I read a thing about moral philosophy recently which drew a distinction between two attitudes to the world, two 'stances': choosing-controlling, and accepting-appreciating. The first, of course – 'choosing-controlling – is supercharged by both capitalism and individualism, and is so widespread most of us don't even realise we're doing it, or that there can be another way. The second is rarer, and perhaps getting rarer still, but it's completely central to a way of relating to nature, particularly, that isn't extractive, that might be less harmful. And of course, the 'accepting-appreciating' stance goes further, and describes healthy human relationships, too. And it seems to me – as this post reminds me – that you are the epitome of the accepting-appreciating mode, and an example for the rest of us to follow x
This is such a generous comment. Thank you, dear Mel. It is the harder path by far, I think - everyone and everything around you tries to pull you back the other way - but I believe in it, wholeheartedly, and I'm trying. I'm really trying. I love you. Thank you x
You piece words together like the fabric scraps you use to create art, embroidered with your wonderful photographs, drawing out from us a deep, blooming gratitude for our ability to open all of our senses to the healing power of such beauty, peace and timelessness, whether on the West Coast of Scotland - which seems an ancient, magical place! - or in our own small pieces of the planet.
I am gratified to know that a place like Turadh exists, that there are incredible people like Sophie and Sharon in the world, and that you and F visited his homeland together for the first time in the most perfect way. Thank you for bringing me (another urban dweller living with disability), all of us, along. You give so much to help others, I hope you say yes to going again. (We are your happy shadows!)
What a wonderful space to rest and feel inspired. I especially love the detail photographs, the way small things are so beautiful, perhaps especially when they are abstracted.
Thank you Bonnie. I love photographing details in an abstracted way so that actually means a great deal to me! Something special happens when you view things in that way, I think - a whole new beauty is revealed. Thank you so much for reading and responding.
I think that’s so true. Today on my walk I focused on those close ups that become something other, something …. More, maybe? More filled with possibility in the unknown-ness perhaps.
Thank you Kimberley! I love finding things like that. It feels like the whole world is this great mass of meaning and connection, symbolism, echoes. It makes everything feel so rich and exciting.
Thank you so much for sharing your heartfelt and deeply moving experience. It is good to not just know but feel, through your writing, that nature can be so powerfully restorative.
Yes to these words, this gift, the light you shine on how to be open and vulnerable and present. You inspire me to try and do the same. I am so grateful for you. I am happy you had these moments and choose to share them with us. Peace.
This is wonderful. It speaks to me on so many levels. Thank you for sharing and showing me a place I could only dream of. I too am disabled in an urban place.
Simply beautiful. Love your words and captures. Thank you for sharing your experience and your emotions while on your journey in Scotland. Your photo captures were spectacular along with your lovely story that I so resonated with. I would love to go to that exact house on the West Coast of Scotland if I could. You were very blessed to be there and you’re so deserving of your adventure there Josie. Keep love in your heart. In Gratitude 🙏🏼🩷
I am new to your writing; this was the first of your work that I’ve read. I instantly fell in love with so much of this piece that I extracted a dozen quotes from it and sent them to a dozen friends. I expect your subscribers to increase accordingly! 😅 Also, my daughter has a debilitating medical condition, so your insights into how to BE in a “noisy” body are invaluable to me. Know that your beautiful writing and shared wisdom is having a ripple effect, Josie. ❤️🙏🏼❤️
Hello Lucy! Welcome! Thank you so much for reading and sharing. It's the only way my work spreads, really - if people like you carry it forward a little way. I appreciate it SO much. Much love to you and your daughter.
Thankyou Josie. I so enjoyed reading this and seeing your wonderful photos. I love the west coast although it’s too far to travel now. Several past holidays in Applecross made me think that one of your descriptions might have been a drive over the Bealach na Ba! Wild!!! Best wishes Eileen
Amazing! We decided not to brave Applecross this time (the hire care was really unpredictable!) but Fraser has driven it a few times and I have promised I will hold my nerve and let him go that way next time. I know it will be worth it. Thank you, Eileen.
Josie...I wanted to write great sweeping poetic comments about you have written. because you are such an amazingly gifted writer. But here it is. My heart goes out to you , brave soul. May God bless you and all whom..and that... you love .
I read a thing about moral philosophy recently which drew a distinction between two attitudes to the world, two 'stances': choosing-controlling, and accepting-appreciating. The first, of course – 'choosing-controlling – is supercharged by both capitalism and individualism, and is so widespread most of us don't even realise we're doing it, or that there can be another way. The second is rarer, and perhaps getting rarer still, but it's completely central to a way of relating to nature, particularly, that isn't extractive, that might be less harmful. And of course, the 'accepting-appreciating' stance goes further, and describes healthy human relationships, too. And it seems to me – as this post reminds me – that you are the epitome of the accepting-appreciating mode, and an example for the rest of us to follow x
This is such a generous comment. Thank you, dear Mel. It is the harder path by far, I think - everyone and everything around you tries to pull you back the other way - but I believe in it, wholeheartedly, and I'm trying. I'm really trying. I love you. Thank you x
I cannot think of anyone more deserving of such a wonder-reawakening experience Josie 🤗 Thank you for so generously sharing it here.
