Patterns of Us

Posted on by Miriam

 

Walking at Kilcunda (800x600)

Nature has patterns everywhere.  Patterns in the sand, patterns in pebbles and moss, in rocks and sea creatures lulling about on the shore.  I love exploring a shoreline and discovering all the marine creatures that sometimes make themselves visible.  It makes me feel like I’m part of a bigger world.

In many ways the patterns and details we see in nature is a reflection of us and our moods.

Stumpy tail liazard in the outback (800x600)

Look at this harmless but elaborately patterned fella. I’m not sure what his mood is but when we stopped to check him out he didn’t seem too happy.  I remember my daughter tried to coax him off the road and he turned and spat at her.

Do you have days like that – when you’re grumpy and frustrated and exhausted for no logical reason. Like you just want to lie down and be left alone? Maybe that’s how he felt.

Patterns in the woods (800x600)

Or you just want to go for a walk and be alone with your thoughts. Like the day I walked through these bleak patterned woods. They actually lead to a gorgeous view.

Wildflowers at Kilcunda (800x600)

These might be simple weeds but if we look at them in a different light we could picture them as a decoration of the side path.

Kilcunda (800x600)

Then there are those surprises in life.  When we find an incredible place where we appear to blend in with the patterns around us. Coping, adapting, adjusting to the elements and whatever life throws at us.  Feeling at one with nature.

Daniel creating patterns in the rocks (800x600) (2)

But sometimes we try and control something that has a will of its own.  And try as we may, like my son building a stone dam wall in this slow moving creek where detail and patterns shimmer on the water, the rapids will eventually move the rocks.

Patterns in Rocks at Port Lincoln (800x600)

But still we go with the flow in life. Knowing that we can weather whatever is put in our path. Like these rocks at Port Lincoln, rough on our feet but what a view.

Patterns at Walkerville (800x533) (2)

Our moods can be as changeable as the patterns in the soft sand which ebbs and flows as the tides change.

That’s what life does to us. Different days call for different actions and perspectives on what we encounter. And it’s always up to us how we react.

Wild funghi (800x600)

No one likes to be stuck in the dark like these mushrooms,with their intricate patterns and details on the forest floor.

Bird flying through sunset (800x600)

Even when the world is dark we can remain positive and optimistic.

In fact that’s when we most need to look up and have hope.  We need to savor those golden patterns in a sunset sky, embrace a sunrise and and relish being alive.

Here are my seven patterns for seven days:

  1. Wake up and be grateful for at least three things each morning.
  2. Break out of a predictable pattern of behavior and take some risks.
  3. Exercise, go for a walk, get yourself moving. Just go for it.
  4. Write down some goals, a daily ‘To do’ list always seems a good start.
  5. Lighten up – laugh at yourself when things go wrong.
  6. Do something for someone else – and make them smile.
  7. Relax, take deep breaths and live in the moment.

Let’s live every day as though it’s our last and enjoy the journey.

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Stay safe, be at peace, step outside and look out for those patterns and details in nature.  You just never know where you’ll see them.

This is in response to Frank’s Tuesday Photo Challenge – Patterns – over at Dutch goes the Photo and for the Daily Post Weekly Photo Challenge – Details

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83 thoughts on “Patterns of Us”

  5. Totally enjoyed the pictures Miriam! The woods looks like it belongs on a fairy tale story. It’s enchanting! Thank you for sharing us again the beauty of nature 😊

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  8. Lovely post, and some lovely pictures! Big fan of your scaly friend there. I like how you progressed into patterns in nature, to patterns we can use to feel better. I also like how one of the 7 patterns is to break away from patterns! Haha. As a photographer, patterns in nature always catch my eye 🙂 Lovely work!

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  10. This is lovely Miriam..really I was glued when I was scrolling through your wonderful snaps..You really have taken such beautiful nature patterns and what an insight to live by!
    I’m with you..I am in this relentless pursuit positive mantras!
    I love you and your wonderful mind.X

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  11. Miriam can I just say Im so glad to be back blogging all because of post like yours! your stories and the meanings and feelings I take away from them leave me feeling glad each and every time I read you! Your photos leave me in awe! We might live worlds apart but Im glad to be sharing the same big blue sky here in the Land of Blog with you! 🙂 ❤ 🙂 xoxo

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    1. What a beautiful, kind comment Maureen. I love knowing that I’ve touched someone with my words and photos, we do indeed share the same big blue sky where ever we live. Have a lovely weekend. xo

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  22. Very beautiful photos, really enjoyed all the patterns. Patterns in nature has always fascinated me:)
    And your seven patterns for seven days is a great inspiration.
    xoxo Inger

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  23. This morning, I went for a beautiful, strolling, mindfulness walk. We’ve had a string of oppressively humid days, but today dawned refreshingly crisp, sunny, and gorgeous. When I logged into WordPress to catch up on blogs, I knew that I could come here and find a reflection that would fit my contemplative, grateful, mindful mood. Thank you so much for providing that place! Your posts are always so grounding and centering. I especially love your comment about weeds, because today, as I walked, I was delighting in all the remarkable beauty of the flowering weeds, and picking dandelions, which are now floating in a glass of water on my kitchen counter. Sending you happy thoughts from a grateful heart! ~ Lulu ❤

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    1. What a beautiful comment Lulu. You sound so content and your walk sounds relaxing and lovely and just the thing after a string of oppressive days. I can relate to that. Today, after a week of gray skies the sun is out here and the sky is such an incredible blue. I’m looking forward to getting out into that sunshine and enjoying all the simple things outside. Enjoy the rest of your weekend Lulu. Sending you warm hugs of friendship. xo

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    1. Haha, your last sentence made me smile. He’s a stumpy tail lizard, the head and the tail can look very similar. They’re more common in the outback of Australia.

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  26. A very good post, and one I could identify with. I hate it when I have days of restless frustration, especially when I don’t recognize the reason for those feelings. But it is all a pattern, and it’s up to me to break the pattern when it is too negative. And as an aside, what is that creature in the second photo? I’ve never seen anything quite like it. And I think if it spit at me, I’d probably run!!!

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    1. Thanks Ann. As for that creature, isn’t he savage looking … but kind of beautiful too I think. He’s a Stumpy Tail Lizard, they look mean but are pretty harmless (not that we got too close mind you).
      Hope you’re having a lovey weekend. xo

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  28. Great blog Miriam. I like your 7 patterns for 7 days, and as always your pictures are fantastic. The trail through the trees is an awesome shot.

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  30. Love this post Miriam. The trees and path..WOW. Now…you may say that ‘fella’ was harmless but my racing heart says otherwise! 😉 Oh my goodness. you’re daughter is brave.
    I wrote about breaking out of a pattern too. Great minds!

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    1. Haha Yeah the common consensus seems to be that he’s pretty creepy. Granted I wouldn’t want to run into him in the middle of the night. 🙂
      Will have to come over and visit soon and check out your post. xo

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      1. Hubs and son love lizards…well son loves looking at them. Given his recent reaction to a small one in our house…I think it’s safe to say he would not want to come face to face with one. 😉

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  32. Miriam, these are great photos and reflections on life. They strike me as so compassionate and providing a lot of room for the many nuances of life and our reactions. Thanks. Just reading them helped me feel loved and cared for. Blessings to you and to all those places you photographed. ❤

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  35. great post Miriam! I love the photos- its a great tool to bring awareness to our thought patterns and realize that we have the ability to make new patterns. Thanks for a great read : )

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