SUNNY ROOM STUDIO
— a few words worth remembering —

Like most writers and poets, sometimes I write, say, or think things that feel memorable, and this seemed like a good place to record them. Otherwise, these creative moments, these words of inspiration, which are often fleeting (coming to me in the early hours of morning or even in the middle of the night), are too easily lost at sea.

If you haven’t looked within, you haven’t looked.

Kindred Spirit Quotes
by D. A. Hickman

  • Some books are a fast read; some are more of a slow read. I prefer the slow read.
  • Life and loss, the ultimate pairing, yet, the only pairing. The paradoxical nature of existence is intrinsic to each breath. 
  • Our world will only change one person at a time, and can only occur when we are tired of suffering from unacceptable, unproductive patterns.
  • Meditation is about stopping the mind chatter and enjoying the peace within. There is no time, per se, but our timeless dimension (our true self) allows us to celebrate and explore life from a more insightful perspective.
  • Let us travel lightly from what used to be to this moment. There is grace in letting go; there is joy in being “this” and nothing more.

◊

  • Sometimes I find silence without looking or planning for it. It’s more a matter of noticing it. And when I do notice silence, it’s all-encompassing. Vast. Somehow sacred.
  • Life is the greatest fiction of all … we have to believe and yet not believe at the same time.
  • Find peace in the fleeting nature of each moment.
  • Time makes us restless when we resist its truth.
  • Seems like excessive thinking is linked to a belief in time … when we can step out of that illusion, or “step back,” there is more space for awareness and silence. Life is spiritual (inherently so), but with all of our “thinking” and racing to catch up or to get somewhere … we easily lose sight of that.

 ◊

  • Art as creative expression is dignified by special qualities unique to the individual.
  • Consult your long-lived perceptions with an open and curious attitude.
  • Spirituality is creating a path and a practice that allows for continual discovery. It’s about sharing your light with others, offering comfort, inspiration, and wisdom; it’s knowing we are all more than surface impressions; it’s having faith in the human experience.
  • Grief is never linear, it flows somewhere outside of time … and it knows no boundaries. Indeed, it is one way to experience the greatest unknown, and another way to learn more about ourselves.
  • A gift is anything you don’t take for granted. Inspired moments, daydreams, talents, breathing, time, awareness, nature, silence, intelligence, questions, listening, creating, caring.
  • Grief is rough terrain, and we all share its burden and its inevitable light.
  • Welcome a mere branch of silence into your day and the whole tree begins to dance.
  • The essence of spirituality is found in the mysteries of the universe.

◊ 

  • Look life and loss square in the eye, knowing each as one, yet, simultaneously. The only way they can be fully known.
  • When you are willing to sit with nature … the sky opens up.
  • Everything seems to be some form of the same life force at play in the universe.
  • Not taking things too seriously can be liberating; most things thrive with the light touch of true understanding.
  • Time is temporary. Soar beyond the external threads, the maladies of daily life.
  • Each loss is unique … the history involved, the impact, the changes that follow.
  • Writers sometimes get bogged down in publishing, but writing is about putting a memorable piece of ourselves on paper … not about a price tag, the next deadline, the next review or comment.
  • Everything else is fleeting, impermanent.
  • Strive to understand the world via experiences that serve as lasting catalysts for inner exploration.

◊ 

  • Where there is peace … there is usually joy.
  • Thoughtful people who give of themselves are impossible to forget.
  • Enjoy something beautiful each day. Create something beautiful each day. Imagine something beautiful each day.
  • The wisest among us may never be known as such.
  • Creative expression is the perfect antidote to boredom.
  • Take yourself seriously only when you must.
  • No one can rain on your parade, really.
  • The wish of all poetry is to sing in a voice we instantly recognize.

 ◊

  • We can experience the great expanse of the spirit via the mystical words of poetry.
  • So who really wants a “hurry-up” life stretched beyond capacity?
  • Become friendly with the invisible forces that dwell among us.
  • Make inner peace the sky of your life.
  • Growth and learning and kindness can heal the world.
  • Grace is the result of spiritual realization.
  • If you write from your soul, craft itself is a powerful reward.
  • Begin where you left off.
  • Ignore criticism; most of it is sadly self-serving.
  • Pause. Listen. Breathe.

◊

  • The roots of peace are found in self-awareness, not external events.
  • If uncertain, let the opportunity pass; letting go will open new doors.
  • We don’t “find” wisdom, we become wisdom.
  • Success is a mental concept of no real relevance in spiritual terms.
  • Brush away worry and doubt; we are all but shadows of time.
  • Nature is forever creating wonderful things for us to look at and study.
  • Don’t be bored by silence; rather, be inspired by it.
  • One secret to life: sensing peace beneath chaos.

◊ 

  • Life is swift moving and always at risk.
  • Spirituality is inner wisdom unveiled.
  • Kindred spirits are windows to the soul.
  • This day is yours to imagine. Where will you begin?
  • Be the gentle light that you seek.
  • Through the pain of loss something divine can be discovered.
  • On the surface many things appear confusing, frustrating, annoying. Can we see things otherwise?

◊ 

  • Life challenges all of us to go beyond pain, to realize we are more than physical works of art: we are also spiritual works of art.
  • Accepting loss is the ultimate challenge of the mortal path. Alas, life and death are yin and yang … intertwined like twins.
  • What is life? A poetic adventure, an opportunity for love and discovering the splendor of a sunrise.
  • In this world of time imagined and dreams untold, choose to live fully during the present moment.
  • Caring for others, including animals and pets, is caring for life.
  • There is always another way to look at things. Seek understanding.
  • The day is never young. Rather, the day is always receding.
  • What is your heart focused on today?

 ◊

  • Poetry is the music of life in words.
  • Writing gives me a way to express ideas and emotions that hide in the shadows.
  • By staying centered–positive, peaceful, reasonable–we become part of the solution.
  • Supporting the aims and dreams of others is something I truly enjoy.
  • I am grateful for the simple things, like memories.

 ◊

  • Let go of linear time, what do you find?
  • Be gentle with yourself, so you can be gentle with others.
  • Believe in yourself — it illuminates all of humanity.
  • People seem to come into our lives for a reason.
  • Believe in the journey — even the tiniest step can launch something amazing.

 ◊

  • Celebrate life — on a routine basis!
  • Consider yourself a winner at life; give yourself your own respect and acceptance.
  • Find joy beyond superficial distinctions.
  • Avoid drama. Do your part, no matter how small, to bring a peaceful vibe into the world.

 ◊

  • Forget everything you believe, then you can begin to know.
  • Wisdom takes root when we welcome it.
  • Winter pulls me inward to reflect, to renew my spirit.
  • When convinced you have nothing more to learn, it’s past time to seek out greater knowledge and wisdom.
  • A genuine willingness to see peace and envision its true power is liberating.

◊