Hope & Healing Through Photography and Poetic Expression

Posts tagged “pain

Dear Robyn …

IMG_1369

Dear Robyn,

Today is your birthday,
and the eve
of a new year.

~

Take pause,
reflect, and be
grateful for
all the gifts of this
year past:

All
the
growth;

the
wisdom;

and
the Love.

~

Despite
your merciless
shadow
of pain;

the saddest
news headlines;

and
the most
turbulent storms;

You found
ways

to
inhale
the pure
scent of sea

and

feel the
warm touch
of
sunshine
on your cheek;

~

You sought
comfort

in the
glow
of
moonlight,

and
joy

in
bare feet
walking
over silky
sands;

~

You shared
intimate moments
with
butterflies,

and
gazed
soulfully into
the eyes of
deer.

~

This year you
were
blessed

with
inspiration
and
faith

in

love
and
friendship;

A boundless kind
of friendship… that
defies limits
of
time and space.

~

You learned

To trust your heart
and
share your words,
and your
vision;

To open your eyes
wider than they’ve ever
dared open
before;

To look confidently
through your
healing lens

and
know
that nobody
defines the sight
you behold…
except you.

~

And the gifts you have
received this year
are far richer for
having known

and welcomed
so many wonderful
kindred spirits
into your world.

~

Connecting
with
friends
of the soul

through this
magical
medium-of-technology

which somehow,
dissolves barriers
that,
too often,
divide;

~

You have witnessed
how it fosters

oneness
and
honesty;

~

artistic expression
and
passion;

~

healing
and
peace.

~

And just think,

How fortunate
are you?

To share
your own:

beach-walks
and
sunsets;

~

fantasies
and
sorrows;

~

hopes
and
fears.

~

How wondrous
to be
able

to support
and encourage
others,

and
to be

supported,
and
encouraged;

~

To
create,

and

 to be
part
of another’s
creating.

~

So today give reverence and thanks
for all these wonderful
birthday gifts, and celebrate.

Smile from the deepest place in your heart;
Look forward to a hopeful new year…
and tell all of the world
how much

You
Love
~

Robyn Lee

clock

~
Today I celebrate not only my birthday, and the beginning of a new year,
but also the milestone of nearly twelve months since joining this
remarkable blogging community… and soul family.
I feel so very grateful, and blessed to know all of you.

May this coming year bring peace, love, health
and abundant joy to
each of you.

Thank you for enriching my life.

Happy 2013!

WITH SO MUCH LOVE

~

Robyn


Creation

Faithful Brush Stroking

Willfully Tinting The World

Pulsed Breath of Canvas

©Robyn Lee

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When Love Heals

Every
now
and then

~

love
stops
everything:

~

the
noise

~

the
chaos

~

the
pain;

~

Every
now
and then

~

love
shines

its
wondrous
light

on

~

even
the

darkest
corners

~

through

~

the
fear

~

the
loneliness

~

 the
struggle;

~

Every
now
and then

~

love
surprises

us

~

with

something
rich

~

something
magnificent

~

something
extraordinary;

~

And

~

Every
now
and then

~

Love
shows us

~

its
astonishing
power

~

to

Heal.

~
©Robyn Lee

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 A Look
Through The Healing Lens
of this special couple

I am delighted to introduce you to a most remarkable couple, Rachel and Bill, featured in the stunning image above. I was mesmerized by this photo when I first viewed it, and asked Rachel if I might display it in a post, and share her heartwarming story with my readers and friends here.  She was honored.

Rachel and Bill met September 9, 2010 on a Facebook online support forum consisting of a group of patients coping with hip dysfunction, pain and surgical decisions. Slowly, and in spite of their respective pain and struggle, they discovered a magical connection across 800 miles. There were four months of letters before they met; And then, through the stressful rigors of surgery and a lengthy difficult rehabilitation, they became each other’s support, encouragement, motivation and hope. Their story is a beautiful testament to the fact that, every now and then, love shows up where we least expect it… and can, literally, change worlds. “He is my angel” were Rachel’s words to me this morning, after thanking me for seeing the magic, not only in this image, but in their love story. 

