An Elemental Journey

Posted on by Miriam

I don’t know just how it happened,
I let down my guard …

Guess I should have seen it coming
Caught me by surprise
I wasn’t looking where I was going
I fell into your eyes.

You came into my crazy world
like a cool and cleansing wave
Before I, I knew what hit me baby
you were flowing through my veins

I’m addicted to you
Hooked on your love
Like a powerful drug
I can’t get enough of …

I never saw it coming.

Just like the words in Avici’s song, I never thought I’d get so addicted.

It hit me hard.

Those big blue skies, the vast open spaces and the nothingness … the red earth, it not only got into our car and camper. 

It got under my feet, it got under my skin and it penetrated into every pore of my being.

The air that I breathed, fresh and pure, I couldn’t see it, couldn’t touch it but I could feel it. 

It was part of me every day.

The earth under my feet, grounded me, yet at times it took me away to another place.

As much as we like to be in ‘the moment’ sometimes life becomes complicated, blurred and intertwined. But it wasn’t out there. 

Fire was warmth at night in the cold air of the outback … at Lake Hart, at Kings Creek Station.

It drew us together underneath a canopy of starry skies.

Fire, just like love, needs a spark and fuel to survive. It became a companion and contentment

Then we reached the coast and, as the weather warmed up, we were drawn to the water.

Life sustaining and mesmerising, is it any wonder we seek the allure of the sea on our travels?


On our six week Central Australian trip  I immersed myself into our amazing landscape.

The combination of adventure and relaxation made for a perfect mix.

But yesterday, back at home, I felt the elements as strongly as I did when I was away.

It was mum’s anniversary, one year since I’ve lost her, and I was drawn outside to my garden.

The garden has become overgrown with weeds (I need Lamby back!) but amongst them were bright flowers as well.

Water from the bird bath reassured me that rain had fallen while I was gone, ensuring my garden was still alive.

My fingers in the earth pulling out weeds was blissful.

A strong wind blew on my face, maybe whispering “welcome home”. 

Back inside much later a cosy fire continued to warm the house.

Life continues.

Out in nature and at one with the elements – earth, air, wind and fire -we’re all undoubtedly a part of something bigger than ourselves.

In a light and dark, calm and stormy world our energies are as unpredictable as the earth we’re all part of.

When we find balance in those energies we also find joy in the everyday, ordinary moments. 

My trip away reinforced what I already knew. So perhaps I shouldn’t have been surprised.

I guess there’s nothing more to do than to stay addicted to what I love.

Sharing for The Daily Post WPC: Elemental

“Keep enjoying the journey and don’t be afraid to let down your guard.”

113 thoughts on “An Elemental Journey”

  3. Who couldn’t get addicted to all of that? Feeling all those natural forces and feeling flowing through your veins would certainly help enliven me 🙂
    Welcome home Miriam

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  5. “A strong wind blew on my face, maybe whispering ‘welcome home’. ”

    Isn’t it amazing how nature can speak to us in a near-audible way with what seems almost to be intelligible words. That’s what I tried to capture in writing when I wrote “Soul Spring Magic”, but yours does it exceptionally well with both pictures and words.

    Thank you for such a beautiful post.

    https://jamesclarkthenextiteration.wordpress.com/2017/04/28/soul-spring-magic/

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  6. You’re a treasure hunter, sweet Miriam, and look what you’ve discovered; “When we find balance in those energies we also find joy in the everyday, ordinary moments.”
    I’m sure your mum would love knowing you feel joy. May you keep it in your heart forever. ❤️ sharing your journey. Hugs! : )

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      1. you never ever forget someone so significant each anniversary, birthday, Christmas, all those family celebrations bring poignant reminders of your deep loss … but she lives on in your hearts, you share indelible memories and she is in a better place 🙂

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        1. Yes, I know and you’re right, every occasion brings back memories of her. But life goes on and we remember the happy times, she would want that. Thanks for your kind words Kate. 🙂

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  10. Miriam, your serenity and joy shines through every word and every picture. I get tear eyed by the emotions you wake in your post. Bless you for sharing all this so warmly and openly.
    There is also so much wisdom hidden in your writing.

    Avici’s love song is wonderful and a great compliment to your post.
    p.s. Did you know he is Swedish. 😊 like me….
    miriam

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    1. Thanks for your kind words Lorna. The canyons we walked through were nothing short of spectacular, and I imagine perhaps similar to those in New Mexico. What a wonderful world we live in.

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  13. Pingback: WPC: Elemental: Fire | Lillie-Put
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  23. A year since Mum died! Yes, it must be. It’s barely a couple of months to the year anniversary for Dad too. 😦 I love your contentment and oneness with the great open spaces, and that photo of you on the boat! You look great 🙂 🙂

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    1. Thanks Jo, I always feel that contentment in those vast open spaces (and on the water). There’s something infinitely calming about it. 🙂
      Yes, a year. We’re going back to her town tomorrow for an anniversary mass, hard to believe time’s passed so fast. Hugs to you x

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  24. I think you will be feeling the effects of that trip for a long time, and in a good way. I love how connected you are to the earth and to the natural landscape, and I’m especially glad you feel it so strongly today when you need it to cope with the grief. Hugs to you, Miriam!!!

