(C) Daily Kos This story was originally published by Daily Kos and is unaltered. . . . . . . . . . . Nuggets of Wisdom - A Photo Diary [1] ['This Content Is Not Subject To Review Daily Kos Staff Prior To Publication.'] Date: 2024-02-09 Solitary wandering has always been my preferred method of hashing out solutions to problems, and of shrugging off those pesky negative emotions that sometimes harangue me. Being alone in nature is where I can really slow down and hear myself think. All my best insights have come from immersion in the out-of-doors, so walking meditation seems a fitting subject for my very first DK diary. Like many Kossacks and Lurkers, I experienced the run-up to the 2016 presidential election, and its aftermath, as deeply shocking and traumatizing. I was horrified at the tone the country’s political discourse had taken. There seemed to be no escape from the daily moment-to-moment onslaught of misogynist, racist, homophobic, and xenophobic vitriol. And those coarse attitudes soon infected my then place of employment, or rather they rose to the surface. It was as if ‘Leadership’ had suddenly declared open season on every disempowered person or group. Since I worked remotely and my only contact with colleagues was through email, IM or the weekly audio conference call, I felt completely isolated, like I was the only person anywhere who realized the whole country had dumpster dived down the rabbit hole. One Sunday morning, to clear my head and leave it all behind for a few hours, I decided to take a long stroll in my favorite park. It was an early Spring day, cold with clouds incessantly passing over a bright, though anemic sun. But daffodils were blooming everywhere. Their cheery yellows and earthy scent lifted my spirits and gave me much needed encouragement to keep on treading my chosen path. I walked a few miles down to the river and then back up the hill, trying my best not to think of anything at all when I noticed the anomaly. An out of place light patch atop the rich dark soil of a large planter. It was partly obscured by the shadow of a bonsai holly tree. Thinking it must one of those ubiquitous Starbucks containers that some careless visitor stashed in an inappropriate place, I went over to the receptacle to extract the offending piece of trash so I could dispose of it properly. Rather than a coffee cup, I was surprised to find a clam shell. It was painted white all over. On its grooved surface a single word was written in black marker. Resist. Suddenly the dam of all my pent-up emotions, frustrations and fears burst. My eyes flooded with tears, and I stood there quietly sobbing. Tears of Relief that I was not alone. Tears of Hope in that silent, yet resounding call to collective action. I heard the rallying cry loud and clear and committed to it. From that moment on, I began finding stray messages everywhere on the grounds - along the crisscrossing trails, in the formal gardens, on benches and fence posts. Some were painted on shells, some on rocks, and some were written on Post-Its® that were sealed in waterproof baggies. The flip sides of one or two also included FB or Instagram account info. Now each walk in the park is an exciting treasure hunt, a true exercise in mindfulness because it’s always a revelation when some nugget of wisdom suddenly appears. I’ve been documenting these little jewels for years now. It’s been fascinating to watch how their artwork has evolved and become more sophisticated with time. Usually, I just take a photograph and leave the little gem in place for others to contemplate. But occasionally I do take one home. That is, if it was clearly meant for me. Like the keychain with the honeybee charm. The letter B, the word ‘Be’ and Bees figure prominently in my most recent journal so, yeah, that one was for me. The crystal studded bee now adorns the book’s twine closure. Every time I see and touch it, I thank my anonymous angel for such an extraordinary gift. I’m sharing these words and pix with you today for no other reason than to remind you all that small acts often have outsized effects in kind. So… Teach Love. Live Love. Be Love. The Message that started it all — April 4, 2018 August 10, 2018 June 2, 2019 June 30, 2019 This is the flip side of the above shell. It was covered in purple glitter and sparkled in the sunlight June 30, 2019 Flip side of above shell. Love the ombre effect! October 6, 2019 Flip side of above with FB info October 6, 2019 June 24, 2022. Sorry it’s blurry. I’m a poor photographer at best. February 2, 2023. Meant to be Valentine’s Day note, I think May 13, 2023. A packet of honeybee charm keychains Bee charm on the art journal August 9, 2023 August 9, 2023 August 9, 2023 Many of the yellow rocks bear this logo on their back February 6, 2024. First art rock found while walking in the company of a friend Flip side of above February 6, 2024. Seems to be a variation on the Norse rune, Othala (land, homeland, inherited wealth). This rune has recently been appropriated by white supremacists. We turned it over, but there were no concealed messages or objects. February 9, 2024 Have you found inspiring messages hiding out in plain sight in public spaces? Do you create your own pieces and set them out as offerings for others to discover? LMK I’ll review and respond to comments when I return at 2:00 pm ET so do check back then. Thanks for reading! Next time: Memorials and Spontaneous Art in the Park [END] --- [1] Url: https://dailykos.com/stories/2024/2/9/2222390/-Nuggets-of-Wisdom-A-Photo-Diary?pm_campaign=front_page&pm_source=community_spotlight&pm_medium=web Published and (C) by Daily Kos Content appears here under this condition or license: Site content may be used for any purpose without permission unless otherwise specified. via Magical.Fish Gopher News Feeds: gopher://magical.fish/1/feeds/news/dailykos/