Practicing Ease: Poignancy and Hope

I've been a little depressed recently--lack of sleep? change of season? lack of exercise? One thing that helps when I get like this is to try to focus on beauty instead of my dark thoughts. A tiny flower, the bright flash of a bluebird, a distant view of the Blue Ridge. I try to let it soak in through my skin and rest in my heart.

I recently re-discovered a photographer/artist who has quite an eye for beauty. Johannes Plenio, a German man, offers his photos online to anyone who wants to use them--no fees, no royalties. His only request is correct attribution.

I'll let him speak for himself.

"I am a passionate landscape photographer. I like to use different creative techniques to achieve the result, which I dream up in my imagination. I love to paint with light....I want to capture God's wonderful creation."

So here, dear reader, are some beautiful images that fill me, and perhaps you too, with a wonderful balance of poignancy and hope. He hits it just right sometimes.

Good medicine for the blues.

A way to practice ease.