I will never forget when I met Rachel on this same support forum, and we first chatted about our ongoing mission to overcome the hip problems and pain…we compared rehab strategies and surgical experiences. It was then that she told me of her new blossoming romance with Bill, one that was born of both physical pain and emotional challenge. I was deeply moved and uplifted, and now, I am doubly delighted to include each of you in the celebration, and beautiful spirit of  their history.

With great joy, I dedicate this post to the beautiful union of Rachel and  Bill.
They were blissfully married on September 8, 2012 .

Their story of love, healing and inspiration
has touched many lives.

Blessings and Love to them
Always!
~

Robyn Lee

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Poetry Of Hope

“I stay in the realm of realism,
but always carry with me the fantasy,
the romance, the wish fulfillment–
the poetry of hope.”
~~~

Lynne Greenerg
The Body Broken

 

During the last 2 decades I’ve read most everything I could find to help me make sense of my unexpected plight with chronic pain, and the complex medical maze that I was suddenly thrust into as a young mother at age 30. During a particularly difficult time several years ago, I read a book entitled, The Body Broken, by Lynne Greenberg. This book had a profound impact on my outlook, and my approach to life.

Lynne’s book is a  lyrical memoir, written by a talented writer, sensitive soul and professor of literature who faced, quite similarly to me, a world that suddenly ‘changed on a dime’.  I would recommend this book to everyone. It is a literary treasure, and poetic masterpiece that speaks honestly and directly to the plight of facing adversity, and discovering courage to reinvent a joyful life in the face of challenge, and physical pain that is not easily remedied. Lynne taught me a great deal by her noble example, and for this I am grateful and honored to share her work.

I invite you to take a few moments here to view this video clip of a brief interview with Lynne (aired on ABC with Diane Sawyer). It will provide you a flavor for her wonderful book, and also introduce you to the brave, beautiful and creative spirit that she is.

click here: Living With Chronic Pain | Video – ABC News

Much Love Always
~

Robyn Lee


Up In The Air

Upon Silver Wings
Ambiguous Blue Brilliance
Through Windows of Hope

©Robyn Lee


Beyond

Take me beyond
these rocky
shores

~

Beyond
twilight
skies

~

Through
celestial
doors;

~~~

Show me your
deepest
fiery
place

~

Where we
dance to
Love’s
song

~

 In
our
sacred
embrace;

~~~

Take me beyond
the raw
edge of
day

~

Past the
fields
of
forever

~

Where moon
shadows
dare
play.

~~~

©Robyn Lee


The Most Famous Question…

~
To be,
or not to be?
That is the question—
Whether ’tis nobler in the mind to suffer
The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune,
Or to take arms against a sea of troubles,
And, by opposing, end them? To die, to sleep—
No more—and by a sleep to say we end
The heartache and the thousand natural shocks
That flesh is heir to—’tis a consummation
Devoutly to be wished! To die, to sleep.
To sleep, perchance to dream—ay, there’s the rub,
For in that sleep of death what dreams may come
When we have shuffled off this mortal coil,
Must give us pause. There’s the respect
That makes calamity of so
long life.
~~~
William Shakespeare
Hamlet
~
~
Please visit To Be Or Not To Be | Suite101 for a short philosophical view on why the first
line in Shakespeare’s soliloquy has resounded as the most famous quotation
throughout literary history, and has implications reaching
far beyond the context of Hamlet amongst our
contemporary existential thinkers.

Savasana

In
Pain
She
Wakes

~

Facing
a
New
Dawn

~

Anticipating

~

Today
Will
Be
Different.

~

In
Pain
She
Tries

~

to
Believe
Solutions
Await

~

to
Remember

~

the
Universe

~

Is
on
Her
Side.

~

In
Pain
She
Clings

~

Tightly

~

to
Faith

~

Reassuring
Herself

~

That
if
She

~

 Does all
the
Right
Things

~

 Follows
the
Rules

~

Holds
the
Perfect
Posture

~

Contracts
Specific
Muscles

~

At
the
Precise
Moment;

~

if
She
Trusts

~

and
Forgives

~

Nourishes
Her
Being

~

Honors
Her
Heart

~

and

~

Loves,

~

She
Will
Heal

~

and

~

Reside
in
a

~

Kind
Gentle
Body

~
Once more.
____

But

~

In
Pain
She
is

~

Struck

~

Struck
Hard

~

By
Relentless
Agony

~

By
the
Harsh
Realization

~

That
She
is
off
Center

~

Uncertain
How
She
will
Endure

~

This
Invisible
Affliction

~

Day after
Day
After
Day

~

Night after
Night
After
Night.

~

And

~~

In
Pain
She
Knows

~

That

~

On these
Days

~

When
Resistance
Has taken
its
Toll

~

All
She
Can do
is

~

Stop

~

Call
Upon
Compassion

~

Lay her
Body
Down
Flat

~

and

~

Listen
to
the

~

Cadence
of
Her
Own

~
Consoling

~

Breath.

