Another Great Day

I'm not going to bore you with the details, but I'll wrap it up quick with the observation that today started out right and got better from that point forward.

Reflections on a Commute

This was the view in my rearview mirror on my way into work this morning. The sunrise is remarkable enough, but the reflection of the reflection off the window and side of the care is the product of fantasies. When I glanced over to check the traffic behind me and saw this view staring back I was taken aback. Lile pink pebbles on a baby blue beach with all the detail a digital camera can muster. It would be hard to believe if you couldn't see for yourself to complex beauty that lies all over the world at our feet.

Anacostia River Reflections

Here's another one where the interface between the air and the water is the spot where vistas come together on the plane of reflection.

Sunrise on the Anacostia

Another where the sky and water become one on the horizon. These are special moments, and they're happening all around me all the time. My life is filled every day, and I'm looking forward to see what pours out of the pitcher tomorrow.  I suspect it will be something like this, but unique and stunning in its own special way.

Scalloped Cirrus and a Power Plant near the Anacostia River

Monday

Subtle changes have managed to creep into my life since I started "practicing" for the N2N-TCP. I say subtle because it took me till today to realize that I really don't dread Mondays the way that I used to welcome the opening of the work week.  Don't get me wrong, I often question how I'm choosing to spend my precious time on this azure rock, but dreading the coming morning on Monday just doesn't happen anymore.

Muggy Monday Morning on the Anacostia River

Today dawned hazy and hot, but I got out on the trail. Walking on Monday is actually a pretty big joy because on Monday my first meeting doesn't kick off until 0800.  That's thirty minutes more walking or thirty minutes more sleep.  Recently, I've been choosing the sleep, but one way or another I don't face a feeling of dread.

Anacostia Waterfront

This is the second time I've shared this view, but ever since the new floating docks have been installed adjacent to Yards Park, I've found I can locate a place of solitude in the early morning to enjoy the natural and man made wonders. By this time I was sweating bullets, but it felt good to be alive to welcome the day.

Bridge at Yards Park

I've been at this job for so long I still consider this bridge a new installation even though it's been here for several years now.  Again, the early morning finds a place of calm beauty, and this path, to a degree, represents the bridges I've crossed to get to this point in my journey. Not every river is an obstacle, and if you're patient not every canyon is a stumbling block. Life has a way of delivering just what you need when you need it, and I'm grateful that I've finally hit upon this lesson enough to truly begin to learn it and live it.

Sunrise - Anacostia River

No matter how thick the haze, if you look hard enough there's a beautiful view just waiting to be discovered. Once you learn how to find these views, you can come back to the same spot again and again for a little rejuvenation and strength.  On Monday, Sunday, Saturday, Thursday, or any other day for that matter, somewhere the sun is rising and there's a great glorious gift to observe. Finally discovering this truth, I welcome the new day, and tomorrow I'm looking forward to meeting another dawn.  We'll all call it Tuesday, but what it's really just another miraculous gift.

Back to the Practice

Today was the first day since 08 Jul 2016 that I pulled off a full day's practice. A full day's practice involves walking, photography, writing, blood pressure measurement, working at least one aspect of the business of the pilgrimage, ten daily ideas, meditation, minimalism by getting rid of material goods, and three sets of calisthenics. Although it was a hot walk in Annapolis, today turned out to be quite productive.

Fishermen and Women on College Creek - Annapolis

Although the brief respite from the heat from yesterday's thunderstorms lingered only as a fond memory today, it was great seeing people out and about enjoying the summer. It's sundress season in Annapolis, and that's never a terrible time of year.

We'll see what tomorrow will reveal. I'm looking forward to finding out.