Denise O'Dunn @ Balance & Bliss

This morning, I found a grasshopper and the exoskeleton it had just outgrown. A perfect image of transformation. Sometimes, growth means leaving a part of ourselves behind.

💟☮️

Nature creates the cutest things… pom-poms! (Photo by Denise - Paper Mulberry tree)

sunflower with bees carrying pollen

The sunflower opens, the bees arrive, and the dance of life begins again. Our pollinators are essential to the balance of nature. May we notice them, honor them, and plant what they need to thrive. (Photo by Kevin O’Dunn, first sunflowers of the season)

Long shadow made by the rising sun on a mossy trail

My shadow is standing tall, stretched by the rising sun!

Person glowing and holding the five elements

According to Sankhya philosophy, one of the foundational perspectives of Ayurveda, we are born with more than a body. We come into the world with consciousness, a sense of identity, awareness, perception, and the elements of life. Digital painting by Denise
deniseodunn.substack.com/p/the-myth-o...

@mcflunited.bsky.social

Trees frame a view of water and clouds

May you notice the natural thresholds that ask you to slow down and truly look. (Photo by Denise - on a trail in the Ocala National Forest)

New growth of Spring

Spring whispers, “wait and watch.” Not long ago, this looked like lifeless limbs. But spring, the great renewer, moves in her own time. What seemed gone was simply preparing. Nature reminds us: With patience, new life is emerging, even when it’s not visible yet.

Massive oak tree trunk. Three holes in the trunk making it look like a surprised face

The Bourton Oak, Bourton-on-the-water, England

We just whispered that he was 400+ years old. He seemed surprised

The shape of a heart in a tree trunk

Love is everywhere, waiting in quiet spaces and nature’s gentle patterns. I found it in this tree trunk, a reminder that when we slow down, the world reveals its tenderness. Living with awareness and wonder means seeing the sacred woven into the everyday. Springmaid Mountain Retreat, NC

Close-up of a tiny turquoise Elfin butterfly, with some white dots and feathery white wing edges, nectaring on a pink with yellow daisy flower. There is another blurred daisy, and blurred green leaves in the background.

Rare sighting this week of a lovely Coastal Green Hairstreak. They're endangered, so always exciting to witness! This one was feeding on native Seaside Daisy.💚

More on these #butterflies here...
www.inaturalist.org/taxa/210423-...

#NativePlants #CaliforniaNativePlants #NaturePhotos #iNat 📷🌱🦋

Standing with old oak tree

We are natural beings, designed to be in sync with the rhythms of nature. When we fall out of rhythm, we lose touch with our true essence. Living in harmony with nature reconnects us with who we truly are. Remember who you are. (Photo - Myakka River State Park by Kevin O'Dunn)

Thank you! Yes, your messages of mindfulness are beautiful, and I love your artwork. I have followed you and look forward to seeing your posts. Blessings

Regularly set positive intentions for your home. Visualize your space filled with light, love, and harmony. Your thoughts and emotions have a powerful impact on the energy of your environment. (Photo - Quiet corner by Denise)

Oh, how I love the bright green-yellow color of spring!

Watering newly seeded zinnia garden bed)

Gardening invites you to slow down and immerse yourself in the present moment. As you nurture plants, you become attuned to the subtle changes in the environment. In these moments of connection, you rediscover a sense of wonder for the world around you. (Photo – newly seeded zinnia bed)

The Irish flag flying on St. Patrick's Day

“May peace and plenty be the first to lift the latch to your door and happiness be your guest today and evermore.”

Blessings on St. Patrick’s Day from the O’Dunns!

(Photo - flying our Irish colors by Denise)

Sunrise over field with fog

Greet the day with gratitude and praise. Pause at your bedside, in the silence of the morning. Give thanks for having this day to experience life. Create a positive image of your day and know you are attracting that to you. (Photo - Sunrise and the Mist by Denise)

Snake Plant

Houseplants are natural air purifiers. Through the process of photosynthesis, they absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen. The NASA Clean Air Study identified several house plants that effectively improve indoor air quality, such as the peace lily, spider plant, and snake plant. Photo-Snake plant

A small frog sleeping in a rose.

@crusaderchick.bsky.social Sister posted this for me this morning. I thought you'd like it.💜

Quiet morning with still lake

Nature speaks in the gentlest of ways. She doesn’t demand our attention, she invites it. Here's my latest post on Substack. Visit me there!

open.substack.com/pub/deniseod...

Sweet aromatic roses

Bringing simple mindfulness practices into your day promotes peace and presence. Mindfulness is being fully engaged in the moment. Small practices make a big difference. Tune into your sense of sight~smell~sound~taste~touch, and you’re there. It doesn’t take more time; it enriches your time.

One of the first woodland blooms, primroses are a joyful sign of spring 🌼 Found across the UK, they thrive in sheltered spots like woodland clearings 🌳

Early wildflowers like these provide an important nectar source for pollinators 🦋

✨ Did you know? Primroses are an indicator of ancient woodland!

English Bluebells covering the woodland floor

There is such a thing as Heaven on Earth

Looking at the river flow

We are natural beings, designed to be in sync with the rhythms of nature. When we fall out of rhythm, we lose touch with our true essence. Living in harmony with nature reconnects us with who we truly are. Remember who you are. (Photo - Denise at Hillsborough River, FL by Kevin O’Dunn)

Houseplants carry their origin stories of distant jungles and deep forests. As you care for them, you become part of their story, nurturing them and your connection to the natural world. Their quiet presence teaches patience, resilience, and the joy of growth. Photo - Monstera by Denise

Ayurvedic nutrition is rooted in the understanding that you are what, when, where, how, and why you eat. Food should be eaten mindfully and with gratitude, fresh, high-quality, digestible, delicious, lovingly prepared, and deeply satisfying to the senses. Then, you will be fully nourished.

Abhyanga - oil and devotion

Abhyanga, an Ayurvedic oil massage, nourishes your body with oils chosen for your needs. This daily self-care ritual enhances vital energy (prana) through anointing with oil (sneha), also meaning “love,” offering the comfort and strength of deep love. (Photo - Oil and Devotion by Denise)

The photo was taken in my backyard Zinnia garden 😊