We drove down this track last weekend, to visit the secluded beach of Seacliff, in East Lothian. We took several wrong turnings, and got hopelessly lost several times before rounding the corner to this view. The Bass Rock gleaming in the Firth of Forth beckoned us forward. The beach was just through this arch, round the corner and down the track. This view led us forwards, knowing we were on the right track…..and you can see some views of the beach we reached on my earlier post ‘Breath of the sea’.
Things which entice and encourage us forwards are so important, they can help to motivate, focus and reassure us. Like little beacons in the dark unknown, they illuminate and show us the path. We can begin to feel certainty in the midst of uncertainty, just because of these tangible, visible markers. They confirm we are heading in the right direction, even when we feel utterly lost.
“Do not seek to bring things to pass in accordance with your wishes, but wish for them as they are, and you will find them.” Epictetus C5th.
He reminds us that sometimes the best way forward, especially if we are lost, is to stop trying to find what we think should be there, and to start seeing what’s actually there. Once we had spotted the Bass Rock we knew we could relax and just follow the track.
To see more ideas on the weekly photo theme of ‘forward‘ click the link.
breathofgreenair 
This is a great photo! Nice exposure and composition. It just pulls me in to the picture.
Thanks for the compliment…I was so pleased I got my husband to stop so I could capture it. I took lots of different exposures and this is the one which made it onto the blog 🙂
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Wow – this is a stunning composition!
Thanks….I love it when a composition comes together 🙂 loved your photos of fun in the snow.
This is beautiful! I’ve never been to Scotland…but hope to visit some day!
I’m biased of course, but it has so much stunning and varied scenery, that it would be a shame not to visit! Where do you live?
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Gorgeous!
Thanks 🙂
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Wow … terrific photo. I loved it when I first saw it as a thumbnail on my reader. That’s a stunner. D
Thanks so much…..as soon as I saw the arch I had to stop and take some shots 🙂
Awesome composition…light and shade at its best
Thanks Carl, coming from you that’s awesome feedback 🙂 your shots are always amazing.
Your so welcome, and thank you as well.
BTW…It would make a great painting as well
Yeah if I ever get round to picking up the paintbrush again it will be top of my pile to paint 🙂
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just lovely!
Great composition and great location! It really makes you want to go there… now. The light on the rock is beckoning!
Thanks Ann-Christine…..it was indeed beckoning us on. It’s such an iconic landmark, and it gleams beautifully in the sunlight because its white 🙂
Worry begins when we look beyond the present. We can dream forward and walk the long road ahead.
Such a good point….worry is always about what might happen, not about the present and what’s actually unfolding around us. It’s great to remember this when we tumble into anxiety. Staying in the present is a powerful tool 🙂
beautiful view of a world in front of us …always there but can be missed if we look too hard, rather than trusting the next step
Great picture!
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what a stunning picture.
Thanks 🙂 as soon as we saw the arch I knew it would be a good picture, but it turned out even better than I’d hoped.
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This photo feels like an invitation to explore…
Indeed, it beckoned us on through the arch and into the sunshine….
Great composition and I liked your narrative too. Good post.
Thanks Lynne. I has to make my husband stop the car as soon as I saw this arch framing the Bass Rock away in the distance. He was a bit reluctant as we had spent the past half hour lost and driving up dead ends. However when he saw the photo he forgave me 🙂
Loved your post and the photo!
Thanks Tina, I love it when a photo I’ve just taken fits a challenge so perfectly 🙂
What a beautiful location! And a great picture.
Thank you Bernice, the coastline along East Lothian is one of my favourite places. On winters days its great for waking miles along the edge of the ocean, and on summer days the golden sand is perfect for resting and watching 🙂
Sounds wonderful!!!
What a great shot! Even though it seems to be winter there (from the lack of leaves), it appears to be an inviting place to wander around and discover…. coming from the winter doldrums here in Virginia, USA. P.S. Looking forward to a Scotland trip this August – my first time there.
You’re right, it’s definitely winter….I took these shots last weekend 🙂
But you’re also right about how inviting this woodland is, especially on a sunny day. You can read a little more about this ancient woodlands history on my previous post ‘the sun kissed the earth’, if you’re interested. Where about in Scotland are you visiting in August?
Near Findhorn… for a writer’s retreat… can’t wait.
Oh Findhorn is an amazing part of Scotland….and such a wonderful community of creative people….you will love it I’m sure.