No Facilities

Random thoughts, life lessons, hopes and dreams.

Grounded – CFFC

Dan Antion
1 minute
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Today, I’m participating in Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge, and she has given us the following:

This week our topic is celebrating things that Connects you to the present moment This is the last of our scavenger hunt series. I have a list of 10 things that Deepak Chopra suggests for connecting in the moment. They might help inspire you. What keeps you in the moment?

  • listening meditation
  • keep a journal
  • eye gazing
  • object meditation
  • be one with nature
  • switch up your routine
  • drive in silence
  • unplug from technology
  • create pauses
  • connect to your senses

All of the photos in the gallery have been mined from the No Facilities Archives. Several are from Great River Park, where I used to stop while on my way to work. Others are when I’ve been hiking with our daughter or while traveling for business.

You can see how they plowed the silt off the path.
Looking down the walking path. Not a bad place to start my work day.
Recent pictures from the park have that broken branch on the shoreline.
He snagged a fish and gulped part of it down. He’s carrying part over to the shore.
I love the reflection of the flag in the lid of the retirement pit when it’s wet.
My guide and our trail. It was easy hiking at first.
The beach. Although, I wouldn’t go in this water. The water temperature was 63°f (17°c)
A little bit of beach on the north shore of Lake Superior
On the beach in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. 2nd highest number of views.
This part of the garden looks like a nice place to relax.
This hung in my dad’s workshop for about 20 years after he helped me make it when I was about 10. It has hung in my shop for about 40 years.
This is why the leaves are falling.
Books on Gateway Clipper

Knuckleheads — The Evil You Choose — When Evil Chooses You — Secrets held Against Evil

All five of my current books are now available in audio book form thanks to Amazon KDP’s Virtual Voice process. The voice is AI generated, but I can honestly say, it’s pretty darn good. The audio books are reasonably priced (all below $7 US) and, if you already own the Kindle version and want to add an audio version, you can do that for $1.99. There is a five-minute sample on the book page for each book. If you’re interested, click on any of the Dreamer’s Alliance book links below the image or on the link below for my latest book.

Bridge to Nowhere

65 responses to “Grounded – CFFC”

  1. Sheree Avatar
    Sheree

    Lovely gallery of photos

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Thanks Sheree!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Sheree Avatar
        Sheree

        You’re very welcome Dan

        Like

        Reply
  2. Judy@NewEnglandGardenAndThread Avatar
    Judy@NewEnglandGardenAndThread

    Nature, silence, and unplugging work for me. I checked, and you’re enjoying the same wonderful old-time New England weather we are right now. That’s working for me! Have a great week, Dan.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      We are enjoying some cooler weather, Judy. It does make a difference. I hope you have a good week.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  3. Murphy’s Law Avatar
    Murphy’s Law

    The gallery today covers most of “what keeps you in the moment” list. It’s a shame that most of us, maybe all of us, have to remind ourselves how to get back into the moment.

    You know I love that reflection shot of Old Glory. Impressive craftsmanship at the tender age of 10 Dan, dad’s help not withstanding. Now there’s an “in the moment” memory that proudly hangs in your workshop to this day.

    Enjoy our continuing great weather while it lasts. And enjoy all the great moments that come your way, especially the unexpected ones!
    Ginger

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Thanks Ginger. I can’t remember what percentage of the cutting I did on that plaque, but I remember doing some, and I remember a lot of instruction. It reminds me that woodworking should be fun.

      It is a shame that we have to force ourselves to take the time to do these things. It should be easier. I hope you have a great week.

      Like

      Reply
  4. Oddment Avatar
    Oddment

    Night lights reflected in water, wooded paths, the edge of Lake Superior — they all work for me. It’s a good idea to know what grounds us and seek it out. Too much quicksand in life right now. Thanks to you and Cee for the reminder.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      It’s the little simple, mostly free things that keep us centered. The stuff we pay for almost always add some stress to the mix.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  5. GP Avatar
    GP

    Nature for me. It seems by your photos that nature and family does it for you.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Absolutely, GP. Nature and family gets it done.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  6. Kim Smyth Avatar
    Kim Smyth

    Our “new” RV sitting in my driveway, the emptying of certain belongings around my house, quiet moments alone to read emails with my dog curled up beside my legs, and the knowledge that while it’s still hot in Texas, I can feel the season changing as the nights cool down and the days grow shorter.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      All good things, Kim. Good luck with those temps and that RV.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  7. Jan Sikes Avatar
    Jan Sikes

    I love the Deepak Chopra list and use many of those techniques to keep grounded in life. Great photos from your archives, Dan. I think my favorite is the plaque you made with your dad.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Thanks Jan. It’s a good list. The plague reminds me of him, and that always makes me stop and think about what I’m doing and consider whether it’s really worth it.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  8. lois Avatar
    lois

    ‘Be one with nature’–you did that and more. These are wonderful, Dan. I especially like the heron photo–beautiful lighting. The plaque you and your dad made…best connection of all.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      I used to feel good for several hours at work on the days I’d see the heron, Lois. Just being by the river helped drain off the stress from the highway. I would go from that park to work via back roads, to keep the stress level down.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  9. House of Heart Avatar
    House of Heart

    Lovely photographs. I’m intrigued by paths and can’t resist finding out what is at the end of them. It’s a peaceful pastime , these paths are Lovely and I could sit in that garden for hours 🌷

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      A path by a river is a wonderful thing, Holly. There just something about watching the river flowing by like it doesn’t have a care in the world.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. House of Heart Avatar
        House of Heart

        So true, it’s magical!

