Egídio from Through Brazilian Eyes wrote: The world is in constant chaos. If not close to our doorstep, we just need to look around. Wars and conflicts seem to be everywhere in one fashion or another. We are left with two options: to let things boggle us down or to look for serenity to lift our spirits and calm our minds.
This is so true and profoundly heartbreaking. Living in a country with a long border with Russia means that their war against Ukraine weighs heavily on our hearts and minds, constantly occupied by the news, which influences our daily lives in countless ways. However, there is solace to be found; by stepping away from the media and seeking refuge in nature, we can experience a momentary escape from the chaos. Engaging with the tranquility of forests, mountains, or lakesides, ocean offers a welcome relief, allowing us to reconnect with the peacefulness of life beyond the headlines. Nature gently reminds us that despite the conflicts raging beyond our borders, there are still pockets of calm to embrace within the simple joys of the natural world.
Serenity is the uplifting strength we find in moments of stillness, where the hustle and bustle of life fades away, opening up opportunities for reflection and joy. In these peaceful moments, we can connect wonderfully with ourselves, cultivating a sense of balance and clarity that empowers us to sail through the challenging tides of existence. By embracing serenity, we welcome mindfulness into our lives, inspiring us to celebrate the beauty found in simplicity and reminding us that taking a moment to pause and breathe can lead to brighter days ahead.
Last week, I asked you to break the rules. Your images showed us that photography is spontaneously emotional, when we break the rules. This week, Egídio is challenging you to find serenity in your photos. Don’t forget to use the “lens-artists” hashtag when creating your post so we can easily find it in the Reader and please link it to is lovely blog.
Next week, it is Tina’s turn to share a new challenge. It will go live at noon EST in the USA. Tune in to find out more about the challenge then. Please see this page to learn more about the Lens-Artists Challenge and its history.
Ritva Sillanmäki Photography 
Great photo ^^;
Ritva, I love your quote: “reminding us that taking a moment to pause and breathe can lead to brighter days ahead.” That is wonderful advice for everyone. Your images bring me a sense of serenity. I love the final one of the serene forest.
Thoughtful post.
Especially like the misty forest.
A thoughtful and beautifully illustrated post.
Beautiful photos, reminders, and reflections on serenity. Thank you Ritva.
Ritva, what an inspirational post you created here. I loved your words and pearls of wisdom you shared with us. The photos are beautiful and clearly bring us plenty of serene moments.
Quite lovely and the misty photo is superb Ritva 😀
Beautiful examples of serenity, Ritva.
The waves crashing on rocks and the mist in the mountains are my 2 favourites.
The way nature offers its calm amidst chaos is truly a reminder of life’s simplicity and beauty. The ocean’s rhythm, the serenity of forests, and the peacefulness of mountains are all perfect escapes, grounding us when the world feels overwhelming.
Fab examples!
Philo
I love the last one Ritva, that is beautiful. great serenity images.
I also think the sound of water helps calm us down. Watching waves is mesmerising. Your images are beautiful, the misty one especially.
I can just imagine how the situation in Ukraine makes everyone in Latvia, and all the Baltic countries, rather tense. I’m glad you have such beautiful countryside to turn to when you need to refresh. I agree about the ocean, but my favourite of your photos is the last one, also in your header. It looks so tranquil yet invites exploration 🙂
I live in Finland 😀and I am sure the feeling in Baltic countries is same as here or even more tensioned
Oh yes of course – silly of me! I have a friend in Latvia and another in Finland and somehow I had it in my head that you lived in the same country as one of my friends but momentarily forgot which. Sorry for the confusion 😘
No problem, the atmosphere I’m sure is same there and here.
I didn’t realize your nation bordered Russia Ritva – that must make life that much more stressful. Your images are an island of peace. While all are beautiful, your closing image really touched my heart. Beautifully done.
Yes it is an extra tension and as we in the last war lost 10% of our land to Soviet Union, including the area where my father lived. It is also an emotional thing. Thanks Tina, I am happy you enjoyed the misty mountains, I am rather happy with that one.
Your words and images beautifully express the calm and anxious feelings that surround you. We are currently experiencing the some of the same feeling, but not of calm. We are anxious from within, never knowing what Trump will do next. This is a bumpy ride.
Anne, Trump is as much in our news feeds and I have to say it is so scary to see what is happening there. One thing it has done, even though we have lovely friends over there, we are not coming over too soon. What people who come for a trip have to answer at the border makes you feel like a criminal, it was not pleasant before, now… I hope you all are able stand up and hopefully get some restraints for these changes.
Where there is life, there is hope.
I can understand the stress your citizens must feel. As Anne said, it is truly a bumpy ride.
Your images are stunning Ritva and nature is such a nurturing and powerful place to be at times like these 💚🍃🌿 xxx
Wonderful pictures, Ritva. The forest mist is stunning. It is true, nature projects calm in a chaotic world.
Such beautiful thoughts, as well as images, Ritva. It’s easy for me to forget about that border with Russia. Will it never end? Glad you have the solace of nature xx
Thanks Jo, I hope it ends soon. As most of us do, regarding all the wars all around the world.
Lovely post and photos. I really like the atmosphere in those misty shots
I’ve always lived in a country that is on the outskirts of everything, with a sense that no one knows or cares about tiny us. It has to be a constant worry to have such a neighbour, but your outlook is what is needed. Your photos are wonderful and your words an inspiration.
Thanks Sofia. We have been of the map for years, as a small country in the north. The escalation just brought us to the point of being in a state of discomfort. It is what it is and you just have to accept it as it is and go on with your life
I enjoyed your words and images – for wisdom about embracing life – and the birds on the wire – with two of them off of it – had a great vibe