Favorite Photos from 2017

December 21, 2017 by spiritofdragonflies 6 Comments

This week, we’re proposing something a little different to celebrate the end of the year. Instead of a specific theme or topic, we invite you to share your most meaningful photo from 2017. This isn’t necessarily the “best” photo you’ve taken this year — feel free to post your most technically accomplished photo of the year if you’d like, but we equally encourage you to think about other parameters.

“Dragonflies are reminders that we are light and we can reflect light in powerful ways if we choose to do so.” ~ Robyn Nola ~

There were many photos taken this year which I truly loved however, this year, I would have to select this capture of a dragonfly as one of my favorites. I love how the sun light is captured perfectly by the wings and it was a cherished day spent with two of my cousins exploring nature. Great memories were had by all.

Another capture of a dragonfly is the one below. This little gem seemed to be following along with me in the Saratoga National Historical Park. When the wind gust came up I witnessed this fragile little body’s strength. She held on tight and overcame the struggle. This is a good message for me at this time as I move through my own health issue. This reminds me to hold strong and know that this too will be overcome shortly and health will prevail.

Phew still holding on

Hold on tighter

A slight breeze – hold on

Another nature memory is the mushroom – I was invited to experience Spirit Walk with Mary in New Mexico this summer. During our walk in nature the little specimens below covered the landscape. At first hidden, this one was noticed from quite a distance away. Then it seemed they were providing a path for us to follow. It was a beautiful experience and reminded me that if we remain open and present in the moment our path will unfold before us. As you can see these beauties break free from the soil that comforts them in their beginning stages of life. They rise up in vibrant colors soaking up the sun and enjoying life.

We can do the same. Break through barriers – take chances, meet new people, be open to new ideas, love everyone, and send peace out to everyone in our world – and especially to Mother Earth as she is the true life support for everyone on this planet. Without a healthy Mother Earth there is no life!

I found this quote in the response section of What does the mushroom symbolize:

Because they (mushrooms) grow in the dark they can represent activity happening behind the scenes and secrets. There is an element of the unexpected and paradox. Out of darkness comes life. Mushrooms can also signify growth during dark times in one’s life. ~ Paul Wilson ~

This could be true for our current times and I really like – out of the darkness comes life. Also, that mushrooms signify growth during dark times in one’s life. There is always a light at then end of every dark tunnel. Sometimes darkness helps us to wake in appreciation of the light. I think when we have too much of one or the other we become stagnant. When in good health we sometimes don’t stop to appreciate our blessing. When taken away we wish it to return. When financially secure, in our quest for more we don’t always stop to enjoy the preciousness of life. Children grow up and act in the same manner we wish we had slowed down to spend more time with them.

During dark times some people become angry and dangerous as they forget (or have never witnessed) what life is like when filled with light and love. We see this with looting, violence, shootings, politicians wanting more and more from the people without giving back, and war as people fight over invisible boundaries and resources. Darkness and Light are always with us, we just need to discover where our dark side is hidden and welcome it into the light to maintain our balance. We are not in competition with others, we are in competition with the person we were yesterday, last year, five years ago. The only person we need to focus on and improve is ourselves. Are you bringing more darkness or light into your own life and those around you? As 2017 comes to a close it is a perfect time to think about what you want to bring into 2018.

May you find peace and joy in the last days of 2017 and prepare for a New Beginning in 2018. Focus on what you want in life, stand tall, and do something daily to improve yourself, the lives of those around you, and our shared Mother Earth. Smile more, laugh more, dance and sing more, get out in nature, pick up trash even if you didn’t drop it, teach your children to appreciate life and nature, meet your neighbors, lend a hand, give food to the person on the street in need, don’t judge yourself or others, be Kind, be Love, BE THE LIGHT for all to see.

Love and Light!

If you would like to view other photos for this week’s challenge or would like to submit your own, click on the link below:

https://dailypost.wordpress.com/photo-challenges/2017-favorites/