A barren land
echoes in stillness
dust rises up
to meet a hued canvas.
In the distance
I see more of it
a vast expanse
consuming all my senses.
A sense of solitude
purifying, soaking
as nature reigns supreme
rejuvenating and recalibrating.
There is no lack
when wide open spaces
seeps into your soul
and renders you at its mercy.
Road tripping across the outback last year was the epitomy of Emptiness. Those infinite horizons and long dusty red earth roads that I wrote about in my last post was an adventure into the surreal. When I saw the theme of emptiness this week I couldn’t resist sharing some more pics and words.
Before the trip I wondered how I would feel on those wide open, empty roads. Would I feel lonely, apprehensive, daunted?
I felt none of the above. In fact it was the opposite, I felt more alive than ever. When we crossed unfamiliar territory in the middle of nowhere it was like finding the best of myself.
Just like an artist languishing in front of a blank sheet of paper, before inspiration finally strikes.
It’s in moments of solitude and stillness, when we connect to nature, that we often discover awakened passion and a burst of creativity.
In a landscape of emptiness lies infinite abundance and spaciousness. It’s all in our mindset and perspective.
It’s space to savour the stillness and let go of the busy-ness, expectations and stresses of the world, at least temporarily.
Emptiness, a form of nothingness, is not necessarily a negative connotation. It’s like looking at the big picture, a sort of meditation and spaciousness that we all need from time to time.
In whatever form it takes, big sky, red earth, unending horizons, it’s space to find yourself. It’s like roads yet explored, new opportunities waiting to be taken.
If there’s emptiness in your life, don’t fight it. See it as untapped potential, a cup waiting to be filled, a canvas waiting to be drawn, an empty sheet of paper waiting for the right words of inspiration.
“That emptiness inside you. Burn it as fuel.”
Love and light as we continue the journey.
In response to Pic and a Word Challenge: Emptiness
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Outanabout YOLO “You only live once”
Your post struck me as almost one long prose poem. It resonated with me — not because I’ve been where you’ve been — but because of your profound appreciation of nature. I think it’s there that I most commonly find renewal.
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Glad it resonated with you Paul. Thanks for your lovely comment, nature’s incredibly therapeutic isn’t she?
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Nature is so much that, and more. I was especially struck by your observation that it can be a meditation or nearly a meditation just to be in nature at times. I believe I’ve observed much the same thing.
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It is heartwarming how to turned quite a negative reference to emptiness into something so positive and inspiring. Treating it as an opportunity and freedom to fill it with the choice of ingredients and create from them is the right approach and often ignored and misunderstood. Being alive is not just living but filling every void with something meaningful. And a special note for the photography; apt, relevant and interactive 🙂 .
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Thank you so much. You’ve added a beautiful and meaningful interpretation to my post and I simply love it. 🙂
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I got your back 😛 .
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Profound and very touching. Wise words on a potentially negative subject. I have to agree that sometimes the vastness and emptiness of nature can fill you with a sense of wellbeing and wonder.
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Absolutely! Well-being, wonder and awe, being amongst nature can be so therapeutic. Thanks Jonno.
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Empty looks beautiful…
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It can be, for sure.
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Incredible pictures, Mariam!! I’m not sure how I would actually feel experiencing first hand that intensity of emptiness. But your images soothed my soul. The hugeness in that vastness reminds all of us just how small a “dot” we are in the overall scheme of things. I so LOVE what you wrote about emptiness … to use it as a fuel for creativity. NICE!!! Happy Travels!! 😘😘😘
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Thanks Amy, we certainly are mere specks in the grand scheme of things but sometimes that’s a good thing. Nature never lets us forget that. Hugs xx
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Mother is my source of healing as She is yours, Miriam. We both have the understanding of what that means… 💕💕💕
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We do indeed. Thank you my friend. ❤️🌹
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I love this post. Your photos transport me and your words uplift me. Your understanding of empty space bringing a sense of spaciousness puts into words something I sense out in open spaces.
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From your posts I’m not surprised that you sense it too Suzanne. Thank you.
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Yes I long to get out in the desert again. I don’t have a big vehicle or others to travel with and have been letting that stop me. Looking at your photos and reading what you wrote reminded me of the deeper reasons why I want to get out there. I’m thinking that if I can get some money together I’ll take a short trip in my little car to at least the edge of the desert next autumn.