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
  10. bikerchick57 Avatar
    bikerchick57

    I love your nature photos, Dan, because I love nature, trails, trees, water…
    This is a nice start to a Monday morning. Hope you have a lovely week!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      I figured you would focus on those trails, Mary. There is something wonderful about walking, riding by the river.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  11. John W. Howell Avatar
    John W. Howell

    Great photos, Dan. I loved the plaque you and your dad made. That has to be a treasure and source of some great memories. Thanks for sharing.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Thanks John. I have lots of memories of working with my dad, but this is a tangible reminder. I remember making it, and I appreciate the fact that he chose that pattern. He was a frequent church goer, but…

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. John W. Howell Avatar
        John W. Howell

        😊

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
  12. marianallen Avatar
    marianallen

    One way I connect in the moment is looking at your pictures, which often also means feeling at one with nature. Mushroom hunting definitely connects me in the moment.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      It’s my pleasure to share these photos. I loved the caption you had for the mushrooms you found :-)

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. marianallen Avatar
        marianallen

        I mean, REALLY.

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
  13. circadianreflections Avatar
    circadianreflections

    Being outside in nature works for me. Your images are lovely. I love the blue hour image of the skyline, and your images of the wooded park.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Thanks Deborah. Being out in nature is a clear choice for getting your head back in a good place.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. circadianreflections Avatar
        circadianreflections

        it is!

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
  14. dweezer19 Avatar
    dweezer19

    Thanks Dan. These photos are a nice representation of the challenge. I love the heron. I miss those guys. Your Dad…😊

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Thanks Cheryl – I miss seeing the heron. I see him about once a year now.

      Like

      Reply
      1. dweezer19 Avatar
        dweezer19

        I’ve been blessed everywhere we have lived to touch whatever nature is prevalent there. So much!

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
        1. Dan Antion Avatar
          Dan Antion

          I have always enjoyed the photos you share. You seem one with nature wherever you are.

          Liked by 1 person

          Reply
  15. tehachap Avatar
    tehachap

    Cannot thank you enough for this post. Considering the way my day is laid out, it’s perfect to give me other positive things to concentrate on.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      I glad I could help.

      Like

      Reply
  16. quiall Avatar
    quiall

    Each one of those photographs is a place where I could stop, relax and meditate or daydream. That is exactly what we need more of in our lives: a place where we can simply… be.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      All of them meet the criteria , Pam.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  17. Cee Neuner Avatar
    Cee Neuner

    Looks like you have wonderful ways of grounding yourself :D :D

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Thanks Cee. Mostly being in nature, even if it’s close to home.

      Like

      Reply
  18. willowdot21 Avatar
    willowdot21

    Words of wisdom 💜

    Like

    Reply
  19. JT Twissel Avatar
    JT Twissel

    Love walks through the woods and along a river. So refreshing!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      It was a great place to start before crawling behind a desk for 8 hours.

      Like

      Reply
  20. Kirt D Tisdale Avatar
    Kirt D Tisdale

    Awesome captures, Dan! Thanks for sharing!!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Thanks Kirt.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  21. Dale Avatar
    Dale

    Wonderful gallery. I try to do many things on Chopra’s list :)

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      I’m not sure I’d call it meditation. My walks are more like getting lost in thought, but I feel better afterwards.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Dale Avatar
        Dale

        I say we can call it whatever it is. Sometimes, my mind is empty of thoughts save what I see, other times, I am lost in all sorts of thouhts :)
        I always feel better afterwards.

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
        1. Dan Antion Avatar
          Dan Antion

          :-)

          Liked by 1 person

          Reply
  22. oppongevans670 Avatar
    oppongevans670

    Ok

    Like

    Reply
  23. Teagan Riordain Geneviene Avatar
    Teagan Riordain Geneviene

    A lovely meditative post, Dan. Have a restful night and a terrific Tuesday. Hugs on the wing.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Thanks Teagan.

      Like

      Reply
  24. Damyanti Biswas Avatar
    Damyanti Biswas

    Love these outdoorsy images from your gallery, Dan. I miss seeing your comments on my site, though..all good?

    I’m back in Singapore, so the Knuckleheads review should go up on Amazon soon.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      I don’t get notifications from your site. I figured you were busy. I’ll pop over and catch up. I wish WordPress could keep these connections alive.

      Like

      Reply
  25. Ally Bean Avatar
    Ally Bean

    I’ve been told, and found to be true, that nothing keeps you in the moment quite as much as pain. I doubt that’s what Cee and Deepak had in mind, but you did ask! 😉

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      I don’t think that’s where they were going with it, but I understand.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  26. AmyRose🌹 Avatar
    AmyRose🌹

    Beautiful gallery, Dan!!! Just loved it. Thank you!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  27. Jennie Avatar
    Jennie

    Well done, Dan. Lovely!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      Thanks Jennie

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Jennie Avatar
        Jennie

        You’re welcome, Dan.

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply
  28. JoAnna Avatar
    JoAnna

    I enjoyed these photos, especially the heron ? in the reflective water. “The Lord is my Shepherd” wall hanging is very comforting.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      I’m glad, JoAnna

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  29. robertawrites235681907 Avatar
    robertawrites235681907

    I like your ways of grounding yourself, Dan. We go to the bush and spend time with nature and animals.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Dan Antion Avatar
      Dan Antion

      If I could, I would follow you 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

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