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.

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Sorrow furiously sweeps your house clean in order that a new joy may appear from the Source


"Every day, and every moment a thought comes like an honored guest into your heart.  My soul, regard each thought as a person . . . If a sorrowful thought stands in the way, it is also preparing the way for joy.  It furiously sweeps your house clean in order that some new joy may appear from the Source.  It scatters the withered leaves from the bough of the heart, in order that fresh green leaves might grow.  It uproots the old joy that a new joy may enter from Beyond.  Sorrow pulls up the rotten root that was veiled from sight.  Whatever sorrow takes away or causes the heart to shed, it puts something better in its place - especially for one who is certain that sorrow is servant of the intuitive.  Without the frown of clouds and lightning, the vines would be burned by the smiling sun.  Both good and bad luck become guests in your heart . . . Adapt yourself . . ."

Jelaluddin Rumi

Photo: Shootingstar blooms proliferating after a forest fire, Wind Cave National Park, SD, May 22, 2010

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