Pratyahara
July 8, 2012 
It's just one other practice. This withdrawal of the senses..this shutting down and turning away from all the external stimulation. This focusing inwards. Without the computers...the email..the text messages..the noise. Without a single phone ringing...without anyone tap tap tapping at my door. Without all of the endless lists that bind and gag - the what's and who's and wheres' and when's.
There is silence. There is stillness. There is nothing other than the ocean and mountains and endless sky. The sun rises...it sets. Whether we see it or not - it does so every day.
And so it is..I return. I begin again. With a greater sense of purpose and intention.
Sometimes - it's about getting out of our own way..to see the light. Sometimes - it's within that silence..that we find the words that want to be spoken. Sometimes - we change our minds....we find ourselves different.
It was there - in the quiet of the disconnect...in a moment of clarity. There was peace. There was a knowing - that this is all there is.
The sun rises..it sets. And - I continue on with my practice. No matter what and where and when.
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Thrilled to have been invited by Jenny Doh to be this week's guest curator over at her inspiring site Crescendoh.
Come visit me there.
Reader Comments (53)
A wonderful photo!
Gorgeous image. Love the light, the composition, the water, the clouds, the dark. A wonderful image for a time of tuning out of the external stimuli. Yes, this is all there is, and it is enough. Welcome back.
SO glad you are back so soon! What a welcome, happy thing! Refeshed, newly alive, and ready to continue - that is a good thing for you, and a very good thing to all of us who love what you do!
Yay! I don't comment much but I check every day. This shot is so life affirming! So glad to see you back; your photos and words inspire me!
What a gorgeous image this is, and truly inspiring words.
xo.
This is a superb sun flare that you have captured Marcie... it is very serene....peter:)
Just wanted to let you know that your 'daily practice' has really been an inspiration to me in several ways. Thank you. Love the photo.
getting out of our own way to see the light.....i really like that.
thanks for stirring my heart to move over and be still,
Jennifer
Beautiful image and thoughts, Marcie. Makes me take a deep breath with a peaceful exhale. Thank you.
aahhhhhh
Marcie, this is a beautiful image. Very peaceful and calming. And the colors are gorgeous.
Such a brief time off to feel refreshed. I feel like I need a month, maybe the whole summer. Wouldn't that be lovely? But I'm glad you have retunred to your beautifully inspired posts.
Amazing photo ~ just awesome ~ thanks, ^_^ (A Creative Harbor)
Beautiful and inspiring words Marcie! And that image is photo gallery worthy!
OK, that photo simply took my breath away as the post opened...keep up the practice, your images are beautiful!
Gorgeous words to align to this view~ I could so relate to this post, how we need to stand still and listen to the stirrings of the day and hope for a better tomorrow~
Thanks for visiting me... I hope life is treating you well! :D
Wonderful pastel colors and starburst.
A wonderful picture with your wonderful words. Ginnie and I talk a lot about 'blogging'. Sometimes it is overwhelming. Take your time. Daily Practice, is also the process of going out, taking pictures, finding the right words. Who says that there has to be a picture uploaded every day?? This week I disabled comments on my blog, which is hard for me, for I love the feedback of people. I do it for myself, to have some spare time next to my full time job. You will find the answer within you. Just breath in and breath out. Having fun with what you do, is the most important. Have a great day :)
This shot made me go Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.
J'aime beaucoup la douceur de ces couleurs
Isn't this what "sabbath" is all about, Marcie?! Sabbath. Sabbatical. Shabbat. I love that you have come back to us renewed. Thank you for the "practice."
Watching from behind a cloud, what is happening below.
I somehow knew you would not wander far . . creation is so addictive.
Solitude and peace, refreshing and rejuvenating - but even they can be too much of a good thing.
Balance is what is needed.
Beautiful inspiration.
wow this is so beautiful
Welcome back. Thank you for oh-so-much...the lessons on seeing and creativity, on the value of practice, and the importance of rest that refreshes our spirit. Your example continues to inspire!
Love it! The shot is gorgeous and the words sent the gripping in my stomach away, even if just for a few moment. Thanks Marcie!
Lovely!
"Sometimes - it's about getting out of our own way..to see the light." Oh yes...this is so true. What a beautiful post. And I was so thrilled to see your Art Saves story at Crescendoh! :)
WoW! The 5th limb of yoga. (I didn't know yoga had limbs). A great sunburst. Love your yellows and oranges.
Welcome back, Marcie! Your words and images have been missed. I am so glad you found your voice again within the silence.
Sweet rays in this shot.
Gorgeous, beautiful, uplifting, hopeful---all in one glorious image.
A beautiful image made better with your accompanying writing. Well done.
Wonderful reminder and picture of course is a good stimulus and subject.
I have missed my morning ritual of turning on my computer, having a brief breathing meditation in my computer chair, then slowly clicking to your morning photo and greeting the day. Welcome back!
excellent lighting and colors
Your words? They move me every single time.
Your images? They catch my breath.
Thank you for what you do. . .
Sounds like you had a relaxing few days Marcie - and if that image of water and land against a magical dawn/dusk is an indication of the surroundings iyt must have been heavenly.
Breathtaking shot, absolutely!
Welcome back!! You have been missed, big time!!! Stunning capture too I might add!
Stunning image to mark your return. Nice to hear and see you again
Truly beautiful Marcie!
WOW!
Parfaitement équilibrée, cette image est très réussie.
Gorgeous capture!
quite stunning, marcie.
Absolutely. When Becky and I were on our 3 week Go West road trip, it was so wonderful being free of electronic media, being able to completely focus on the "now" with out interruption. This is a spectacular image (I am guessing from Cadillac Mt.)
these days, it's nice to be alone for a while and disconnect yourself.. :) great catch..