Healing Pictures: Finding Peace In Your Surroundings

A few months ago I wrote about a very personal experience where I found peace and healing from pain in the beauty of Nature's surroundings. I believe that we all can be more aware each day of sources of healing around us. This kind of awareness and gratitude can awaken your senses, lift your spirit, and help you break free of the physical bonds of chronic illness. It can also help you see the hidden, yet wonderful opportunities that lay ahead of you if you will only look for them.

I carry my iPhone everywhere. About 6 months ago I decided to capture these healing moments whenever I came upon them. I've found myself returning to them again and again whenever I need to help my spirit remember. They've given me solace and peace during difficult times and I wanted to share them with you. So without further ado, here are some of my favorite "healing pictures" I've taken this year (Hint: Click on pictures for larger view).

I took this picture out my car window one day this Spring. The clouds are so soothing aren't they.

Last March, after a disappointing rheumatologist appointment, I decided to take a drive to a bird refuge nearby and captured some amazing pictures. The contrast between the marshes and the sky really are cool here.

Reeds near the river at the bird refuge. I love the Rocky Mountain west.

Pelicans migrating from the ocean coast, taking flight at the bird refuge.

This is a view of my neighbor's property from my backyard. Love that red barn! Whenever I am stressed I step outside and look at this barn and the mountains that surround it.

Some amazing flowers my wife planted years ago. They bloom every spring and have the most vibrant colors. I love the shiny aluminum color in the center. These flowers close every night and open during the daylight. I love the sense of a "new day" that accompanies them.

Enormous blossoms from my Kwazan cherry tree in my front yard. How can those blossoms not fill your heart with joy?

For our family vacation this year we went to Yellowstone National Park. I took this picture that captures the stunning colors of the Grand Prism hot spring. I've rarely seen such intensity of color in Nature.

The Yellowstone River near the Upper Falls. The power and intensity of the rapids helps remind me that I'm part of an ecosystem that is very much alive.

Emerald hot spring at Yellowstone Park. So calming.

On our way home from Yellowstone I saw this abandoned log cabin in the middle of a farmer's field in Idaho. So I pulled over and hiked about half a mile across the field to get this picture at sunset. I wonder what stories this place holds?