#majestytribe

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When I was a little girl growing up in a rough East Los Angeles neighborhood, I realized that we are shaped by our experiences. For better or worse, what we live through, with and in changes us. . In college I realized we have the power to choose what to marinate in, and I decided to surround myself with the people, places, books, art, music and experiences that would shape me into who I wanted to be, who I knew deep down inside I was: a goofy, joyful, multi-creative, inspired, nerdy, sassy beacon of light. . In the years that followed, I had many experiences, some beautifully uplifting, some tragically dark. . And what I keep going back to is this: . We get to decide what we marinate in. . We get to decide if we're going to consume books, TV shows, movies and art or be around people and places that light us up and inspire the depths of our being, or that bring us down and cause us to lose hope. . While we do well by staying informed of the reality of our times (which can be challenging), we also do well by taking note of what we need in order to function at our highest, to live vibrantly so that we have more to share and to give back. . So, let's really look at what we're marinating in, starting with where we are right now: . Look at the walls (or environment) around you. Check in with your body while you look around. What sensations arise? Do you tense up when you see certain things? Do you breathe deeper when you see other things? Listen to your inner whispers. What comes up? Is there anything in your space you want to appreciate more deeply? Anything you want to let go of? Anything new you want to bring in? . We can apply this process to every arena of our life to support our highest good, knowing that as we support ourself, we support our ability to shine brightly for the benefit of the world around us, and the world at large. . . . . . #innerverse #lightwarrior #risesisterrise #spiritualawakening #heartcentered #soulhealing #quotesoflife #whispersfrommotherearth #youarelight #everydaymagic #innerwisdom #rainbowcolors #colorheals #rainbowtribe #majestytribe #heartisttribe #denesa #denesaphoto #doesmarinatingmakeanyoneelsehungry?😂 #alltheyumniness (at Canterbury, New Zealand)

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"Power" As creatives, as women and as humans, we are taught that our capacity to help, to make a positive difference is severely limited. "I'm just one person," we're domesticated to think. "What can I do?" . The truth is that we have so much power, especially those of us with access to the kinds of devices that allow us to read this right now. We can and do impact those around us. And when we really accept that our choices make our lives what they are and spill over into helping countless others, we have a birth of conscience choice. . A well of love and desire to help has been building in me my whole life, but especially these past several days as I watch from afar my friends, chosen family and ohana on Hawaii Island deal with the challenges of volcanic rupture. . At first I felt powerless. Heartbroken. Distraught. What possible impact could we, who are miles away, have? . And then I rolled up my sleeves and got to work. . I'm making something special to help our sisters and brothers as they come to grips with loss, danger and putting the pieces back together. . I'll let you know when it's ready. . For now know this: You, I and WE are capable of helping, of making a tangible, real difference to real people right now. . Thank you for sharing this journey with me. It's time to shine our light even more brightly! Together we rise! . . . Photo © Denesa Chan. Thank you for not using without prior consent. Every print sold helps the ecosystem or species in the photo. . #puna #leilaniestates #prayforhawaii #tutupele #kilaueavolcano #prayforpuna #helphawaii #helppuna #helpbigisland #hawaiivolcanoesnationalpark #hvnp100 #hawaiivolcanoes #lava #pelegoddess #fireelement #weareallonepeople #peaceonearth #innerverse #lightwarrior #risesisterrise #spiritualawakening #heartcentered #soulhealing #majestytribe #heartisttribe #denesa #denesaphoto #creatingchangestartswithwillingness #youmattertomeandtotheworld #yourwholelifeisart🌺 (at Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park)

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What is self-care to you? . Is it lighting a candle? Playing music? Silly dancing in the living room? Sleeping in? Telling them what you really think? Reading a good book? Journaling? Meditating? Looking at yourself in the mirror and saying "Hello, gorgeous!"? Watching a sunset sky change colors? Feeling grass between your toes? Singing your heart out? Making a warm cup of tea? Listening in to your inner whispers? Setting firm boundaries? Loving the details of life? Belly laughing? Laugh-snort-laughing? Filling your home with beauty? Filling your work space with beauty? Making things with your hands? Making a difference in someone's life? Making a positive impact on our planet? Giving someone a heart-felt compliment? Really receiving a heart-felt compliment? Enjoying yummy nourishing foods? Giving yourself movement? Being present with yourself through the challenges, heartbreaks, loves and joys? Taking action on your dreams? Loving yourself through whatever comes next? Taking responsibility for your own happiness? Watering your seeds? Standing in your authentic power? Opening your heart to all the beauty, majesty and wonder of our Earth? . What is self-care to you, love? . Is it possible that nourishing ourself nourishes those we love as well as the planet? By shining our authentic brilliant light, we send ripples of yummy nourishment out into the world. . What nourishes you, love? . . . . . #majestytribe #heartisttribe #denesa #denesaphoto #risesisterrise #spiritualawakening #heartcentered #soulhealing #youarelight #womenempoweringwomen #everydaymagic #innerwisdom #inward #lookinside #gowithin #metime #nourishyourself #heartcentered #soultribe #weareallonepeople #peaceonearth #innerverse #lightwarrior #weareallonepeople #peaceonearth #innerverse #lightwarrior #dowhatmakesyoufeeldelisciouslyyummy #youareworthyofyourownloveandaffection #treatyourselflikealovedone💗 (at Ashburton, New Zealand)

