You annoy me sometimes with you self assurance.
I'm not so assured, so confident about most things. But, I know you.
Indeed you do.
Dance with me.
I already am.
Do you love me?
Always.
I'm glad.
So am I, eventhough it keeps me forever troubled.
Troubled?
Perhaps unsettled would be a better word.
If you were not unsettled by me, you would be worthless, you know.
Yes, and sometimes I get tired of the desire, the longing, the …
Amusement?
You make me smile.
I make you laugh.
And dance.
I dance for you.
Thank you.
You make me laugh.
I know. I know. Dance.
Labels: adventures, feelings
Posted by: Theophany at 8:48 PM
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Wednesday, April 30, 2008
A 50 Year Hike
For the next four days I will be retreating to the mountains of North Carolina. I plan to do some hiking with my wife and enjoy the higher perspective that the mountains afford me. There is something wonderfully expansive and encouraging about a little time in the mountains.
We will hike one of my all time favorite trails in the Great Smokey Mountains, The Alum Cave trial. The 10 mile round-trip hike has a total elevation change of about 3600 feet and is a demanding day hike.
I'll turn 50 while on that hike. Seems appropriate.
Posted by: Theophany at 8:58 PM
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For the next four days I will be retreating to the mountains of North Carolina. I plan to do some hiking with my wife and enjoy the higher perspective that the mountains afford me. There is something wonderfully expansive and encouraging about a little time in the mountains.
We will hike one of my all time favorite trails in the Great Smokey Mountains, The Alum Cave trial. The 10 mile round-trip hike has a total elevation change of about 3600 feet and is a demanding day hike.
I'll turn 50 while on that hike. Seems appropriate.
Labels: adventures, family
Posted by: Theophany at 8:58 PM
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Monday, April 21, 2008
Never Quit
If you spent the last few years of your life trying to achieve a success, and you had fail not once or twice, but 49 times, would you keep trying?
I'm glad she didn't. Congrats!
Posted by: Theophany at 9:28 PM
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If you spent the last few years of your life trying to achieve a success, and you had fail not once or twice, but 49 times, would you keep trying?
I'm glad she didn't. Congrats!
Labels: adventures, Curiosity
Posted by: Theophany at 9:28 PM
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Thursday, January 31, 2008
Upon Seeing "August Rush."
When the creative passion manifests itself within a human child in so great a magnitude that the child is compelled to create, and when that compulsion is made known through the power of creative genius, we call it beautiful, touching, profound.
I am pained, in agony. For what is crueler than to encase that immense passion within the flesh and psyche of a man and provide him with no prodigy-like form through which to have expression?
I am an artist without a canvas, a singer with no voice and a master with no craft. I meander about the art of creating and dabble in the alchemy of beauty, yet my very soul aches still with a song to be sung that cannot find a note of harmony in this un-tuned voice.
In anger and tears I cry, "There is something that big in me and I have no craft to get it out!" How cruel.
Posted by: Theophany at 7:45 PM
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When the creative passion manifests itself within a human child in so great a magnitude that the child is compelled to create, and when that compulsion is made known through the power of creative genius, we call it beautiful, touching, profound.
I am pained, in agony. For what is crueler than to encase that immense passion within the flesh and psyche of a man and provide him with no prodigy-like form through which to have expression?
I am an artist without a canvas, a singer with no voice and a master with no craft. I meander about the art of creating and dabble in the alchemy of beauty, yet my very soul aches still with a song to be sung that cannot find a note of harmony in this un-tuned voice.
In anger and tears I cry, "There is something that big in me and I have no craft to get it out!" How cruel.
Labels: adventures, feelings, recovery
Posted by: Theophany at 7:45 PM
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Wednesday, January 09, 2008
Fresh from Reality
I just found this via a contact at work. Strengthsfinder.com is a test that rates your natural tendencies from a list of 34 talents/skill sets. You can purchase the book and it includes an online code to access the test and get your results. The concept is based on the belief that we will reach success by knowing and capitalizing on our strengths rather than trying to become good at something at which we are innately inept.
The test gives you a list of your top five strengths and a report detailing the strength and offering suggested actions to move into that strength.
My top five are:
Empathy - People who are especially talented in the Empathy theme can sense the feelings of other people by imagining themselves in others' lives or others' situations.
Competition - People who are especially talented in the Competition theme measure their progress against the performance of others. They strive to win first place and revel in contests.
Futuristic - People who are especially talented in the Futuristic theme are inspired by the future and what could be. They inspire others with their visions of the future.
Communication - People who are especially talented in the Communication theme generally find it easy to put their thoughts into words. They are good conversationalists and presenters.
Ideation - People who are especially talented in the Ideation theme are fascinated by ideas. They are able to find connections between seemingly disparate phenomena.
The report includes several pages of definitions and action suggestions. I’m off to discover more about me… It is all about me, after all.
Posted by: Theophany at 8:38 PM
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I just found this via a contact at work. Strengthsfinder.com is a test that rates your natural tendencies from a list of 34 talents/skill sets. You can purchase the book and it includes an online code to access the test and get your results. The concept is based on the belief that we will reach success by knowing and capitalizing on our strengths rather than trying to become good at something at which we are innately inept.
The test gives you a list of your top five strengths and a report detailing the strength and offering suggested actions to move into that strength.
My top five are:
Empathy - People who are especially talented in the Empathy theme can sense the feelings of other people by imagining themselves in others' lives or others' situations.
Competition - People who are especially talented in the Competition theme measure their progress against the performance of others. They strive to win first place and revel in contests.
