My thanks to John, Magles, Dina and John Ashton at Gallery 5 for making the open day for my photographic exhibition, 'A Beautiful Life' so wonderful. The show is continuing to run until the end of June so please pop in and say hello to all the lovely resident artists - Gallery 5, Island Street, Salcombe, S Devon!

As I walk amongst the cliff tops of Devon and Cornwall, I remember a story about the poet Rilke who was said to have heard the first lines of his elegies whispered to him by the wind as he was walking on the rocks above the sea. As he said, "Who, if I cried out, would hear me among the angels' hierarchies?"

I so understand what he meant .....

"When I look into the eyes of an animal I do not see an animal. I see a living being. I see a friend. I feel a soul" A.D Williams

"When you look at that nature world it becomes an icon, it becomes

a holy picture that speaks of the origins of the world. Almost every

mythology sees the origins of life coming out of water. And, curiously,

that's true. It's amusing that the origin of life out of water is in myths

and then again, finally, in science, we find the same thing. It's exactly so."

- Joseph Campbell, The Hero's Journey, p. 10

Be mindful

Husband the earth.

Protect her from greed and violence.

Build humbly, plant trees, grow flowers and clothe her with dignity.

Respect all her creatures.

Honor her natural laws and the universe which cradles her.

Above all, heartily worship the Source of All that Is.

This world needs secret heroes!

Be brave, speak the truth, heal the sick, make peace.

Be strong, serve patiently, love generously, live simply.

Enjoy fellowship, eat and drink modestly, celebrate the festivals.

Breathe deeply, sing and make music, walk often, cycle and recycle.

Be thrifty, prefer cash flow to possession, give good measure.

Let your work be your prayer.

Put on the whole armor of light!

Unearth the beauty in everything.

Inhale the Spirit of Goodness.

Kindle kindness, especially toward yourself,

Embracing the sweet silence of your own soul.

Fear nothing.

Accept what you are and –while you have breath– give thanks.

By John P. Rogers © 1987

"Hemmed round by rationalistic walls, we are cut off from the eternity of Nature" - Carl Jung