The title could just as easily read good evening, blossom too.
Inspiration
Humming tree
There were three trees in the backyard when we moved in almost one year ago. The tree fern was already dead, the pine tree quickly followed, and the ficus-like one above had been heavily pruned. For the past couple of weeks bees have been busily collecting from clusters of creamy white flowers. The humming sound and being showered with pollen while sitting at the table below has been a rare treat.
Mahatma Gandhi
A week after being laid to commemorate Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi’s birthday, these flowers like the memory of this extraordinary man shine brightly. More commonly known as ‘Mahatma’ (meaning ‘Great Soul’) Ghandi was born in Porbandar, Gujarat, in North West India, on 2nd October 1869. I took this photograph after reading Non-violence day and insult of “Rastra pita” by Sourav Adhikari. I recommend you check it out.
35oC Spring day
Luckily there was a breeze and relatively low humidity, so quite comfortable in the shade. The clocks have gone forward one hour for Australian Eastern Daylight Time, luckily it is a public holiday tomorrow, what with the more soaring temperatures and all. Just in case you are wondering Sydney is GMT +11 hours.
Central sunset
This dramatic sky is a perfect backdrop for Central Station, Sydney, Australia, at sunset. You can find an afternoon view here.
Unexpected
I was pleasantly surprised while checking my emails this morning. I received a message from a colleague congratulating me on being brave. I didn’t know what they meant.
I mentioned in my blog post Being Myself that I would add a category to this blog for personal development. At the same time I decided to participate on my workplace’s social media, hosted on Yammer. Both are part of a strategy to bring coherence to my online personas. Yammer provides me with an opportunity to give back to my workplace and to connect with colleagues I would not ordinarily come across. I started sharing articles related to personal development on Yammer.
The bravery comment was in relation to my activity on Yammer. There was also a private message via Yammer this morning from a colleague I only know from their posts. They let me know that they like the posts I’ve been making and that we may be similar in our thinking. I was blown away, it wasn’t something I was expecting and I’m thrilled that my posts are being well received.
My learning from this; the less I expect, the more thrilled I am with the unexpected.
Perfumed pentagram
It’s spring again
We’re smiling again
There’s perfumed pentagrams
It’s spring again
Time to sing again
Jasmine from Petersham
Being myself
I recently received an email from WordPress to remind me that September is the anniversary of the birth of theINFP.com. This proved to be the catalyst for me to to reflect on why I blog, review the blog’s categories and look to the future.
In the beginning
I can clearly remember the feeling of trepidation as I clicked to share my first post with the World. It was called Memory, Motivation, Momentum, you can read it here – you will be part of a select group. So many negative thoughts ran through my mind: ‘Why would anyone be interested?’; ‘I will look like a fool’; and ‘Who do I think I am?’ When I started blogging three years ago I was unsure of why I was doing so. I half expected that it was just another phase that would wax and wane.
The path
Generally, I don’t have a lot to say; considering myself a trifle dull. I can see the interest die in the eyes of most people when I talk to them. I learned late in life that it is okay to be a shy introvert. Walking the path to rid myself of the masks, walls and perceived expectations I have buit up is not a easy as I anticipated. Being part of the blogging community has helped me along this journey. It is reassuring to know that there are people who are interested in what I have to say, even if it is only in a few words.
Significant periods in my life seem to be marked by decade long milestones. Each one signals the removal of a gossamer veil from my inner eye, one after another. My purpose in this earthly form becomes tantalisingly clearer. This often inspires me to create and share pictures, poems and posts.
The future
I plan to add a ‘personal development’ category to my blog. I will capture the articles and posts that resonate with me and explain how the concepts relate to my own experiences. The travel category will be removed.
Thank you for reading this short insight into why I blog and where I am going. I truly appreciate being part of your conversations, and you liking, commenting and following my blog.
Being myself, Robert
Central Station, Sydney, Australia
Afternoon sunlight illuminates the stone clock tower of Central railway Station.
Stick in the mud
It was a sunny day with a refreshing nip in the air. I made my way to a seat next to an ordinary looking young man, thankfully he didn’t appear to be listening to music. I quickly became immersed in the chatter of my mind. Occasionally I noticed details for the first time on buildings I had frequently seen before. I was vaguely aware of the bus stopping and starting as it often does on weekday mornings going into the city along Parramatta Road, Sydney, Australia.
Suddenly, the person next to me stood up.
I’m usually hypersensitive of others being about to do something. The shock of movement from next to me jolted me to the core. I experienced a yoyo feeling somewhere in my upper chest. Assuming the man wanted to alight from the bus. I hurriedly grabbed the bags on my lap, stood, stepped into the aisle, and sat down again after he had gone.
Memories of similar situations connected in my mind. Why did I react in the way that I did? My childhood training has stayed with me, I excuse myself and thank people when I need to get past them!
I would be interested in reading your experiences like this.
theINFP 