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That sounds wonderful. It doesn’t have to be too far to feel like you’re alone and amongst nature. Go for it!
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Nice!
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Thanks Jason.
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Your posr gave me a longgggggg pause …and a sigh of relief at the same time..for some weird good reason…..
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Oh wow, okay, well thanks Mich. Weird can be good. 😏
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Awesome words of poetry, Miriam and such beautiful pictures. So nice to be one with Emptiness which is so inspiring.
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Absolutely, instead of the emptiness that’s despairing. Thanks Kumal.
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Welcome Miriam.
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There is something profound in this
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Thank you Derrick. Effects of the outback, even from memories.
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Beautifully done! Wonderful post.
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Thanks so much Wendy!
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wonderful photos as usual. 🙂
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Thanks Jim. 🙂
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Beautiful starting poem, great photos as ever. Wow you really are explorers. how do you not get lost and get home. With all the empty roads i would get lost, i get lost in new york and that just a grid… lol..
I think all the space is magical and freeing. not squashed in. Then we realise the expanse of the earth and not just our small lives.
Clearly your post and mine are a bit in sync today. I can imagine in all that space, you cant feel empty or lonely – well you have your family. but the point is, all that space is freeing for the soul to figure itself out and renew it self. well that is what the photos made me feel.
happy sunday and rest of the week.
Regards Bella
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Hi Bella, thanks for your great comment. The roads in the outback are pretty straight so it’s actually kinda hard to get lost. We have maps and a GPS too so that helps! New York on the other hand, well, I’d get lost there too. Without a doubt lol.
I love the outback and yes you’re right, all that space is magical and liberating. We were definitely in sync with our posts, I thought exactly the same thing as I read yours. Great minds hey? Enjoy your Sunday Bella as my week begins here in Melbourne. Hugs x
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Well done Miriam! This post is full of beautiful words, photos and an evocative poem that reminds me of the potent power of being in wide open natural spaces. As you described so well, they help me come alive, full alive to the spaciousness and potential in life and myself. Thanks! ❤
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What beautiful words Brad. I’m not surprised that you felt them deeply. Thank you my friend. ❤️
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My pleasure on both accounts Miriam. 🙂
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“That emptiness inside you. Burn it as fuel.” These words are exquisitely beautiful, Miriam…it makes me wish for some emptiness to make itself known so I can do just that, use it for fuel!
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Maybe it’s there for you Kim. Thank you my lovely friend. Big hugs and take care xx
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Loved the poem to start this post. A different side of you.
If ever there was anyone in this world who would be positive and inspired finding themselves in the middle of nowhere, I would have guessed it would be you. What a gorgeous post and photos. Life and the world are full of inspiration for all those who are open to see it. You have that gift.
Very inspiring Miriam. Hope you and yours are well.
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Your words always make me smile Andrew. Thank you so much for your lovely comment. And yes, we’re all well here as I hope you are too. Hugs xx
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Emptiness can be a beautiful moment and would love to soak in such a journey 🙂
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Yes indeed. Thanks Vishal.
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Wonderful words and photographs! The way you’ve captured it, emptiness isn’t boring, or daunting, or negative – it’s potentially beautiful!
Thanks, Miriam.
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It sure is. And I know you appreciate it too PC. Thank you! Have a wonderful week. 🙂
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There is something so spiritual and calming about the outback, Miriam and your words in the poem capture the outback perfectly. Have a beautiful week. xx
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Thank you so much Sue, yes, there really is. Hope you have a wonderful week ahead too. xx
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I felt peace wash over me as I read your words and imagined myself within the landscapes of your phenomenal photos! Always such a treat, Miriam! Thank you so much
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You’re very welcome Tori. Always happy to see you here. x
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A beautiful big outback sky is breathtaking. I think I’ve felt much more emptiness and loneliness in a crowded city than a deserted outback! Being surrounded by nature is such a fulfilling place to be. Have a great week Miriam. 😊
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Thanks Glenys. I know exactly what you mean. You have a great week too. 🙂
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And no matter how empty the landscape may appear if you stop to look you’ll find a myriad of tiny creatures going about their business.
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I know, isn’t it wonderful. There’s always life there.
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Great read Miriam and fantastic photographs!
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Thanks so much Alba. Lovely to hear from you.
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Interesting slant on emptiness. 🙂
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Can’t beat the red dirt and blue sky. So Aussie 🙂 Love it.