That is so kind, Fiona, thank you. I feel very, very lucky.
I always cry at your writing.
What a gift you share with us, and so happy you were given the gift of this stay 💚
♥️ Thank you for opening your heart.
Me too!
You piece words together like the fabric scraps you use to create art, embroidered with your wonderful photographs, drawing out from us a deep, blooming gratitude for our ability to open all of our senses to the healing power of such beauty, peace and timelessness, whether on the West Coast of Scotland - which seems an ancient, magical place! - or in our own small pieces of the planet.
I am gratified to know that a place like Turadh exists, that there are incredible people like Sophie and Sharon in the world, and that you and F visited his homeland together for the first time in the most perfect way. Thank you for bringing me (another urban dweller living with disability), all of us, along. You give so much to help others, I hope you say yes to going again. (We are your happy shadows!)
I'm so grateful and glad to share it with you all! x
What a wonderful space to rest and feel inspired. I especially love the detail photographs, the way small things are so beautiful, perhaps especially when they are abstracted.
Thank you Bonnie. I love photographing details in an abstracted way so that actually means a great deal to me! Something special happens when you view things in that way, I think - a whole new beauty is revealed. Thank you so much for reading and responding.
I think that’s so true. Today on my walk I focused on those close ups that become something other, something …. More, maybe? More filled with possibility in the unknown-ness perhaps.
What a deep, loving exhale of an essay. Thank you for surrendering to the land’s generosity and sharing the experience with us.
And the mirrored clouds and sheep fur are just delightful!
Thank you Kimberley! I love finding things like that. It feels like the whole world is this great mass of meaning and connection, symbolism, echoes. It makes everything feel so rich and exciting.
Thank you so much for sharing your heartfelt and deeply moving experience. It is good to not just know but feel, through your writing, that nature can be so powerfully restorative.
Thank you for reading and allowing yourself to feel it all too! That is always a writer's deepest longing, or at least it is mine.
Yes to these words, this gift, the light you shine on how to be open and vulnerable and present. You inspire me to try and do the same. I am so grateful for you. I am happy you had these moments and choose to share them with us. Peace.
Thank you John ♥️
This is wonderful. It speaks to me on so many levels. Thank you for sharing and showing me a place I could only dream of. I too am disabled in an urban place.
I hope beauty comes to find you where you are in a hundred different ways. Thank you for being here, Elaine.
“…real magic happens when you don’t just look, but respond. Make the art. Write the words.”
So lovely, Josie. I’m happy you were able to glean and share the beauty with us.
Thank you for being such a receptive audience!
Simply beautiful. Love your words and captures. Thank you for sharing your experience and your emotions while on your journey in Scotland. Your photo captures were spectacular along with your lovely story that I so resonated with. I would love to go to that exact house on the West Coast of Scotland if I could. You were very blessed to be there and you’re so deserving of your adventure there Josie. Keep love in your heart. In Gratitude 🙏🏼🩷
Thank you Pamela, this is such a warm, generous comment. I really felt it xx
I am new to your writing; this was the first of your work that I’ve read. I instantly fell in love with so much of this piece that I extracted a dozen quotes from it and sent them to a dozen friends. I expect your subscribers to increase accordingly! 😅 Also, my daughter has a debilitating medical condition, so your insights into how to BE in a “noisy” body are invaluable to me. Know that your beautiful writing and shared wisdom is having a ripple effect, Josie. ❤️🙏🏼❤️
Hello Lucy! Welcome! Thank you so much for reading and sharing. It's the only way my work spreads, really - if people like you carry it forward a little way. I appreciate it SO much. Much love to you and your daughter.
Thankyou Josie. I so enjoyed reading this and seeing your wonderful photos. I love the west coast although it’s too far to travel now. Several past holidays in Applecross made me think that one of your descriptions might have been a drive over the Bealach na Ba! Wild!!! Best wishes Eileen
Amazing! We decided not to brave Applecross this time (the hire care was really unpredictable!) but Fraser has driven it a few times and I have promised I will hold my nerve and let him go that way next time. I know it will be worth it. Thank you, Eileen.
Josie...I wanted to write great sweeping poetic comments about you have written. because you are such an amazingly gifted writer. But here it is. My heart goes out to you , brave soul. May God bless you and all whom..and that... you love .
This was perfect comment all in itself. Thank you Mally. Thank you for your big heart and such kind words.
Beautiful and inspiring.
Thank you Janet!
I can feel the healing and the profound experience… I am deeply grateful for your sharing …🙏🏽
It has really stayed with me. Thank you for reading, Margaret.