There's no doubt that exercise is an important part of our treatment for RA, and walking is a great way to get some exercise that doesn't stress the joints too much. To help motivate us to walk, I thought it would be fun to share a "photo diary" of our walks...since most people seem to own a camera phone these days. Please feel free to share images you discover on your walks.
One of my daily walks is at work. I walk to a park close by. There's a creek that flows through the park with several redwood trees along the bank. This picture is of one of the trees...truly magnificent creations! This was one of the trees that inspired my poem "A Tale of Two Trees" that I shared a few months ago.
"Spear straight trunk, clothed in rough, warm bark,
Towering over the green meadowed park,
Like a sentinel guarding my soul’s yearning,
To bask in the glow of realities burning."
Alan
I get up early every morning and walk before work...usually about 6 am. It can be tough sometimes. I was really stiff and sore this morning, fortunately much better now since today was a Humira shot day! Anyway, I always feel better if I force myself to go. It really helps work out the stiffness and gives me extra energy for the day. At least the days are longer and it's not dark now. Here's a picture from this morning's walk. It was cool and cloudy and the sun is just coming out. It's always soothing to discover unexpected moments when you really feel grateful to be alive...even if life is such an extraordinary pain at times.
Alan
Yes...it's a camera phone...a Sony Ericcson.
Alan
Awww. Beautiful pictures Alan. Soothing. I sure do miss California.
My camera phone isn't as good as yours that's for sure.
So beautiful, I wish I were there.A good walk requires only a few accessories: a good solid walking stick, a really cool hat, and, of course, a faithful companion. I just returned from my evening walk. This is Joey. I can't begin to describe how difficult it is to get a Jack Russell Terrier to hold still for a picture. And the hat...well, you can see it in the shadow. I love the spring; it is such a beautiful time of year, life sprouting everywhere and nice cool mornings and evenings. I hope you are having a fine, enjoyable evening!
Alan
Joey...the inquisitive terrier!
take care
My wife and I spent 3 years in Illinois, west of Chicago near the Fox River, when I was a graduate student. Unfortunately, the thing I most remember is the bitter cold winters. Sounds like you keep very busy and have a very active family.
Cheers, Alan
Beautiful photos alan. Very inspiring. I keep wanting to walk but my feet and legs are so sore! I'll have to try a little harder. :-D
Love the verse.
Tara L
HAHAHA...Joey is too funny! Love the Jack Russell's as they really are characters to say the least. A local antique mall as one named Ensign as the "shop dawg" and he is just the most MELLOW dawggie I have ever seen. And yup a full pure bred JRT...weirdest thing ever really, a calm JRT. He has adopted one of the staff there and follows her around the shop all day. Must be nice to be a dawg some days...hehehe.I get up pretty early and read a little before my morning walk. This morning I was reading a collection of poems by Thict Nhat Hanh called "Call me by my true names". This is part of a poem written during the Vietnam War.
"I am still here alive, able to smile quitely.
O sweet fruit brought forth by the tree of suffering!
Carrying the dead body of my brother,
I go across the rice field in the darkness.
Earth will keep you tight within her arms, my dear,
So that tomorrow you will be reborn as flowers,
Those flowers smiling quietly in the morning field.
This moment you weep no more, my dear.
We have gone through too deep a night.
Sometimes I feel that I have gone through a night too deep, yet survived to smile quietly and find peace and hope. I took this picture at the park. I like the way the dark shapes are reflected in the pond. Sometimes I think we need to feel the touch of a dark night to be able to release some of the suffering we endure, and find new light and hope. Here's the picture:
Alan
I have his book "Peace is Every Step" Im sorry I dont own any of his poems. This one is beautiful. Alan , your photos are beautiful. I'm an illustrator and painter. If I can figure out how to download some of my work, I'll share some. Thanks for sharing.Hi, Very beautiful, thanks! Sarah Lynda
What an absolutely wonderful idea Alan, and it is so kind of you to share with all of us. It certainly brightened my day............mother nature at it's best.......now who could ask for more?
