There are vistas that manifest serenity – at least as seen through human eyes. (I mean who knows what fervid biological imperatives are playing out beneath the calm surfaces of things).
This distant view of the Great Orme from Anglesey was shot on a late December day, the air so still there is barely the hint of a tide. No clouds either, and the sun warm enough to go coatless and believe the seasons have fast-forwarded to June.
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Another ‘still waters’ scene. An end-of-summer sunset in Kalamata. I watch a naked man wade into the rose-tinted shallows of the Messenian Gulf, talking on his cell phone.
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And a third sea-serenity scene: another December, this time long ago, a tropic summer afternoon on the Manda Strait; Lamu, dhow captain Mzee Lali dreams.
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Then there are things that induce a sense of serenity in me. This unruffled cloud for instance…
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The close-up view of hawthorn blossom and the scent of lilac…
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The gentle fragrance of bean flowers and pleasing thoughts of beans to come…
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And the all embracing company of trees…
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…whatever the season…
Lens-Artists: Serenity This week Egidio at Through Brazilian Eyes sets the theme. Please pay him a visit.
Beautiful serene scenes Tish!
Many thanks, Anne. A good way to spend Monday, seeking serenity in the photo archive 🙂
The solitary fluffy cloud over the grass. Magnificent.
Thanks, Ian. Sort of Rothko-ish without the gloom 🙂
Calm washed over me as I enjoyed this post: Thanks Tish! (As usual, I had to comment via the Reader. Your site doesn’t like me!)
I wonder what’s going on with this. Double thanks for commenting, Margaret.
No idea, WP passeth all understanding.
Beautiful
Thank you, I.J.
Ah, yes the heady scent of lilac and even hawthorn on a sunny warm day!
Yes. Nothing like a bit of sunshine to bring out the scent.
if we just take time and look at what Nsture has given us we can experience calm.
That is spot on, Beverly. Taking the time to simply be and observe is very calming.
I found serenity in each of your beautiful images. Thank you.
So pleased you enjoyed this post.
wow, did not realize bean flowers were so pretty – and love how the trees do take on different serene vibes in different seasons – oh and how interesting to see the man wading – with phone! truly how things are with our smartphones
Man with phone in so glorious and so unlikely a location was something to behold, Yvette. And nowhere to stow it should the need arise 🙂
🙂🙂
Do you suppose he didn’t want to be overheard, Tish? I’d be sure to drop it! Love the colours in those beach scenes, and I know you love your trees xx
Not wanting to be overheard. Ah, now there’s a story, Jo.
Tish, you struck gold with this post. What a joy and beauty it is! Your photos are serene and bring lots of peace. There’s something about water that does it for me. Also, the nature shots are perfect, especially the forests. Excellent response to the theme. Thank you.
Many thanks for this lovely challenge, Egídio. And for your kind words.
Great selections, serene indeed. The snowy path is among my many faves.
Thanks, John. Snow is often best in retrospect 😉
Agreed!
Your reflections capture serenity in such a beautifully layered way—both in vast landscapes and intimate, quiet details. From the stillness of the sea to the soft promise of bean flowers, each image feels like a deep breath. I especially loved the line about biological imperatives beneath the surface—so thought-provoking. Thank you for sharing this meditative journey.
Thank you for that very thoughtful comment.
Your thoughts and photos about the effect of trees, no matter what season, are spot on. I love those especially.
Can’t beat communing with trees, Sofia 🙂
Indeed.
A lovely post Tish – I especially liked the trees by season. The walk in the snow allows one to really feel the quiet.
Yes, walking in snow is especially soothing – so long as it’s not too deep! Thanks, Tina.
It’s clear from the responses to Egidio’s challenge that we all find serenity by the water. Your wading man in Kalamata shot is beautifully tranquil but I was especially drawn to the one of the dhow captain. That fluffy cloud is lovely too, and your tree images remind us how calming a walk in woods can be 🙂
Many thanks, Sarah. I’m wondering if we’re drawn to water as our natural domain aeons ago. I always feel walking in very leafy woodland is rather like bathing.
They do talk about forest bathing, don’t they? And I think you might be right about water 🙂
Sea serenity is great, and love the trees by season
Thanks, Sue.
These are beautiful pictures, Tish! I enjoyed them all, the seasonal trees most of all, especially the last one with the couple walking in the snow. So peaceful and calm.
Many thanks, Joanne. It’s interesting, isn’t it, that looking at photos of tranquil places is quite a good substitute, if you can’t actually be there.
Beautiful, Tish. I especially find water to be serene, but those greens are certainly calming. Who can resist a walk on a calm snow-covered path?
Many thanks, John. A softly snowed on path can be magical too 🙂
Nature in all its forms or seasons has a calming effect on me while out walking. All your photos look give a sense of tranquillity.
Yes, getting out amongst growing things brings so much nourishment to body and soul.
A beautiful and serene response, Tish!
Many thanks, Ann-Christine.
There are so many great shots here Tish, but I love the last one the most. There is something about snow falling and how quiet it seems to make the world. Beautiful images.
Many thanks, Leanne. Yes, nothing like the quietness of snow.
Wonderful images xx
Thank you, Janet.
Such beautiful and so serene images, Tish.
Thanks, Flavia.
Oh that first one 😍
Thanks, Becky.