Respect and reverence for the natural world seems to me a fundamental response to the age-old human questions, “Who am I?” and “What am I doing here?” We are elementally Earth Beings, located in space, looking to orient our lives in some sustainable balance. Traditions that honor the Four Directions speak of Rock or Earth as the element to the North.
“There is stability here, the ground of our being. The north represents the place that holds us, that allows us time and space to heal and grow, to feel nurtured and respected. It is also the place of embodiment, of connecting with our physical self, with the concrete, tangible world around us. The north calls to you if you are seeking balance, the deep wisdom that lives in your bones, a place of rest and recovery.” – Julia Hamilton
Inaugural Poem (excerpt) – Maya Angelou
A Rock, A River, A Tree Hosts to species long since departed, Marked the mastodon.
The dinosaur, who left dry tokens Of their sojourn here On our planet floor, Any broad alarm of their hastening doom Is lost in the gloom of dust and ages.
But today, the Rock cries out to us, clearly, forcefully, Come, you may stand upon my Back and face your distant destiny, But seek no haven in my shadow.
I will give you no more hiding place down here.
You, created only a little lower than The angels, have crouched too long in The bruising darkness, Have lain too long Face down in ignorance.
Your mouths spilling words Armed for slaughter.
The Rock cries out today, you may stand on me, But do not hide your face.
Thank you to Donna of Wind Kisses for inviting perspectives on how to Rock Your World. May you be grounded today, in balance and peace.
16 thoughts on “Lens-Artists Photo Challenge: Rock Your World!”
You rock, in every way, Priscilla. This grounding is exactly what we all need. Love all your photos and your nod to Maya Angelou. The hikers on the beach? -what a dream to be there. Have a good week.
Thanks, Donna! Yes, that was the epic hike on the Olympic peninsula wilderness where I broke my wrist and hiked 2 days out before I could get to a hospital. A real adventure! 🙂
Thanks, Sofia! I am not the world traveler that many LAs are, so I might as well be authentically myself. I’m grateful that these challenges help me to discover who that is!
scillagrace 
You rock, in every way, Priscilla. This grounding is exactly what we all need. Love all your photos and your nod to Maya Angelou. The hikers on the beach? -what a dream to be there. Have a good week.
Thanks, Donna! Yes, that was the epic hike on the Olympic peninsula wilderness where I broke my wrist and hiked 2 days out before I could get to a hospital. A real adventure! 🙂
Oh! I remember that! But yes, a beautiful place. A great post!
A great post, poetry, and photos. I really enjoyed your photos.
Thanks, Egidio!
The poem is so perfect for your post and for our week Priscilla. Beautifully done.
Thanks, Tina! 🙂
Prose and photography! Your beautiful compositions really met the challenge this week, Priscilla!
Thanks, John!
Pencil holders!!! Left by aliens as offerings of peace and to let us know they are a culture of scribes. Perfect!
LOL! 🙂 I love that every image is a short story prompt, and that you’re so creative and clever. Thanks for sharing your wit!
You always have your own approach to the challenges and I always enjoy them. Wonderful.
Thanks, Sofia! I am not the world traveler that many LAs are, so I might as well be authentically myself. I’m grateful that these challenges help me to discover who that is!
A lovely and inspiring post Priscilla!
Thanks, Anne!
😊