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I agree. Thanks so much 😎
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Beautiful post… I guess I can relate to the “emptiness” at some level.. in fact, I have had a similar experience up on the Himalayas.. it was just “beautifully barren”…. something that can never be explained.. only felt.. cheers.
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I agree. It really is something best experienced to be truly understood. Thanks so much.
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If you want to get to know someone take them to a place like this and watch. The ultimate blind date where many questions are answered.
Beautiful pictures!!!
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Oh, absolutely. I love what you said Bryan, so true. Thank you.
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Write! Speak!
This was far and far beyond perfection!!! The lesson of the post really stuck with me, and it reconstructed my thinking and geared it up the positive side!!!!
I particularly loved (besides the amazing pictures) the quote at the end!!! It was well-thought out, well-written!!!
“If there’s emptiness in your life, don’t fight it. See it as untapped potential, a cup waiting to be filled, a canvas waiting to be drawn, an empty sheet of paper waiting for the right words of inspiration.”
Thank you for writing for us!
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What a wonderful comment! Thank you so much Oristel, I’m happy this resonated with you.
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You are very welcome!!
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Hi Miri! I loved that poem. This part in particular
There is no lack
when wide open spaces
seeps into your soul
and renders you at its mercy.
I just used those words…’wide open spaces’ yesterday in my post so it resonated with me.
So beautiful. ❤
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Really? I’ll have to go and read. Kindred spirits we are I think. Thanks Nikki ❤️
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Not much into poetry, but this one really made a difference! Thanks, glad I found your post. And blog.
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Thank you so much!
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Beautiful captures and words Miriam!! ❤
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Thanks Amy ❤️
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I can certainly see the appeal of the broad and open expanses! It offers the freedom from distractions and the opportunity to just be ourselves for a change…going in any direction! Thanks for sharing this, Miriam.
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Yes, you’re absolutely right. Thanks Ann.
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Emptiness is in short supply around here, Miriam. Fullness has definitely taken over 🙂 🙂 But I intend to grab a big gulp of Autumn before I leave, one way or another. Sending hugs!
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Fullness sounds pretty good to me Jo. Enjoy that taste of Autumn. Big hugs to you from a cool Melbourne Tuesday. xx 🙂
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Exactly how I felt on this last camping trip.
https://weirdguywiththedog.com/2018/09/the-way-life-should-be/
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Wow, so beautiful. So happy to see you doing what you’re doing.
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Mmmm…. we are, you and I, of such kindred spirits. =)
Lovely images.
Lovely words.
Powefully combined.
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We are indeed Patrick. I’m so glad you enjoyed this.
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<smile>
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Miriam, you never cease to inspire. Thank you for another great message.
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Wonderful to know Ali. Thank you so much. x
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Ahh, I am inhaling deeply of the stillness and serenity of your poem and pictures! My spirit really needed this. Thank you!
Much love, my friend!
xoxox *hugs*
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Love and hugs back to you Ness. I hope life is treating you well. xx ❤️
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Miriam I am soooo far behind with reading your blog – we’ve been travelling 7-8 months out of the last 12 or so months and were not long home (from the Arctic) before my other half went in for open heart surgery – a triple bypass! well that was a shock we would have rather not had but – he’s OK! I have been saving your blogs and posts for a quiet moment when there are no, or fewer, demands/distractions. This and your previous blog made me take a huge deep breath – I so love reading about your outback trips. We are planning to drive the Outback Way next year – if hubby is up to it (that’s after a month in Antarctica – can’t keep a good man down). Of course he will be fine but we are taking all those Big dirt roads so we both need to prepare physically. That is all by the by, I just wanted to say thank you for the breathtaking images and for sharing the beauty and poetry of our wide brown land. I love it.
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Heather, it’s so lovely to hear from you. And I’m so sorry to hear about your husband. I’ve occasionally checked in with your gorgeous pics of your travels on FB but had no idea of your personal struggles. Hope he’s ok now and on the mend, it must have been such a shock.
My dad had a triple bypass (many years ago) and lived for another twenty plus years so I’m sure you and your hub have many more trips in store. In fact I reckon it’s just the tonic: big skies, red earth outback roads, time in nature, there’s nothing better for the soul. But I’m sure you know that, having been to Antarctica and beyond.
Take care Heather and thanks so much for reading and your awesome feedback. Means a lot to know how much you enjoy my posts. xx
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