A dear friend of mine, Lauralee Alben, was the first to point out heart stones to me. She has captured photos of dozens and many more dot the table in the entrance way of her home. What heart stones mean to each person may be unique—a rock, a ripple, a skipping stone—but for me they represent presence.
Often (if not always) we are busy, scattered, head either rehearsing future moments or rehashing those in the past. It takes a keen amount of awareness to stop and notice a heart rock. Your head must be clear, open minded and truly in the now to see what is right in front of you. This holds true whether you speak literally or figuratively.
For the past year (and probably longer) I have been distanced from the now, save the precious moments I spent on my bicycle. Today, I am reconnecting with here, now and truth. As I walked along Seacliff Beach, admiring the fall clouds that have blustered in recently, I was suddenly stopped in my path and driven to this spot—a very high tide carried a pile of rocks upshore, all in one single destination. Not one other large rock dotted the beach. I approached the cluster in admiration, only to find not just a heart rock, but a heart of rocks. I was in awe. I was alive. And I was truly present. I joyfully share them with you.
That is a precious sight just like you. Do you have a new camera?
Did you keep the heart rock? Soon Laura and your dad will be living
at Sea Cliff. I am envious that they will get to see you lots but am glad
they will get to do it. love you lots
Comment by Gram — September 13, 2008 @ 11:38 am
Thank you for sharing your moment, Westi. What a beautiful gift. We all need to be reminded to take the time to look for “heart stones” and be present in the now. Glad you are taking time to do it. Love…
Comment by Deborah — September 13, 2008 @ 1:36 pm
You all might be interested in a tiny little book simply called “Heart Stones.” It is for all of you out there that find peace and meaning in simple finds like these. I am the photographer who created the book.
Enjoy!
Josie Iselin
http://www.josieiselin.com
Comment by Josie Iselin — September 15, 2008 @ 9:15 am
Woo… I picked up a heart-shaped rock in Wyoming. I didn’t know at the time it was for you! I am looking forward to putting it into your hand very soon. T-5 and counting …
Comment by Laura — September 15, 2008 @ 4:38 pm
Wow! Welcome Josie! I can’t wait to check out your book and buy a copy for my friend.
Laura, I have an amazing heart stone that’s been floating around in the truck. Not only is it a large heart, it has a tiny stone stuck right in the crux of it where the tops dive in the center. Can’t wait to see what you’ve found on your journey.
Comment by westi — September 15, 2008 @ 7:38 pm