~~~

©Robyn Lee

Thanks to all of you for being here. Please know I am hanging in,
and so grateful to have this venue to express myself creatively, even in the difficult moments.
Although, most often, I enjoy escaping into fun and fantasy through my blog-work,
I also believe an important part of my healing process is to remain honest and open with all of you.

This artistic self-portrait and poem was composed this past Tuesday.
My healing lens, tripod and pen helped me to confront
the physical pain and emotion I was facing that day, head-on.
The yogic pose I assumed for this shot, Shavasana , was unplanned,
but later held significant meaning in terms
of self-healing.

 Sometimes Inspiration finds us through our courage to embrace and express where
we are at any given moment, even if it is not where we want to be.
From there we can continue our journey forward…lighter,
and with more ease, and grace.

It means a lot to me, to have such genuine friendship and support, and a safe place to turn while
I’m working through the tough times. 
Thanks to each of you for your sensitive presence, and shared talents,
which remind me daily that I’m so much more than the physical challenges.

I Remain Hopeful!

Much Love~

Robyn Lee


Vision Quest

Swept away
on
a
Vision Quest

 ~

In
The midst
of
a
Whirlwind

~

My
Rite
of
Passage

~

Delivers
me
Safely

~

To
a
Cherished
Space

~

Nature’s
Purest
Place

~

Where

~

Buried
Deep

~

Under
Golden
Grains

~

I
find
a
Treasure

~

My Lens;

~~~

Standing
Alone

~

Secure
in
Wet
Sand

~

I
Look
Through

~

And
Within

~

Seeing
From
New eyes

~

Magnified
Truth

~

Empowered
Presence

~

Illuminated
Self;

~

My
Eyes relax

and

~

Focus
Converges

on

~

All that
is
Love

~

All that
is
Me;

~

Blinded

~

From
Fear

~~

Shielded

~

From
Pain

~~

My Lens

~

Exposes

~

That
Which is
Real

~

That
Which is
Illusion

~

Altering

My
Vision

~

Eternally

~~~

©Robyn Lee

 My first nature excursion in about 6 weeks!

On Friday at 4 pm I had an enchanting encounter with the sea.

A healing moment indeed.

Thanks to each of you for being so incredibly loving and supportive,
and sending me such passionate healing energies as I continue my journey.
I know they hold great power, and I love you all for the special souls you are.

~Robyn Lee


Uplifted ~ A Dedication

~~

 Uplift me
Today

 Beside you
I’ll stay

~~

Loving strength
You extend

Broken pieces
We’ll mend

~~

Despite dares
That we face

Conjoined faith
We embrace

~~

Roots of passion
Persist

Amongst perilous
Twists;

~~

So

Together
We
Soar

~~

Bound as
One

Evermore.
~

©Robyn Lee

To all of my wonderful blog friends,

I dedicate this post to all of you who have been my ‘uplifters’ over these past several months. I have been deeply moved by  your collective love and support with regard to both, my ongoing medical challenges, and my creative journey through blogging. The friends I’ve made here are some of the kindest and most generous and genuine people I’ve known. You have all  touched my soul, and taught me so much. 

