During my last trip to Florence, I got off the bus in San Frediano after going out to Scandicci for an appointment. I wanted to walk home along the Arno, enjoy some alone time, and take a few pictures. With each step, I took in the beauty of my beloved city, breathed in its crisp air and felt its energy flow through me. I crossed Ponte alla Carraia and looked over the edge to watch the water flow under my feet and head east. When I looked over at Ponte Santa Trinita and the Ponte Vecchio, I was overwhelmed with joy.
It still amazes me that such beauty can touch me so deeply. No matter what mood I’m in, my beloved city moves me to joy. Florence is my great teacher who constantly reminds me that love is always all around me, and that all I have to do is be open to it in order to receive it.
While I was working this afternoon in the outskirts of Paris, I caught a glimpse of my computer’s desktop image (which I attached to this post) and was moved once again. It’s a photo that I took of the Arno a couple of years ago while I was standing on the Ponte Vecchio. The sun is setting in the east above the Cestello and the water in the river is still, but reflecting the blue sky with hints of pink and purple.
I know that no matter where I am, my beloved city is with me. It continues to fill me with joy and reminds me to just keep opening my heart more and more each and every day. Even though I am not there now, my beloved city is always with me.
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