Welcome! I am a contemplative thinker and photographer from Colorado. In this blog, you'll discover photographs that I've taken on my hiking and backpacking trips, mostly in the American West. I've paired these with my favorite inspirational and philosophical quotes - literary passages that emphasize the innate spirituality of the natural world. I hope you enjoy them!

If you'd like to purchase photo-quote greeting cards, please go to www.NaturePhoto-QuoteCards.com .


In the Spirit of Wildness,

Stephen Hatch
Fort Collins, Colorado

P.S. There's a label index at the bottom of the blog.

Tuesday, January 1, 2013

Let us have faith during the inevitable period of dormancy that occurs after old realities end and before new growth springs forth.


Last month, the vegetation in this marsh was burned to stubble in a forest fire that covered 3,500 acres. When spring arrives in a few months, these plants will sprout vigorously from the roots, becoming greener and more beautiful than ever.  However, for now, they are covered in a blanket of snow, and not much seems to be happening.  Similarly, when the fire of challenge and suffering comes into our lives, many things we had relied upon come to an end.  Even so, we can have faith that new possibilities will eventually spring forth.  However, let us not become discouraged when a period of winter-like dormancy seems to drag on for months before that newness emerges.  During that time, our psyche is being watered by what seems like a smothering, deadening blanket, and our inner being is preparing for its later growth. Let us maintain our faith, and weather through the period of dormancy until life is ready to spring forth once more!

Photo: Cub Lake, Fern Lake Burn, Rocky Mountain National Park, CO; December 29, 2012



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