The Inspiration for The Sea's Soul

The ocean gave birth to the islands of Hawaii and eventually they will fall back into her, but not before they collect and thrive with life,  just as they do now.

The ocean is where the cycle of life starts and every day she bears the rain that feeds and flourishes the native life of Maui. Without her graceful presence no life would be here.

In this photo, in the space between waves, she bears her soul, naked and beautiful, yet strong and steady.

This is the celebration of the cessation of longing, when we are in direct connection to the Source of Longing. Through meditation it is possible to connect directly with the longing of life. When your longing aligns with the longing that longs to be longed for, you become one with the grace of life and you are filled with peace and clarity. Even amidst chaos, when you are still and in the moment, the truth of life becomes clear. The truth of any moment never changes and if we could take a photo that exposed all time we would see that only the love and grace of life rendered in its sweet longing would remain. But in this 30 second exposure we see the truth as... The Sea's Soul.

The Inspiration for Moonlit Makena

The Moon is full and bright, high in the evening sky, reflecting the radiant brilliance of the distant slumbering Sun.

You are standing on the rocky peninsula of lava that defines and divides Little Beach and Big Beach on the remote tropical island of Maui.

The translucent turquoise sea gently sways below. An uncommon stillness from the normal restless intensity of the heavy Hawaiian surf.

Tribal rhythms pulse through the air as a circle of drums inspire dancers to spin and twirl torches of fire. Fire dancers frolic to this spot to share in the ecstatic dance and celebration of life.

Only when the Moon is bright does this grand gathering make their way back to civilization.

Leaving no trace behind the moment of departure is forever remembered in this five minute long exposure as a sing flame burns brightly from a torch carried from the Moonlit Makena.

The Inspiration for Reflections of a New Day

The experience of being in nature is indescribable and completely incomparable. There is nothing that I enjoy more than being blissfully open and mindfully present to the vast beauty of our world.

Being able to capture and share these experiences is an incredible gift that I am truly honored to carry with me through this life.

The ease with which I faithfully photography scenes as never given me a real sense of challenge or conquest, until I realized just how easy it is to sit on a beach on Maui while waiting for the warm sun to set.

This revelation inspired me to experience life from a new perspective. I didn’t want to wait for sunsets, I wanted to camp near the ocean and meet the sunrise.

I soon found myself at Cannon Beach on the northern coast of Oregon, where I woke up at 4 AM and fumbled through the dark to the edge of a sea cliff. Desperately wanting to be down by the sea, I slid down a what I thought was a trail and landed in a pool of thick sticky mud.

Wet and cold I darted from point to point enthusiastically photographing everything I could fit into my lens.

It wasn’t until I had made my way down the beach that I turned around to see exactly where I was.

Just as the soft pink light of the morning sun broke across the landscape and the ocean tide retreated to unveil the most moving and exquisite scene I have ever witnessed.

The moment was a sincere gift of Grace and I was completely captivated by its serene beauty. Hundreds of sand dollars were exposed u the sand that perfectly mirrored the rocky coast of the Pacific North West.

I was seeing photography again for the first time, I was seeing life again for the first time, in the Reflections of a New Day.

The Inspiration for UpCountry

Growing up on Maui has exposed me to countless perspectives that are truly unique to this Hawaiian paradise.

I spent the majority of my childhood freely roaming the gentle slopes and soft green rolling hills of the Haleakala Volcano.

These are the rural lands of Maui, where pastures are wide and traffic is sparse. In the evenings the city lights below ignite and bespeckle the land with star like patterns.

Such a perspective gives true meaning to the phrase “downtown” ad after all these years of traveling the world my heart will forever belong “UpCountry”.

The Inspiration for Thousand Finger Falls

The source of this enchanting spring comes from the snowy slopes of Mt. Shasta in Northern California. The many fine fingered streams of water fall gracefully into the passing azure blue currents of the Sacramento River.

Submerged in the crisp icy waters up to my chest, I peered up at the vivid green moss clinging to the rocky cliff face.

I found myself truly mesmerized by the endless cascades of brilliant white wisps of water and the many soft landings covered in vibrant moist moss.

Despite the cold I was inspired to photography and share the experience of Thousand Finger Falls.

The Inspiration for The River of Life Flows from a Single Source

All life on this exquisite Earth is fed by the Sun. This single point of light propels all movement in our world, from the breath of the breeze to the swell of the sea. From the spin of a fan to the roar of an engine. All life is inspired by the Sun, without it life would be too cold and dark to thrive as it does now.

But what inspires the Sun to shine? Is it as simple as nuclear fusion or as complex as the desire to live itself?

Is life a product of chemical reactions or is life a result of the inspiration to live, to thrive, and to experience? What inspires you? Follow the thread of inspiration in your life and you will find that the River of Life Flows from a Single Source.

The Inspiration for Paths of Awareness

What do you see before you now? Is this a dark path with lurking fears and hidden dangers? Is our path clear of or obstructed? Do you have a bright destination or does a decision lie ahead as a fork in the path? Are you safely drawn to the light or are you about to be engulfed by unknown darkness?

Reflect on where you are and what you experience in the path of life. This is your reflection on the life you live. This is one of the many Paths of Awareness.

The Inspiration for Cross the Line into the Color of Your Dreams

This Little Beach near Makena on the Hawaiian Island of Maui hosts the most ecstatic celebration of the Sun you will ever experience.

Countless bodies dance to the tribal beats of hand drums with their naked soles pulsing in the sweet salt kissed sand.

The energy of the sacred movement surges as the sun approaches the horizon. The island of Molokini bears witness as torches ignite in full celebration of the setting sun.