It certainly is the little things in life that make all the difference isn't it? Nature certainly has it's own show..........
jode
Walking a path can be a time and place for deep meditation, releasing the stress and turmoil of our lifes. All it takes is a quiet mind, hearing the rhythms of life in footsteps, rustling squirrels, and singing birds, feeling the warmth of the sun and the coolness of the shadows. It's great therapy if you can let go and let the path draw you forward, a journey towards familiar yet uncertain experiences...pausing to marvel at the unexpected sight of a hummingbird that seems to float before your eyes.
I hope you have a wonderful day today!
Alan
Alan
"Life candle; meditations whispering
Words that soothe life's sting,
Breathing life into a dying soul,
Paying the price of heaven's toll."
I skimmed throught the posts before my walk tonight. It's late because it was really hot today and I was waiting until it cooled off. I was thinking about some of the people who seem to be enduring tremendous pain and suffering. It's tought to know what to say. I've been reading a bood called "Dark Night of the Soul". It was written in the 16th century by St. John of the Cross. I found it encouraging though it's a difficult message to understand...how our soul is laid bare by suffering, yet stripped of all the senseless clutter in our lives, is fnally able to draw close to God. Anyway, I'm constantly amazed at how unexpected words, thoughts, or images appear magically to focus me back on the present moment. The palm trees are reflected in the still water of the pond...almost disorienting, like the world is flipped upside down, yet I found it a compelling, beautiful scene. I hope and pray that those who are hurting and depressed tonight find some comfort and peace.
Alan
Dark Night of the Soul
St. John of the Cross
On a dark night, Kindled in love with yearnings—oh, happy chance!—
I went forth without being observed, My house being now at rest.
In darkness and secure, By the secret ladder, disguised—oh, happy chance!—
In darkness and in concealment, My house being now at rest.
In the happy night, In secret, when none saw me,
Nor I beheld aught, Without light or guide, save that which burned in my heart.
This light guided me More surely than the light of noonday
To the place where he (well I knew who!) was awaiting me—
A place where none appeared.
Oh, night that guided me, Oh, night more lovely than the dawn,
Oh, night that joined Beloved with lover, Lover transformed in the Beloved!
Upon my flowery breast, Kept wholly for himself alone,
There he stayed sleeping, and I caressed him, And the fanning of the cedars made a breeze.
The breeze blew from the turret As I parted his locks;
With his gentle hand he wounded my neck And caused all my senses to be suspended.
I remained, lost in oblivion; My face I reclined on the Beloved.
All ceased and I abandoned myself, Leaving my cares forgotten among the lilies.
There is healing and comfort in the night if you know where to find it...a cool breeze after a hot, weary day...a light creating ghostly shadows through silhouetted branches...
Alan If you go into the woods today...
I went walkies today (and treated myself to a devonshire tea, but don't tell anyone) and this is what I saw....
I
Believe it or not there's a flock of parrots here in Sunnyvale. They are wild now...used to be pets. The flock gets bigger and bigger but they never hold still long enough to take a picture. Alan Hi Alan, have really enjoyed your pictures. I lived in Burlingame for years and we had a flock of 13 green parrots that lived in the trees. They terrorized the cats in the neighborhood. They would fly in formation down Burlingame Ave. and you could see the cats shoot out from under cars and shoot under another car, ducking and running as fast fast as they could for home shelter. The parrots would be right behind them, squawking. You could hear the commotion for blocks. They never harmed a cat. I think they were just playing with the cats. I wonder if it's the same group that's in Sunnyvale or an offshoot? Lindy A lighter note...I was thinking today about how irrational we can be at times, particularly when it comes to our fears and perceptions of risk. It quickly becomes a very emotional issue, yet our passion for defending ourselves can be a bit absurd. Sometimes it's better to take a step back and see the humor in life...celebrate our uniqueness and oddities. Strange that I never noticed it before but there's a small pasture adjoining the park where I walk near where I work. Someone put a bunch of old rusting wheelbarrows in a circle with a sign that says "No Hang Gliding". Maybe it's place for UFO's to land and hang gliders would be a risk to their safety. Take a look around. Give yourself a break once in a while and try not to take yourself to seriously all the time! Off to orchestra practice..Tchaichovsky's Sleeping Beauty today! Alan
The Magic Hour I walk in the forest, gathering time, Inhaling a mist that drifts sublime Through my darkened mind, unleashing power To enter the realm of the magic hour. A burst of color invades the shadows, A bubbling stream that ebbs and flows Through a labyrinth of melancholy, Painted with swaths of reckless folly. Rubbing my soul with a healing balm, Chaos drains to soothing calm; Silence reigns as I walk the path, Through light in shadow to fading wrath.
