I have always been drawn to paths, visually leading me to the next step of my journey. It can be both frightening and exhilarating to not know where you are going. It requires a level of trust that you are heading in the right direction - even if it seems like the most challenging way to move forward. I am compelled to photograph every intriguing path that I find and hope to some day create a collage or wall gallery.
One of the hardest parts of life is not letting others sway you off of your path. If you find yourself having to justify your journey, remember that you can be a mirror to others and reflect back the limited view that they see. It may not be about you at all. They may not see past their own issues to your beautiful heart. The longest journey anyone can ever take is the 18" from their head to their heart!
I like to daydream about what may be waiting just around the next turn...
Will it be something exciting?
Will I meet a kindred spirit?
Will I see an animal in it's natural habitat?
Will I find inspiration from all the beauty and heartwarming charm?
Will I find peace in the deep way I can breathe there?
Will I be immersed in my own fantastic story?
Will I find myself on these walkways, rocky roads, paths, staircases, bridges and labyrinths of life?
Will I climb into the next chapter of life, using my foundation of what I have learned on my journey?
I wonder why seeing a path draws me in - perhaps because I am so in love with the possibilities. The more intricate, the more I need to discover it. I adore images or real life views where there are many twists and turns - just like real life. I can only imagine where this private entrance led to. I don't always have the courage to walk these private walkways even though the little girl inside me is screaming "just do it!"
Sometimes life can be rocky and I find beauty in the symbology of these visual journeys. This earth color in Sedona, Arizona just drew me right in. I found it very nurturing and healing while on retreat there. I've learned that there is a balance between loving where you are right now and embracing what is coming. I think it's healthy to have a foot in both worlds. Sometimes you may even need hiking boots or river sandals on those feet!
Do you take the road less traveled or do you take the safe well worn path with little to no surprises? How you feel about your path is very personal. If you are grumbling about the things that didn't seem to go your way - you may stumble on the beauty that is in front of you - since your energy is still in the past.
Staircases can literally be a place to climb and make an effort to see your life from a new perspective. What will you notice when you realize how far you have come? A place of deep gratitude awaits you.
What bridges must you cross to find your place near a peaceful river? Imagine those bridges as a portal to a new, improved you. Allow the flow of the river to wash away your stress and let the nurture of nature fill your lungs with the most refreshing droplets of possibilities.
And let's not forget the labyrinth's of life that can take you in what seems like an unending circle. You may feel like you are "spinning your wheels" in life and not getting anywhere new. This is a flat version of the symbolic spiral ascension of life. If you shift your perspective you will see that you are actually traveling up a spiral - not just in a circle. Slowly but surely you are reaching new heights. Even if you backslide a bit - you are still progressing - inching towards your higher self.
I encourage you to seek or create a labyrinth to contemplate your journey. As you walk these circular mazes you just may get an insight or answer by the time you reach the center! It can be a walking meditation. I like to allow the manifestation of bigs things as I walk, saying a mantra over and over again for my healing or abundance. And of course, ending with humble gratitude for all.
In my own writing studio and library, I adore and admire these images that Jeremiah Morelli created below! Books are like paths that draw me in and make me wonder what lies ahead. I remember to use the foundation of what I have read previously to carry me to the next chapter of my life!
Good luck on your journey and may your path lead you to be immersed in a great book!
Tami is grateful for all of her Highly Sensitive Person traits because they have made her who she is today: an optimistic, nurturing soul, full of great compassion. Being a mother has been her hardest and most rewarding job since her unique and sensitive children have been her greatest inspiration and teachers. She is currently writing a series of children’s books for HSP families, The Sunshine Books. Follow the links in this blog for more of her heartfelt ponderings about highly sensitive people. Or sign-up above for her weekly emails as she continues writing for you.
{Copyright 2019 - 2021 - Most photos are the property of Tamara S. Graham unless noted otherwise}