Words are hard to come by this month, as it has been so rich and rewarding visually from start to finish. And maybe that’s just what we need during these heavy times, to simply pause and soak in the beauty that makes itself available when we have eyes to see. So, I leave you to explore my offering.
Click on any image in each collection for gallery view.
The core of beauty is simplicity. The simple beauty of two waters merging at the end of a spit of land, gnarled patterns and Holy hearts in driftwood, a lone seagull on a foggy day. Of history’s poetry told in peeling paint, rusted hinges, cobwebs in windows, a broken old horse stall sprouting lime green lichen. Time and tides have their way with the world.
The beauty of sacred offerings to the Buddha, to the land––whispering veils of prayer flags, gently spinning prayer wheels––om mani padme hum––shhhhh. The mysterious beauty of the red-rock desert, stone cathedrals, spires and box canyons carved by wind and rain, ancient weather-beaten trees. The secrets you will only hear if you still yourself long enough to notice the space between your breaths.
The simple beauty of southwestern culture rich in spirit, textures, flavors, saints. Simple child-like delight absorbed in the spectacle of shapes, colors and lift off––hundreds of hot-air balloons rise as the morning sun crests the Sandia Mountains.
I hope you enjoyed this sampling from a road trip with my life-long soul-friend and fellow photographer, Elvina Pettus. It was her first time exploring the desert Southwest. So while the world was doing what it was doing, we leaned into awe and wonder, marveling at the diverse beauty this country offers, even along vast stretches of the open road.
The bonus for me the last two days of the trip was hanging out with family for the Albuquerque balloon fiesta.
Gabby, Michel, Lisa, Debbi
None of this post was written with AI, as you can probably tell by my over use of commas. My photography is also original. Thank you to everyone reading my musings. Feel free to send me comments and to share. This trip has me thinking about new workshop offerings for 2026 so stay tuned! Also, if you or anyone you know, are in need of a spiritual guide, end-of-life doula, or are interested in learning more about Beauty-as-Medicine™ healing photography please reach out.
Peace, love, and blessings,
☮️ ❤️ 🙏🏻
Rev. Lisa
Spiritual Guide. Wise Woman.
Contemplative Photographer. Mystic.
Practitioner of creative, sacred and healing arts.
Beauty-as-Medicine™ workshop leader.
Free Photos at Pexels
Spirit-Infused Healing Photography Books at Blurb
“Photography is my love language. Teaching people to see Beauty-as-Medicine™ is my Ministry.” Rev. Lisa