I'm off to my art group at the local community center and my husband is playing golf at MB golf course, with his buddies. Have a great day and thanks for the pictures and I loved your poem. (Hurt my back doing the 'YOGA', it might not be for me.)Lynda I've been indulging in a bit of Keats again. It feels great to walk in the summer with the sun burning brightly in the sky, shining through the tree's branches. I like this poem...very earthy and seems to overflow with the very essence of summer. Feel the warmth on your face as you walk...it means you are alive! Alan A Draught of Sunshine
this is where we walk everyday... Very nice...I grew up in the country...used to ride my horse through the woods and pastures in northeastern Oklahoma. Where do you live...if you don't mind my asking? It looks a lot like the Sierra foothills here in CA. Alan I live in between Denver and Colorado springs in CO. We have eternal sunshine and beautiful mountains... (your place is not to shabby either!) Cool...I went to graduate school at the University of Colorado in Boulder. We lived there for five years...a beautiful area...small world! Alan Nothing works better to get you moving that an overeager, slightly looney dog. Here's a couple more pictures of my faithful companion from our Sunday afternoon walk. He's a real goofball. Alan
You have a real eye for catching a beautiful picture that reveals a mood, or time, or passion. Thank you for a terrific thread! By the way, I really enjoyed the pictures by the other members, too. Wishing you all a beautiful night, Nini I love walking early in the morning. Usually I start around 6am. In the summer it's light but the sun is still low. It makes for interesting pictures. I was noticing this morning how perfect the reflections were...the water was very still. It made me think...RA is sort of like the surface of the pond providing a reflection of ourselves that we and others see. Sometimes the water is quiet and the reflection is nearly perfect...other times the water is choppy and the reflection is distorted. But it's just a reflection, we're not any different...except dealing with this disease does change us...hopefully in a positive way. So maybe it's not so important how others perceive our "reflection"...anyway here's the picture:
Alan The opening lines of Endymion by John Keats A THING of beauty is a joy for ever:
Kathy Here is your dog in a frame Alan...
Thanks, Alan You say you love - but then your lips
Alan The Path (an excerpt) by Alan Duncan Dragging the demon darkness forward With weary steps I surged toward The open gates promise of sanctuary; Bursting through, I dared not tarry. The seething darkness shuddered and died. The cold wind whimpered and sighed A lonely duet with the night, Then vanished in a brilliant burst of light. And so, the path brought me home, Completing the circle, released to roam The boundaries of a new existence, Free from the penalty of pain’s persistence. Hot wax drowned the flame; The candle dimmed, whispering my name. The path grew faint in the dimming light, And my soul found rest in the silent night.