In this picturesque moment the sun, in full blaze, is about to slip under the shad of the sea. Bearing a bold line across the ocean, this line lures you to cross it as it extends from the horizon right up to the shoreline.

Will you follow your desires and Cross the Line into the Color of your Dreams.

The Inspiration for Kai Po'i

The Hawaiian Islands are home to the bravest of winter swells. These movements bring prized waves that attract thrill seeking souls from all corners of the globe.

Sandy Beach on the South Shore of Oahu is blessed with the strong swells that roll swiftly onto the sandy shore.

Kai Po’i, in Hawaiian, means crashing wave.

The Inspiration for Sand Spirits

I can honestly say that my most enjoyable experience with photography to date was the 4 hours I spent enthusiastically receiving images in the Antelope Canyon in the Northern Arizona town of Page, on the banks of Lake Powell.

I am still thrilled by the memory of the many swirling and flowing lines brushed by eons of water and wind moving through the sand stone canyons.

I knew that at some point the sunlight would come straight down into the narrow canyon and illuminate the dusty air. But nothing could have prepared me for just how amazing that moment would be.

I literally held my breath as the Sand Spirits emerged.

The Inspiration for The Sun Sets on Midnight Sand

The black sands of Wainapanapa add incredible contrast to the unbelievable vivid hues of the lush and tropical shores of East Maui.

The sky is invoked with soft dreamy colors as the sun retreats into the sea.

The Inspiration for Bows and Arrows

The celebration of the longing for innocence and imagination. All the wisdom in the world is useless without a sense of humor or happiness. The child-like innocence and enthusiasm for life is full of imagination and inspiration. Remember to look at the world as if it were your first time, through the eyes of a child, and you will see... Bows and Arrows.

The Inspiration for Open to Grace

The celebration of the longing for the grace of life. The grace of life is the current of love and inspiration that flows through the stream of consciousness. Every moment is held by this grace and receiving it is simply a matter of opening and allowing it to flow through you. Any pain or negativity in life is resistance to this natural goodness and through the process of letting go we are able to open up to the true love and grace that permeates all of existence. Open to Grace.

The Inspiration for There is Nothing Lonely About Being Alone

The celebration of the longing for companionship. A single shell, a sense of solitude, so peaceful and steady. When you find your connection to the source of all that is, you are never truly alone. When you honor the relationship between yourself and God, between yourself and your higher self, between yourself and the source of life, all other relationships are in perfect harmony, you are filled by a well-spring of love and peace, and you are never alone. There is Nothing Lonely About Being Alone

The Inspiration for Freedom Awaits on the Shores of Desire

This is the celebration of the longing for freedom. This scene invokes within me a sense of freedom and with that feeling comes an understanding that freedom is not something that will ever be given to you. Whether you are in a prison or a palace, freedom is something that you must desire and pursue, but it is there, everywhere, patiently waiting for you. Freedom Awaits on the Shores of Desire

The Inspiration for You Do Have a Choice

The celebration of the wisdom and guidance of longing. When we learn to connect with our sense of longing and to make decisions based on what feels right, as opposed to what we think is right, we find that we carry with us the most informative of guidance systems that will always lead us in the right direction. Removing our ego which is informed by our mind which is persuaded by society and external forces, we find we can make the best choices that aid and benefit everyone involved. You Do Have a Choice.

The Inspiration for Take Root

The celebration of longing for acceptance. This moment is our existence, your awareness is the leading edge of cosmic intelligence. This moment is absolute perfection and if it could be any other way, it would be. Accepting the moment is accepting the grace and gift of life. Take root and bloom where you are planted.

The Inspiration for The Setting of a Clear Intention

You are standing on the brim of a vast clear lake, on the brink of realizing that life is a reflection of your awareness. The life you live and breathe is a projection of your inner world, where you cross the landscapes of your thoughts and feelings.

The shapes and shades of the external world don’t shift or change, but your perception and your experience of them do.

Here and now you seize the moment and embrace the pure beauty that surrounds you, inspired by the perfection of Grace you come to know that this beauty will always present itself if you are open to its presence. Your invitation of this perspective is the Setting of a Clear Intention.

The Inspiration for Streams of Consciousness

New growth stretches towards the sky as a cool clear rush of water wears a weaving path through the lush forest floor. Streaming up like wild thoughts, rushing towards you like inspiration, the lush rainforest converges in your presence.

This moment marks your place in your reality. Infinite variations of life experience rush and stream by as you are centered and focused on this singular perspective. Your place in life is this stream of consciousness.

The Inspiration for Where the Land Meets the Sea and the Day Meets the Night

The islands of Molokini and Kahoolawe stand resolutely in the distance as soft summer clouds carry the setting sun’s color across the warm tropical sky.

The day gives way to the night where the land surrenders to the sea. At this apex of transitions change becomes apparent. Opportunity becomes clear. What will the new day bring you? What does your heart desire? Toss your thoughts into the sky and cast your desires into the sea. Here is where everything changes at the place where the land meets the sea and the day meets the night.

The Inspiration for Cloud Stream

I am drawn in to this scene, softly. Beckoned by the brilliant glow of flowing clouds my awareness is begged to let go. But to what? The eyes are restless, left only to imagine the source of this stream, and unable to find resolve as it is engulfed by the ancient forest of vivid greens. Tracing the sharp defines that border the image, I return to the source and its sweeping cools of blue and white. My attention carried sweetly finds itself basking in the angelic whips of water as its flow changes directions.

It is here we find, in this point of transition, the apex of change, a place of peace and eternal stillness.