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Aloha! Writing a proposal that refers heavily to the Big Island of Hawai'i, my heart drifts back to the last time I was there, photographing with my dad, who passed his love of the art form into my eager hands. . He made this image of me totally in my element: sun setting over the Southernmost point in the US, wind racing around me, heart overflowing with joy. . One of my deepest loves is to immerse myself in nature's majesty, mindful of her blissful presence with all my senses, and to express the essence of that place, that moment through my creative process. . And then to share it with you, sweetheart souls. . Huge gratitude and big love to you for riding these waves and walking this journey with me. 💜♥️💜 . . . . #majestytribe #heartisttribe #denesa #denesaphoto #natureconnection #motherearth #naturesgifts #powerofnature #naturespirit #naturemagic #whispersfrommotherearth #luckywelivehawaii #bigislandlove #bigislandhawaii #808lifestyle #heartcentered #soultribe #dowhatlightsyouup #lifestooamazingnottoembracetheeffoutofit😂 #thankyousweetsforbeingyouramazingself❤ #ecoconscious #naturephotographer #mothernaturesbeauty #naturesart #sacredearth #rewilding #connectwithnature (at South Point, Big Island, Hawaii)

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"Vibrancy" I’m back! I missed you, dear sweets. How are you? . I haven’t figured out how to reconcile the distance between wanting to be in touch with you loves daily vs. needing to be immersed in nature and my creative process far from cell reception for days or weeks on end. . If there’s anything I’ve learned from nature, it’s this: . We must nourish ourselves. . When we fill our well, do what lights us up, cradle ourselves in our own attention, our own time, our own light, we blossom. We radiate with our own warmth. We unfold into our inner creative vortex and marinate in its wisdom. . After intense soul-searching, light-working and plunging the depths, we bring the jewels of our discovery back to our tribe. We have ripe fruit for others to sink their teeth into and flowers to perfume their journey. . How do you find balance between you-time and screen-time? . . . This photo is available as a signed, limited-edition, eco-luxurious print which gives back to the incredible ecosystem and/or species in the photo. Reply in comments for info. . Photo and writing copyright Denesa Chan, all rights reserved. Feel free to share/repost as long as you include this copyright statement and tag @DenesaPhoto. Thank you for not using in other ways without prior written consent. I love collabs. DM me to get started. . . . . . #majestytribe #heartisttribe #denesa #denesaphoto #natureconnection #motherearth #naturesgifts #powerofnature #naturespirit #naturemagic #whispersfrommotherearth #risesisterrise #spiritualawakening #heartcentered #soulhealing #ecoconscious #naturephotographer #mothernaturesbeauty #naturesart #sacredearth #rewilding #rewildingforwomen #connectwithnature #rainbowcolors #colorheals #energyart #colortherapy #colorhealing #Icanstareatleavesforhours🌿 #justwanttorubmyfaceinthiscolor.isthatweird😂 (at Hawaii (island))

