Beneath My Feet

Photo and text by Christina, Thoen  A road trip… one of my favourite things, and especially in our VW Campervan! The world is such a beautiful place to explore. I’m always thrilled to take an adventure and discover new places and people along the way. Every new place has its own smells, tastes, and sights. Best of all, it’s amazing to see how people in all parts of the world live life differently – yet the same. In the end, it all comes down to one thing… love. Love of self, love of others, and love of life in each sacred moment that is NOW! Love is what makes the world go around – no matter where on this planet your feet take you. Enjoy the journey.   ~ Christina Thoen xoxo Thanks so much, my dear friend, Christina, for sharing your beautiful photo and wise words. When I saw this prairie road-tripping photo, with your feet on the dash, I could totally relate to doing the same -- as a passenger of course! 😀 It evokes a sense of adventure and freedom, while welcoming surp...

  Self-guided Walking Art Tour, Avignon, France. October 2018 "Everyday unfolds the next step in your journey" ~ Deepak Chopra  At the top of the staircase I was captivated by the spiral shadows cast on the steps below. I've always been fascinated by shadows and spirals. One year ago, I thought it was time to start posting where "my feet" have traveled in this photo blog. With  no real plan, no intention of  posting every week, nor writing accompanying text,  I started with a couple of photos where I was also intrigued by the light, shadows and spirals.  So, with the encouragement of many of you, I've continued on this path which has been inspirational and fun. Perhaps you have somehow been able to relate to some of my musings, and will hopefully enjoy the ride for as long as it goes!  Some special guest photos/writers coming up! If you have a "beneath my feet" photo you would like to share, please contact me! And, I am always happy for you to sha...

Remnants of my first haircut in over 10 months! May 2021. Our fingernails keep growing, as does our hair (usually!). Our heart keeps beating and our body breathes through the night when we are sleeping... and all the while our mind is dreaming. From the moment we are born we grow and evolve. Recently, I needed some stitches. I'm always amazed how the body's skin, in just a few days, intelligently heals itself, with perhaps just a small scar remaining. So much is happening inside us that we don't fully understand. Even when we are experiencing bodily pain or sadness, it is important to reflect and marvel at the life that we are, and that surrounds us... nothing taken for granted. "There are two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other as though everything is a miracle." ~ Albert Einstein

Hummingbird nest "above" our feet! Outside our rental house in Bucerias, Mexcio. 2020 When we saw her perched and dozing, we would try to gingerly sneak in and out of the house, as not to disturb her. We were honoured that the hummingbird mama chose to locate her nest in a plant outside our front door, where she must have felt safe and sheltered from the elements. The tiny nest was perhaps half the size of a golf ball. I would catch glimpses of her fluttering and feeding amongst the flowers on our back patio. When she was away, we might climb a chair and peek inside... till one day, we joyfully discovered a single delicate egg. It felt a special gift from nature to witness her graceful planning and nurturing so close at hand. "Create space for the hummingbird building her nest." ~ Ingrid Fetell Lee ... And, let's pay homage to all the mothers on their special day. They lovingly hover-over to protect and support their young.

  On a Saskatoon sidewalk. April 2021. Young artist unknown. Love it! I smiled when on closer examination of this young artist's work, the half-faces on the characters were representing their masks! This child's perspective is a reminder of the unusual times we live in. Perspectives and opinions change and differ; it is partly what makes life interesting, and why humanity keeps evolving. However, it's not always easy to keep the mind open and words kind.  May you be filled with lovingkindness. May you be safe from inner and outer harm. May you be well in body and mind. May you be happy and at ease. ~ A metta meditation I learned years ago. I don't know the origin, but is such a beautiful sentiment for someone or for yourself!