river talk

Possibilities for perspective

By SANDY LONG

Posted 6/18/25

The turbulence of these times is undeniable. Despite the welcome rise of spring’s wild and refreshing energy, it can be challenging to maintain a sense of hope that things will settle down, …

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river talk

Possibilities for perspective

RR photos by Sandy Long

When the world seems spun upside down and turned around, try flipping your view for a fresh perspective. Lighten up with a lensball for photographic fun and the feeling that seeing things anew is possible.

On March 3, as winter was losing its grip on the Upper Delaware River region one frosty fist at a time and the spring equinox was on the horizon, I shot this photo at Promised Land State Park in Greentown, PA. Sometimes it’s best to hit pause and take a rest to gain a sense of perspective. The upcoming arrival of summer presents a good opportunity for such moments.

Leave a little room for wonder. Don’t dismiss that fascinating lens flare flashing off the surface of a lake. Could it be sparked with the light of divine grace? Let your imagination reframe your focus. Give your mind a rest from needing to know and allow for flow to soften your perspective.

Posted Wednesday, June 18, 2025 11:45 am

By SANDY LONG

The turbulence of these times is undeniable. Despite the welcome rise of spring’s wild and refreshing energy, it can be challenging to maintain a sense of hope that things will settle down, turn around or at least improve in terms of positive movement.

Historically speaking, times have been better, and also worse. But this troubling time is the “present moment” for us now. We can work our way through it in cadence with the seasonal cycles of the natural world as summer arrives on June 20.

Putting things into perspective is vital to forging a path forward. Find your footing in a forest or next to a wayside waterway. Be still and seek the clarifying solace of solitude. Open wide—your eyes, mind and willingness—to experience wonder.

Seek the inspiration of others working diligently on behalf of what they care about. “Good work is a stay against despair,” wrote Terry Tempest Williams in “When Women Were Birds.”

Our own local legend, Barbara Yeaman, met Tempest Williams at a conference and spoke fondly of the encounter. Each inspired the other.

Celebrate Yeaman’s uplifting legacy on June 21 at the Van Scott Nature Reserve in Beach Lake, PA. Embrace the inspiration of her lead while finding your own way to a revitalizing perspective. Visit www.delawarehighlands.org/barbarayeaman for details.