The Castle in the Forest

by AledJonesDigitalArt Recent bouts of milder-than-usual morning and afternoon temperatures in this part of the country have provided several opportunities to sit out on the deck out back while enjoying my typical cup or two of coffee, stretching the experience out into the early afternoon.  I am commensurately grateful for the chance to enjoy this … Continue reading The Castle in the Forest

Consciousness Video Series: Episode 10: Writing About the World Within

Considering the wide range of my lifetime of experiences, both sensual and spiritual, my sincere conviction now is that what I feel, what I sense, and what I experience, not only internally and personally, but also as an observer of the world “outside of me,” especially in consideration of the responses of other individuals under … Continue reading Consciousness Video Series: Episode 10: Writing About the World Within

Mist and Shadows

Mist and Shadows “Home is behind the world ahead, And there are many paths to tread, Through shadows to the edge of night, Until the stars are all alight.” “Mist and shadows, cloud and shade— All shall fade, all shall fade.” Follow the link below to hear the song: https://www.facebook.com/reel/1307202833541080/ Lyrics and Music from Lord … Continue reading Mist and Shadows

Consciousness Video Series: Episode 9: Journey Into Nature

“To stand at the edge of the sea, to sense the ebb and flow of the tides, to feel the breath of a mist moving over a great salt marsh, to watch the flight of shore birds...is to have knowledge of things that are as nearly eternal as any earthly life can be.”  --Rachel Carson  … Continue reading Consciousness Video Series: Episode 9: Journey Into Nature

Our Connection with the Natural World

When the opportunity presents itself to venture out into the natural world for a camping trip, performing my traditional morning rituals in the woods is like meeting with old friends in a forest. The simple pleasures of preparing the first meal of the day beside the trees and in the cool early morning air are … Continue reading Our Connection with the Natural World

The Path Beneath the Terrace

Last summer, in August of 2022, I posted episode six of my “Consciousness Video Series: Metaphor and the Inner Experience.” https://johns-consciousness.com/2022/08/27/consciousness-video-series-episode-6-metaphor-and-the-inner-experience/ This video described metaphorically my immediate impressions, as I struggled to express, understand, and relate my very personal interpretation of a profound sense of recognition of my inner life, which invariably suggested the elements … Continue reading The Path Beneath the Terrace

Light in the Wilderness

I finally had a chance to post the poem I worked on during my recent trip into the mountains, and hope my readers and visitors will enjoy this brief video. https://videopress.com/v/SlIyuuM6?resizeToParent=true&cover=true&preloadContent=metadata&useAverageColor=true Here is the text of the poem, so you can read along as I recite it. Enjoy! The Only Light in the Wilderness The … Continue reading Light in the Wilderness

Wonder in the Wilderness

A few weeks ago, I ventured out into the wilderness of the northern mountains in my home state for nine days, in a remote area designated as a campground in the Stokes State Forest. I generally prefer to visit state parks when camping, since most often there are public facilities available, and options for enhancing … Continue reading Wonder in the Wilderness

Enriched Beyond Measure

View of the lake in the Pennsylvania mountains Several times during the year, I have recently been able to enjoy the exceptional privilege to be invited to my sister's lakehouse in Pennsylvania, occasionally for family gatherings, and sometimes simply for the pleasure of a visit. As someone who savors opportunities for communing with the natural … Continue reading Enriched Beyond Measure

After A Tree Falls

Back in September of last year, I posted an account of the removal of the tree out in front of my home, whose presence we had enjoyed for the previous thirty years of residence in our neighborhood, and I shared a video of me reciting the poem I wrote in response to the event itself, … Continue reading After A Tree Falls