Alan
I've been to London once...had a terrific time walking around the city! My shoulder has been flaring and I almost didn't walk this morning...felt guilty so I went anyway. It was a beautiful sunrise with just enough morning clouds to block the sun yet let enough light through to light up the upper cloud layer with bright orange light. Here's a couple of pictures...best I could do with a camera phone. It's good to know that the extra effort pays off some times. Humira tomorrow...hopefully that will knowck out this flare. Alan
Once again the Humira did the trick...the flare faded within 24 hrs! Strange though, how fear creeps in at every opportunity. I find myself constantly wondering...will this be the time the medication doesn't work and the pain goes on and on. I know many of you experience such pain and I'm amazed at how you endure and continue to live remarkable lives. I like the contrast in this picture that I took yesterday morning, the tension between created things, the sunrise, and manufactured things, the towers. That's how my fear is; a constant tension, striving to let go, but afraid of the consequences...does that make sense? Here's a poem I wrote a couple of years ago about my fear...and the picture. Maybe it will help you understand the same feelings when you experience them. Fear By Alan Duncan Fear crept in like a fog That covered a sinking bog, Sucking down into its deep pool Any nearby wandering fool. A cold damp sweats the air; Icy fingers rip and tear, Pulling down while reaching To grasp white bones bleaching. Images of black despair Framed the walls of fear's lair, A collage of dying dreams Drowned by primal screams. Is there nothing to bring peace, Forcing fear to cease Its foul quest to control Each aimless drifting soul. What purpose can we seek To tame the clawing reek That oozes from self pity, An odor of fear for all to see. The world's shiny machines Cavort with grunts and gleams, Sparking lights to scatter gloom And scare away impending doom. And yet their ceaseless toil, As elements return to soil, Halts amidst piles of rust Seduced by time's lust. Where then can hope be found; From what source a joyful sound To soothe fear's evil breath, And scatter visions of death. In each heart a spark of light, Straining to burst bright, Illuminating a passioned plea, Seeking grace and empathy. Follow the light to fear's demise; Stare into it's hollow eyes, And laugh at the empty gaze As memory fades with the lifting haze. Fear creeps out silently, Transparent now, eyes see Hope illuminated by love's light, Heaven bourne by angel's flight.
Alan
by John Keats
HENCE Burgundy, Claret, and Port,
Away with old Hock and madeira,
Too earthly ye are for my sport;
There's a beverage brighter and clearer.
Instead of a piriful rummer,
My wine overbrims a whole summer;
My bowl is the sky,
And I drink at my eye,
Till I feel in the brain
A Delphian pain -
Then follow, my Caius! then follow:
On the green of the hill
We will drink our fill
Of golden sunshine,
Till our brains intertwine
With the glory and grace of Apollo!
God of the Meridian,
And of the East and West,
To thee my soul is flown,
And my body is earthward press'd. -
It is an awful mission,
A terrible division;
And leaves a gulph austere
To be fill'd with worldly fear.
Aye, when the soul is fled
To high above our head,
Affrighted do we gaze
After its airy maze,
As doth a mother wild,
When her young infant child
Is in an eagle's claws -
And is not this the cause
Of madness? - God of Song,
Thou bearest me along
Through sights I scarce can bear:
O let me, let me share
With the hot lyre and thee,
The staid Philosophy.
Temper my lonely hours,
And let me see thy bowers
More unalarm'd!
Its loveliness increases; it will never
Pass into nothingness; but still will keep
A bower quiet for us, and a sleep
Full of sweet dreams, and health, and quiet breathing.
Therefore, on every morrow, are we wreathing
A flowery band to bind us to the earth,
Spite of despondence, of the inhuman dearth
Of noble natures, of the gloomy days,
Of all the unhealthy and o’er-darkened ways
Made for our searching: yes, in spite of all,
Some shape of beauty moves away the pall
From our dark spirits. Such the sun, the moon,
Trees old and young, sprouting a shady boon
For simple sheep; and such are daffodils
With the green world they live in; and clear rills
That for themselves a cooling covert make
’Gainst the hot season; the mid forest brake,
Rich with a sprinkling of fair musk-rose blooms:
And such too is the grandeur of the dooms
We have imagined for the mighty dead;
All lovely tales that we have heard or read:
An endless fountain of immortal drink,
Pouring unto us from the heaven’s brink.
You say you love; but with a voice
Chaster than a nun's, who singeth
The soft Vespers to herself
While the chime-bell ringeth -
O love me truly!
You say you love; but with a smile
Cold as sunrise in September,
As you were Saint Cupid's nun,
And kept his weeks of Ember.
O love me truly!
Coral tinted teach no blisses.
More than coral in the sea -
They never pout for kisses -
O love me truly!
You say you love; but then your hand
No soft squeeze for squeeze returneth,
It is like a statue's dead -
While mine to passion burneth -
O love me truly!
O breathe a word or two of fire!
Smile, as if those words should burn be,
Squeeze as lovers should - O kiss
And in thy heart inurn me!
O love me truly!
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