Currently, I am facing more difficult times physically, and will need to reduce my blogging schedule temporarily. I want to let everyone know that I will be reading and posting whenever I can, and also want to express my heartfelt thanks and appreciation to all of you angels who have uplifted me in more ways than I can describe!

You are truly a phenomenal group, and I’m blessed to know each and every one of you.

Much Love, Gratitude and Wellness Always~

Robyn Lee

 


Seeking

We search
to find
that which we
seek

Beyond the
skies
and ocean
deep.

~~

Our vision
blurs and
colors
fade

We ask
if there’s a
debt to
pay.

~~

We seek
for
Love

We look
for
Truth;

~

We seek
for
Joy

We yearn
for
Youth.

~~

We seek
for
Wisdom

Embracing
rules;

~

And then
we
pray

They’ll
get us
through.

~~

We seek for
Romance

Passion
too;

~

We crave to
sense

The world
anew.

~~

We seek to solve
the hurt
and
fear;

~

In our
Calm
Resolve

It
finds
us
there.
~~~

©Robyn Lee


Dream Harvest

These dreams I have planted
Deep under the sand;

I tenderly nurture
With kind faithful hands.

Sown with seeds of my heart,
Drenched with tears from above;

I await the great harvest:
Manifest Dreams
Grown of
Love.
~~~

©Robyn Lee


Sea Within

“Facing blue waves of uncertainty,
I place my hand on my heart
to honor the sea
in me.”
~~~

Robyn Lee

Please enjoy this excerpt
from Renee Robinson’s
wonderful poem entitled:
Rainbow Of Souls

~~~
The tide washing in

The tide washing out

The current a powerful force

Living in the rhythm of the sea

Alive and breathing

She welcomes me

Standing on a cliff

Way up high

The sea beneath me

Her mist salting my tongue

Her breeze exploring my hair

Imprints in the sand

Her breath, we share

I hear her voice

In the sea air

She calls my name

I hear her heartbeat

Crashing on the rocks

I see her there

I dive in her waters

Within the splashing

Aftershock

I love the sea

I was made for her

Or maybe

She was made for me

She is the past

The present

And the future

She is history

Mystery and

Eternity

The stories she tells

The treasures hidden

All part of her destiny

Alive and breathing

Living in the rhythm of the sea

~~~~
by, Renee Robinson

Warm thanks to Renee Robinson of Nae’s Nest | Dancing With Cancer & Other Writings for permission
to feature the 1st verse of her enchanting poem, Rainbow Of Souls, today with my featured image.

Much Love,

Robyn Lee


Her Pain Dance

~~~
She extends
~~~

 Spine arched sharply over

Shaded green fields,

Facing her

 Daily mission.

~~~
She prepares
~~~

Like a

Lyrical dancer

Shifting her limbs

Purposefully

in

 Synchronized

Pandemonium;

Beginning another

Onerous quest

To reclaim her

Center.

~~~
She yearns
~~~

to

Unravel

Adhesed

Muscle fibers,

 Tame

 Rebellious joints,

and

 Align

her

 Misplaced bones.

~~~
She stretches
~~~

Fiercely

with

 Resilience

of

a

Brave Tigress

Setting forth

Deliberate intent

to

Free nerves

Trapped

Helplessly on their

 Path.

~~~
She exhales
~~~

Forcefully;

Hips Throbbing

Rotating her pelvis

around

The vertical axis of

her

Spine,

Drawing

Painstaking circles

in

 The air;

Seeking the graceful place

Where relief

Resides.

~~~
She resists 
~~~

Cruel

Demonic Forces

Contracting

Her tenacious fascia,

and

Summons

Strong willful fingers

to

Knead deeply into her own

Aching  tissue.

~~~
She sobs
~~~

softly;

Wrapping

 Her long thin arms

Tightly around

Self,

and

in

the

Shadow

of

 Agony’s harsh

Embrace

~~~
bows
~~~

solemnly

 to

stillness.

~~~
Robyn Lee


Visibility

“The finest and most intricate details are often
imperceptible from a distance.”

~Robyn Lee