“Warm Summer Night” | Anthony Satori
“I have perceiv’d that to be with those I like is enough, to stop in company with the rest at evening is enough, to be surrounded by beautiful, curious, breathing, laughing flesh is enough… I do not ask any more delight, I swim in it as in a sea.”
— Walt Whitman
“Along the Shore” | Anthony Satori
“Your daily life is your temple and your religion.” — Khalil Gibran
The light, the earth, the air — every moment of every day is filled with the living spirit of the universe. If you slow down, breathe, look, and listen, you will become immersed in the rich essence of being alive.
“Shine” | Anthony Satori
“As far as we can discern, the sole purpose of human existence is to kindle a light in the darkness of mere being.”
— C. G. Jung
“Dream Being” | Anthony Satori
“All human beings are also dream beings. Dreaming ties all mankind together.”
— Jack Kerouac
“Grand Oak Tree” | Anthony Satori
“Everyone who steeps themselves in the spiritual possibilities of their art is a valuable helper in the building of the spiritual pyramid which will someday reach to heaven.”
— Kandinsky
“Flower” | Anthony Satori
Aspire toward simplicity, purity, compassion and beauty. If you strive for these things in all that you do, you will become a vital conduit for the wondrous nature of the universe.
“Days of Wine and Sunshine” | Anthony Satori
“My joys here are great, because they are very simple and spring from the everlasting elements: the pure air, the sun, the sea and the wheaten loaf.”
— Nikos Kazantzakis
“The Lightness of Being” | Anthony Satori
“The mind is not a vessel to be filled, but a fire to be kindled.” — Plutarch
“Sky Waves” | Anthony Satori
“Heaven is in everything. Follow the light, hide in the cloudiness, and begin in what is. Do this and your understanding will be like not understanding and your wisdom will be like not being wise. By not being wise you will become wise.” — Chuang Tzu
The Universe is made up of vibrations and waves. Everything is in motion, everything hums, everything is infused with energy. Find the vibrations that resonate with the best vibrations in your own soul and place your attention there. Do this consistently and with care, and synergy will result… your world will become greater than the sum of its parts. Contribute your own best vibrations to the vibrations of the Universe, and harmony will arise… your life will become music. This is the Tao of living well.
“Neptune in Repose” | Anthony Satori
Neptune is the Roman equivalent to the Greek god Poseidon. He is widely recognized as the god of the sea, standing strong and regal with his trident, heavily bearded and boldly postured, exerting great power over his underwater domain. His realm extends beyond the ocean floor, as well, since, as the ruler of water and climate, he is also the god of storms, wind and rain. He can provide safe passage to sea-faring vessels, or, just as quickly, he can bring them to their doom. He is also the provider of life-giving rainfall to agricultural endeavors, the filler of rivers and lakes with fish, and the one who causes underground springs to overflow with fresh drinking water.
Surely a deity of such breadth and reach deserves his own festival. And, as it happens, tomorrow, July 23, marks the ancient Roman festival of Neptunalia. Placed squarely in the heart of the dry season, this pleasant social event was slated as a time to celebrate the god Neptune and to implore him to bring more life-giving rain. Often, a bull would be sacrificed as a symbol of agricultural fertility, and then the people would celebrate with the traditional activities of having a feast in the shade of shelters built with tree branches, drinking spring water, and sharing a pleasant, joyful time with friends. During this festival, many of the standard social restrictions were lifted, giving people the opportunity to interact with others that they might not usually have the chance to meet. What better time to get together with friends, share a meal, and perhaps open yourself up to the possibility of meeting someone new?
Neptunalia is also a good time to reconsider our own relationship with water, both literally and symbolically. Many ancient religions place great importance on the metaphorical lessons that can be learned from water’s unique combination of fluidity, quiet patience, and immense power. “Nothing is softer or more flexible than water, yet nothing can resist it.” (Lao Tzu) There is much that we can learn from observing water, such as how to adapt to our environment while staying true to our core selves, going with the flow instead of fighting it, and finding creative solutions to challenges.
So, in celebration of Neptunalia, I encourage you to get together with some friends, share a feast, raise a glass of water, and open your mind to the flow of the Universe. You might be pleasantly surprised where it takes you!