Futuristic - People who are especially talented in the Futuristic theme are inspired by the future and what could be. They inspire others with their visions of the future.
Communication - People who are especially talented in the Communication theme generally find it easy to put their thoughts into words. They are good conversationalists and presenters.
Ideation - People who are especially talented in the Ideation theme are fascinated by ideas. They are able to find connections between seemingly disparate phenomena.
The report includes several pages of definitions and action suggestions. I’m off to discover more about me… It is all about me, after all.
Labels: adventures, Curiosity, words
Posted by: Theophany at 8:38 PM
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Sunday, October 28, 2007
Migraine Lesson
Tonight, I have a growing headache. I’m drinking tea, sitting in the quiet and hoping the caffeine will ease this thumping before it becomes a sickening pounding of nausea and crippling sensitivity.
It has been months since I have had a migraine. At least I don’t fear them anymore.
Sometimes, for me at least, I am best served to embrace the pains of life on life's terms and curl quietly into the darkness of slumber. There, coiled among downed blankets, gray shadows and intimates smells, I can stay the course until relief eases its way into my mind, my being, my soul.
This is true for migraines and for the pains of living in a malformed world with less than the purest of intent.
Good Night.
Posted by: Theophany at 8:30 PM
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Tonight, I have a growing headache. I’m drinking tea, sitting in the quiet and hoping the caffeine will ease this thumping before it becomes a sickening pounding of nausea and crippling sensitivity.
It has been months since I have had a migraine. At least I don’t fear them anymore.
Sometimes, for me at least, I am best served to embrace the pains of life on life's terms and curl quietly into the darkness of slumber. There, coiled among downed blankets, gray shadows and intimates smells, I can stay the course until relief eases its way into my mind, my being, my soul.
This is true for migraines and for the pains of living in a malformed world with less than the purest of intent.
Good Night.
Labels: adventures, feelings
Posted by: Theophany at 8:30 PM
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Sunday, August 26, 2007
Traveling In Style
I've been here all week for a business/pleasure trip. There is nothing like a first class resort to truly make a few days paradise. I love being treated like a KING!
I'm headed back home in the morning and Mrs. Theo assures me that things WILL be different. heh.
Posted by: Theophany at 2:30 AM
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I've been here all week for a business/pleasure trip. There is nothing like a first class resort to truly make a few days paradise. I love being treated like a KING!
I'm headed back home in the morning and Mrs. Theo assures me that things WILL be different. heh.
Labels: adventures
Posted by: Theophany at 2:30 AM
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Sunday, June 24, 2007
Hiking in Alien Terrain
Today, hiking the Grindstone Trail at Pilot Mountain State Park, I came upon a fallen pine tree. It lay across the trail and where the bark had been scraped off by hikers crawling over it's now lifeless, dry trunk, there were intricate patterns, delicate carvings - swirls and curls - along the wood. These remnants of insects' travels beneath the bark looked for all the world like hieroglyphs carved, perhaps by the tiny hands of some alien creature in an effort to communicate an immortal and holy truth. I decided then and there, that this theory was indeed true. I stood in a sanctuary upon holy ground.
It is wonderful how the magic of imagination can bring real spirit to my days.
Posted by: Theophany at 7:51 PM
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Today, hiking the Grindstone Trail at Pilot Mountain State Park, I came upon a fallen pine tree. It lay across the trail and where the bark had been scraped off by hikers crawling over it's now lifeless, dry trunk, there were intricate patterns, delicate carvings - swirls and curls - along the wood. These remnants of insects' travels beneath the bark looked for all the world like hieroglyphs carved, perhaps by the tiny hands of some alien creature in an effort to communicate an immortal and holy truth. I decided then and there, that this theory was indeed true. I stood in a sanctuary upon holy ground.
It is wonderful how the magic of imagination can bring real spirit to my days.
Labels: adventures
Posted by: Theophany at 7:51 PM
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Monday, April 16, 2007
On Hiking The Grand Canyon
These Walls
These walls, these cascading rocks of harden earth, earthen toned history revealing centuries of the never ending dance between water and stone, hold me in awe. Is not this chasm grand in span and even grander yet in spirit, for it calls not only for all that the body can give it while every muscle screams for relief and each sinew claims finality. This brilliant abyss wants for the release of more, the conquest of ones very being, the devouring of all spirit. Give to it this, this measure of your existence, all body and spirit and therein, perhaps therein, weary traveler of this land, you might just discover more of who you are, or more complete still, you and I may just become more, more complete, more wonder-full. These walls can caress the very earthen vessel of humanity and breathe again into us, a vital wisp of that delicate mixture of earth and water and their waltz through eternity.
Posted by: Theophany at 7:12 PM
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These Walls
These walls, these cascading rocks of harden earth, earthen toned history revealing centuries of the never ending dance between water and stone, hold me in awe. Is not this chasm grand in span and even grander yet in spirit, for it calls not only for all that the body can give it while every muscle screams for relief and each sinew claims finality. This brilliant abyss wants for the release of more, the conquest of ones very being, the devouring of all spirit. Give to it this, this measure of your existence, all body and spirit and therein, perhaps therein, weary traveler of this land, you might just discover more of who you are, or more complete still, you and I may just become more, more complete, more wonder-full. These walls can caress the very earthen vessel of humanity and breathe again into us, a vital wisp of that delicate mixture of earth and water and their waltz through eternity.
Labels: adventures
Posted by: Theophany at 7:12 PM
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