JOURNAL
Recently I came across images of Asperatus Clouds, captured by avid storm chaser, Alex Schueth. These amazing dark and storm-like formations, tend to dissipate without a storm forming. The waving and liquid like nature makes them appear as waves forming along the sea.
The below time lapse shows their mesmerizing movement; one where the ocean meets the sky...
As summer days come to an end; this sea inspired track selection, allows for holding on to warm days a bit longer....
This selection's description:
in the sea from riskingtheheart on 8tracks Radio.
“The more we know, the more we realize there is to know.”
Lately, I have been pondering a lot about the vast outer space, and the depths of the ocean; whether through an eloquent talk by Physicist, Bryan Cox, or an interview of Oceanographer, Silvia Earle. I had began drafting a story on this very topic, and one night; as I resolved to continue the task, a movie began playing on the nearby screen which I found quite fitting.
It was Chasing Mavericks; which I had watched a couple of years ago. The beautiful message and photography captured my heart anew, and I was left thoroughly inspired. As the movie finished, I refocused on the task of writing; only to realize, that the next movie to play would be; Alfonso Cuaron's, Gravity.
There is no coincidence in this beautiful sequence. Both of these touch on the value of life and our vulnerability within two environments; where oxygen is scarce, and survival becomes an act of the will. Both teach us that fear is to be conquered as we forge ahead. The deep ocean and the vast outer space...
As Sylvia Earle (Oceanographer, Aquanaut, and Conservationist) describes; since the middle of the 20th century, we have learned more about the ocean, our place in the universe, and other people. Only about 5% of the ocean has been seen; let alone explored. We don't really understand how it works; yet, we must allow each new discovery to bring us closer to our identity as humanity, and grow in our desire to do what is right and just.
At the same time outer space was being discovered, Sylvia was exploring the depths of the ocean, and I cannot help but marvel at the fact that both of these hold a mysterious character; yet, every time we reach out farther into its vastness, we find out more about ourselves. This in turn increases our appreciation for life, as we remember our own dignity and the value of our own planet.
Exploration and research hold an important and beautiful place within our economy. Silvia Earle shares, that the ocean drives the way the world works. It drives climate, oxygen replenishment, and food change. The ocean is critical to our lives, health and economy.
Bryan Cox in turn, says exploration provides inspiration for engineering achievement, and driving innovation (quantum physics/mechanics). It also provides great perspective on our own identity. Just think of how beautiful it was to witness earth from outer space for the first time.
Two recent visits helped my own pondering in simple, but deeply human ways. The first one; at the 9/11 Memorial Museum, as I listened to a recording from an astronaut that witnessed the event from a space station. He added that despite it all, NYC still looked beautiful, that the entire earth still held much beauty. His words allowed me much perspective.
The second; when I found myself mesmerized by beautiful species, as I paid a visit to the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco. I never cease to be amazed at the perfection of all creation, and as I captured an image of medusozoa; gliding about the water, I was filled with wonder and a sense of exploration.
Apart from its beauty and inspiration, the sea plays a critical life-sustaining role. The more we realize this, the better our chances in building a beautiful future.
I invite you to ponder further on this topic and to explore the great beauty that surrounds us.
We will continue the conversation throughout the entire month of September. Join us via email, and social media, as we share about the ocean through writings, music, and art.
Every day has its set of gifts and is filled with wonder. Even when we cannot escape to a far away place within nature; apart from noise and distraction, we are capable of finding details that fill us with great wonder.
This short film by Louie Schwartzberg invites us to live the beauty of each day with open eyes and hearts. From the very introduction, wisdom and wonder make themselves present through the words of a young little girl, who knows just how to spot what she describes as "beautifuller things"
Spoken word and music montage created and composed by Gary Malkin. Narration written and spoken by Brother David Steindl-Rast.
There is great joy and beauty to be found in everyday surroundings, and artist/photographer Paul Octavious captures this perfectly through his latest idea; The Pantone Project - where he is on a mission to match all the Pantone colors to things he finds in everyday life.
The Pantone Matching System is used in the printing industry to assure you get the right color when the file is printed. Colors are indicated by Pantone name or number.
You may follow the ongoing project through Octavious' Instagram account.
MUSIC CAN TAKE YOU TO YOUR INNERMOST BEING AND WHISPER TO YOUR EAR
As I write these lines, I listen to the autumn playlist that Allison Baughman for Verily Magazine put together and I am reminded of the wonderful effect music has had on me over the years.
I remember writing a poem on my father's funeral day to the sound of beautiful music, back when I was 11 years old, and up to this day, the words of such writings amaze me and show great depth.
Back in college I used to search the public library for interesting albums with artists I've never heard of and through this very practice, I found amazing music that inspired me during nighttime drives or brainstorming sessions.
Music has the ability to transport me to beautiful places or moments, inspire new ideas and make my soul sing. Music can take you to your innermost being and whisper beauty to your ear; sometimes it can play as a background to life, just as experienced within a movie scene; it makes you stop and be present to a particular moment to cherish.
This summer I was able to spend time with two wonderful people who have an acquired taste for great tunes and hold a rather large music library. I had a great time listening to new options and I came back home renewed.
Make sure you check out Verily's autumn playlist (my favorites turned out to be MS MR and The Xx).
For more music within a similar genre, tryThe Xx or Röyksopp stations on Pandora Radio.
lovely image via haute design
BEAUTYFOUND provides content that allows everyone the ability to find meaning and beauty in every person and circumstance.
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