"FREEDOM"
In this life, there is one thing that perfectly expresses what freedom is to me...that one thing is nature! It's in nature that i feel completely free to express my freedom. I feel no fear, no doubt, no worry. I feel the wind, the movement of the trees, the sound of the water in the river, the birds singing their magical songs. I see the reflection of life mirrored back at me, I see the simplicity in it all. Nature reminds me of how the human mind tends to complicate so much in our lives. Nature shows me how to truly live freely by being simply in the moment. In this moment I can find that balance, that sweet spot where the flow of life unfolds. All of the "problems" seem to just melt away...and I remember...I am HOME.
Nature sets an example for us all to remind us what our roots are. Life is born of the elements, we come from the earth and to earth we will return. Life doesn't fear this, it is only the conditioned mind that fears. so often I catch myself worrying about and fearing the past or future, yet the future hasn't happened yet and the past I cannot change. The truth is, I cannot recall a single time that anything positive has come out of worrying about the past or future. All I have experienced is suffering and limitation. It seems to be a useless pursuit, a complete waste of energy. Yet, when I just relax, let go and breathe in the moment I am free!!!
I am free when I run through the forest, watch the sunset from the edge of a cliff, dive into a pristine lake, sit around a camp fire and laugh with my friends, lay down in a grass field on a clear sunny night and stare into the cosmos. To feel that energy coursing through my veins that makes me come alive is absolutely priceless.
Nature helps me tap into my "inner artist", I always come home from a good hike feeling inspired to create. That flow state is so key in unlocking the ability to create without so many thoughts getting in the way. i can relax into my artwork and just allow it to unfold in a natural way with any hesitation.
Spiritually I feel that connecting with nature taps me directly into source. No longer feel so unsure. The questions disappear, only answers remain. I feel a part of something so much larger than myself, so overwhelming, yet so calming at the same time. My life has meaning, purpose. I feel whole, I feel loved.
I also feel freedom when i'm in nature with my 3 year old son, Silva. As I observe him play, without a care in the world...it warms me to the core. He just "is", there's no worrying about bills or rent or going to work. Its a magnificent thing to witness that sometimes brings me to tears because it's such a powerful freedom to not be held back by the baggage of time. The be simple, to exist...it is enough! there is nothing you have to "do" to prove you are worthy of life, of love, of freedom!!!
In my personal relationship with 
This is my submission for the #freedomchallenge by 
All photos and artwork by 
Thank you for taking the time to read this post. I had a blast writing for this challenge and sincerely hope you enjoyed it!!! Please comment below, as I always appreciate feedback and would love to connect with more of the #steemit community! Until next time, #steem on!!!
#naturephotography #love #fractals #art #original #spirituality #esoteric #contest #freedom #challenge
