May I tell you a story?
Soon after I moved to Kodiak, Alaska in 1984, I was having coffee with my new friend, Peggy. We sat on bar stools in her kitchen, nibbled on oatmeal cookies, and watched boats go by. This was our first, face-to-face meeting: I worked on research ships and tug boats, so we’d only spoken by ship-to-shore radio. Twice a day, I sent my weather observations to her by radio while on watch in the wheelhouse.
We talked about salmon harvests and weather; gratitude and friendship. Then she leaned forward and asked, “Marion, what do you think about reincarnation?”
I was stunned. Not because of her question. Because of the timing.
For years I’d been searching for answers to questions like “What is the meaning of life?” and “Why am I here?” Reading books and attending various churches.
“I’ll be right back,” Peggy said. When she returned, she handed me a copy of Autobiography of a Yogi, by Paramahansa Yogananda. “You need to read this,” she said.
And so began my journey to understanding what is really important in life. For everyone, whether you realize it now or not. Whether in this life or another lifetime.
“Awake! Sleep no more. Don’t continue to be one of the millions who stumble haplessly through life in a delusion-imposed stupor, unmindful of their purpose and potential! Often it is only when persons become afflicted with poverty or disease, and outer material methods of maintaining healthy, prosperity, and happiness fail, that they begin to see other means of release from their troubles.”— Paramahansa Yogananda
I created this “Insights” page to share special photographs, people encounters, and ah-ha moments I’ve experienced.
My hope is that your journey is made a little lighter and brighter as a result.
Blessings to you,
P.S. To this day, Peggy and I have remained best of friends.
“There is a magnet in your heart that will attract true friends. That magnet is unselfishness, thinking of others first; when you learn to live for others, they will live for you.”
― Paramahansa Yogananda
I’m Marion Owen. I work, relax, and love life in Kodiak, Alaska. I’ve worked on research ships, created photographs that hang in The Smithsonian, given up cheese and meat, and enjoy watching bumblebees and snowflakes. And somewhere along the line, I co-authored the New York Times bestseller, Chicken Soup for the Gardener’s Soul. I’m learning how to not do too much. To be authentic, embrace joy, and not burn the oatmeal.
Thank you for being here,