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    1. I do feel connected to the earth Ann, you’re quite right there. It’s actually been a very teary day for me today. Despite spending it with my family I’ve been a bit out of sorts. So nice to come home to comforting words like this. Thank you my friend. Hugs returned. xo

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  27. I don’t know if you can see it but there is a face looking down into the flames of your fire, right at the very top where the flames are shooting up, in the second fire picture. So cool!
    You’re Mum’s all around you in all the elements you feel so strongly, that will never change. She’s in your flowerbeds, all those pretty colors, she’s in the warmth of the fire, can you feel her? The Earth that got under your skin, the air you breathe, the water you were drawn to. She was with you on your trip and now back at home. Sending loving thoughts to you of your Mum today. Big warm hugs Miri xo

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    1. Aw Deb, your words brought tears to my eyes. I do feel things so intensely these days and perhaps you’re right, mum is all around me in everything I love so much. She also adored being out in nature so I suppose it’s only natural that she’s around me when I’m outside.,
      It’s funny though because today, down in Sale and her old home, I didn’t feel her nearly as strongly. In fact I felt quite flat and teary, despite being with my sister and brother over lunch.
      Anyway, it’s good to be home again. Thank you, my special friend, for being so kind and supportive. Love that you’re there. Big hugs back xo 💖 P.S I can see that face. I had to go back and look and there it was! xo

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      1. Abraham says you won’t feel others that have crossed over when you are teary and sad because they are on a higher vibrational level of joy and happiness. So whey you are joyful and happy that’s when you will feel her…so that makes complete sense that you did not feel her in her old home but that you did while gardening and being happy.
        Much love and hugs my dear friend!! xoxo
        Isn’t that something, the face!! 🙂

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        1. Hey Deb, yes that makes complete sense to me. Just about to head out the door, onwards into a new week. Have shed far too many tears lately and not all over mum. Need to swing my thoughts around. Might send you an email later today. In the meantime sending you a big hug. xo

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        2. Awe sorry to hear that, wish I were there to give you a real hug and shoulder!! Yes throw on some Abraham to accompany during your travels today!! I’ll have more time now to respond too!! I’m here whenever you need me, you know that! Great big comforting hug. xo

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        3. You’re such a good friend Deb. Best suggestion you gave me, it was what I needed and I’m feeling much brighter this arvo. Thanks for the virtual hug too. Big one back! Talk real soon xo 🙂

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  30. Hello Miriam… what a stunning way to share your journey through the elements the way you have. Your captures and words are just perfect and very heartfelt here in this post. A beautiful tribute to travel, life and love in every way…
    Best wishes to you from me 💜💐

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    1. Hi Di, thank you for your lovely words. I must admit I’m still struggling a little with settling back into a routine. Part of me still wants to becout walking those red earthed gorges. But never mind, I just have to find some adventures closer to home.
      It’s getting closer for you now. And so exciting. That catch up of ours is getting closer too. We’ll talk soon. Big hugs and warm wishes back to you xo 💕

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      1. Hello again Miriam…
        Yes, I’ve been wondering how you are going. It really is so difficult to get the people and places off your mind and it’s almost it’s own form of grief. In time, with kindness to yourself, your normal routine will become a comfort again.
        I can see why part of you wants to be on the red earthy gorges…
        Your next adventure is around the corner…
        Also, I read your second post and left a comment but I think it evaporated before my eyes…it’s somewhere out there.
        When you’re ready, my friend, we can meet.
        Thank you…Hugs to you too 🙋🏻💕💕

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        1. I know, you’re right Di, in time normality and routine will be a comfort again. Just dealing with lots of family issues too at the moment, but that’s ok, all will settle.
          Hmm, wonder whether your comment went into spam. I’ll check next time I’m on my laptop. Have a good week ahead. xo 💕

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        2. I understand, Miriam. Wishing you well in tending to your family issues.
          Thank you for sharing that side of your life at the moment with me.
          And please don’t worry about checking Spam on the computer. You have enough to think about. I just mentioned it so you knew I’d read and commented there. I would hate you to think I didn’t bother…
          It was a beautiful post so you can rest assured.
          Take care, beautiful 🙋🏻💜💜

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        3. I would never think that Di. And I really do need to check my spam box at some stage anyway. It’s been a while and those ‘gremlins’ have a way of sneaking in! Stay happy my friend and thanks again x💕

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        4. Hello dear Miriam,
          I only just found your message now. So sorry for a late reply…
          I’m glad you wouldn’t think that…
          Just had to make sure 🌺
          Yes, I seem to be a fave of those gremlins…🙄
          Hoping your week goes well and sending love and hugs 💕💐

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    1. What a lovely and insightful comment Miriam, thank you. Yes indeed, our vast world makes everything else seem so small but often we forget. Look forward to catching up with your blog very soon. 🙂

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  34. What a great trip. I often wished I had a remote cabin away from the city to just be me and not continue in the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Thats why I love cruises where you disconnect from technology and wake up to the sunrise and have the calm of the ocean all around you. Peace.

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    1. Absolutely. I know exactly what you mean. Whether it’s a cruise or the outback we all need that space to just be, don’t we? Wishing you peace as well.

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  36. Such a beautiful post, Miriam. I loved the shot of you (bare feet) embracing the wind and everything around you. It’s been so long since I stopped by. This post was a great way to sum up your 6 week adventure on the road. I hope you’re feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the highs and lows of life. xo

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    1. Great to hear from you again Cheryl. Yes, we had a fabulous time, though once again we’re thrown back into reality and all of its dramas! It doesn’t take long. Hugs to you xo

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  37. Great post – highs and lows, I know you can’t experience one without the other, but I wouldn’t mind a plateau or calm water for an extended time…
    Enjoy your week.

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