A Note - Grayslake Writer and Photographer

I've had a few blood test and calls with the doctors office recently.  I'm doing great! I've always had to take extra care of my kidneys.  For my annual physical the doctor had me go in for some lab work.  A few days later the nurse called with the results.  Some of the news wasn't favorable but the doctor suggested that I may just need to drink a ton of water and that was an easy fix.  The nurse relayed the message to me and I was on it.  I've been drinking 100+ ounces of water every day since.  I went in for the second test.  A few days later the nurse called again.  This time the test results were perfect.

During this time, instead of mentally focusing on a poor me attitude (the poor me attitude is very easy to adopt) I intentionally focused on other things.  One of the thoughts I had was what a difficult job this nurse has to call patients and give them good or bad news.  I've seen the nurse before at the doctors office and she's always been a great nurse.  I decided to write her a thank you note it in part read:

"Thank you for being a great nurse.  You have the difficult job of calling people like me with test results.  Sometimes they are favorable but sometimes the results aren't.  I can imagine that it is a difficult job.  Please have a cup of coffee or tea on me.  I appreciate YOU!"

I was at the doctors office this morning and told I'd have to wait because the doctor was behind.  I saw the nurse getting some water so I gave her the note.  Next thing I know, I was called in to be seen and a different nurse took my vitals.  When she left the room, the nurse I handed the note to came into the room with her arms spread open giving me a big hug.  She said that no one ever says thank you to her, she had the biggest smile on her face.  We exchanged a real connection with one another, it was beautiful.
 
"Giving connects two people the giver and the receiver, and this connection gives birth to a new sense of belonging in the world."

 
        

S Family - Grayslake Family Photographer

My first session of the year has come a lot sooner than ever before.  I have photographed the S family in the past, this time there was a new addition. I'm so happy they had a chance to stop by on their way to a family reunion, Tennessee is a long way from here.

Mom and dad are both friends of mine and I love the shot above.  It conveys such deep emotions of happiness for me.

I think this is the "we are almost done" smile.  Dad is so funny! 

Thank you so much S Family! As always it's so great to see you guys! Sending lots of love your way!

angelclarkphotography@gmail.com

Meditation - Grayslake Photographer and Writer

Meditation as defined by the dictionary is the act or process of spending time in quiet thought.
Here is another point of view from Yoga International; "Meditation is a precise technique for resting the mind and attaining a state of consciousness that is totally different from the normal waking state.  It is the means for fathoming all levels of ourselves and finally experiencing the center of consciousness within.  Meditation is not a part of any religion; it is a science..."
We have always been taught to examine and verify the world around us.  No one has taught us to look within examine and verify.  If we don't understand ourselves how can we expect relationships with others to work?
 
There are many ways to meditate.  I've just started learning a few.  I enjoy being still and quiet.  Sometimes I stop my thoughts and focus on my breath.  Other times I notice my thoughts like a third party observer.  There is no wrong or right way to meditate.

This year I have committed to doing Metta or loving-kindness meditation every day.
I take a few breaths to slow down, clear and calm my mind. I imagine the breath is moving through the center of my chest into my heart.  First I practice towards myself, mentally repeating these phrases: may I be happy, may I be well, may I be safe, may I be peaceful and at ease.  After a period of time, I bring to mind an acquaintance.  This person is someone I don't know very well for example the cashier at the grocery store, a fellow student in Yoga or Zumba class, or the mail lady.  I repeat the phrases with this person in mind.  After awhile, I bring to mind someone close to me whom I love.  There are so many people in this category I'm glad I have 365 days.  I mentally repeat the phrases while imaging the person smiling.  Finally, there is one last category known as the difficult person.  This could be a person that; I have a strained relationship with, I feel as though they have wronged me, or I just want to understand better.  I bring them to mind and I repeat the phrases.
This practice usually takes about 20 min.    

I haven't missed a day yet. I'm already feeling and noticing the benefits.  Non coincidentally, I received this ornament today from a client/friend.  It was an unexpected, beautiful, thoughtful gift waiting for me in my mailbox with a sweet note.  I now have it hanging in my kitchen.
As I quietly spread love throughout the year I know that I will receive love in so many ways.
I can't wait!