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“Dreamscape” The Milky Way floats above as fog and tree tops are illuminated in a surreal dance. . I am honored to have co-created this dreamscape in-camera from a single image in Mid-Canterbury. . Unlike almost all of my photos, I made this one in my literal back yard. . Beauty is all around us, waiting to be discovered and engaged with in each delicious moment. . Give yourself time to dream, to doodle, to wonder, to wander, to ponder, to breathe. . You deserve your own time and attention. . It is my deepest intention to create images that inspire, to elevate our moments, to dream bold, subtle, tantalizing new dreams, and I am filled with deep joy and gratitude for being part of the majestic process of wonderment. . Abundant New Moon dreams and light to you! Denesa . Travel Journal: Lush green forest hike yesterday to a cave & along the way discovered BLUE marble stones that were stacked in the most amazing way! The sun came out today, and my sheep friend baa'd at me and came over to say hello! What a cutie! We found a cool green insect, and we're at the beach now. Gav's kite surfing, and I'm enjoying the sun on my face while I devote myself to my work. Ah life! So delicious! Sunshine smiles to you all! . . . . . This photo is available as a signed, limited-edition, eco-luxurious print which gives back to the incredible ecosystem and/or species in the photo. Reply in comments for info. . Photo and writing copyright Denesa Chan, all rights reserved. Feel free to share/repost as long as you include this copyright statement and tag @DenesaPhoto. Thank you for not using in other ways without prior written consent. I love collabs. DM me to get started. . . . #newmoonmagic #newmoonenergy #newmoonintentions #newmoonwishes #lunarmagic #milkywaygalaxy #nightscaper #natureconnection #motherearth #naturesgifts #powerofnature #naturespirit #naturemagic #whispersfrommotherearth #newmoonmagic #newmoonenergy #newmoonintentions #newmoonwishes #lunarmagic #dreamscapes #milkywaygalaxy #natgeospace #astrophoto #majestytribe #heartisttribe #denesa #denesaphoto #wearethedreamers #snugglethebeautyofthegalaxy

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"Flourish" The sun has come back out in the north part of the South Island, where we're visiting family and friends in Nelson. . Home cooked meals, yoga on the beach, fresh peppermint tea from the garden, playing with the kids cat and dog, long conversations into the night, and family similarities that cross hemispheres. . I feel my leaves unfolding, turning to the light, pulsing with green vibrancy like this iconic New Zealand fern that greeted me on a rainforest hike last year. . Whatever gives us that flourishing feeling, let's do more of that. When we thrive, we have so much more to give to our world. As we rise, we elevate those around us. . Some say life is too short not to live while we're here. I say life's too lusciously gorgeous, too blissfully delicious, too full of delightful magic not to pull it close, listen to the music of its heartbeat, touch its satin skin and dive into the galaxies swirling in its eyes. . . . . . This photo is available as a signed, limited-edition, eco-luxurious print which gives back to the incredible ecosystem and/or species in the photo. Reply in comments for info. . Photo and writing copyright Denesa Chan, all rights reserved. Feel free to share/repost as long as you include this copyright statement and tag @DenesaPhoto. Thank you for not using in other ways without prior written consent. I love collabs. DM me to get started. . . #majestytribe #heartisttribe #denesa #denesaphoto #ecoconscious #naturephotographer #mothernaturesbeauty #naturesart #sacredearth #rewilding #connectwithnature #risesisterrise #spiritualawakening #raiseyourvibration #followyourbliss #heartcentered #soulhealing #soultribe #southislandnz #southisland #newzealand #purenewzealand #nzmustdo #purenz @purenewzealand @beautiful.newzealand @newzealandvacations @newzealandguide @wonderlust_newzealand @new_zealand_imagery @earthpixnz @southislandnz @wonderlust_newzealand @southislandpics @gottalovenz @destinationnz @christchurchnz @airnz @earthpix @earthfocus @awesome.geography @nikonnz @landscape_joy @awesome.pix @awesome_earthpix @earthandwaterpassion #metime #nourishyourself #unfolding #heartcentered #openheart #justwanttorubmyfaceallupinlife😂🌿 (at Milford Sound)

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"Explore" Wow! We're on the road again after a wonderful day and a half in Kaikoura. . (Travel journal and phone snapshots at end.) . We're heading up the East coast of NZ's South Island right now. The warm sunny Summer is turning to Winter on this gorgeously moody, rainy day, and my mind drifts to last Winter here and to this photograph I created in collaboration with the Tasman glacial lake in the Aoraki Mount Cook National Park with its stunning turquoise waters, snowy peaks and sculptural icebergs. . I just looked up its title, and holy chills-down-my-spine! Several months ago, I named this image "explore." It's as if the titles are self-fulfilling prophetic love letters from a well-lived future full of wondrous surprises. . Travel Journal: On the road: the coastal town of Kaikoura that was completely cut off by the 2016 earthquake. In those dark days, the locals chose to weave color (literally) through the streets of their town. I can't love that enough. ❤️ . We found this lil ocean-smoothed driftwood cutie chewing on a rock. 😍 . On the way, we sat with Fur Seals in the wild. I laid down on a rock near where they were lazing to put them at ease. I don't know if it worked, but they let us get a stone's throw from the sweetest fur seal baby. Oh those big round eyes. Took all I had not to cuddle it. . . . . This photo is available as a signed, limited-edition, eco-luxurious print which gives back to the incredible ecosystem and/or species in the photo. Reply in comments for info. . Photo and writing copyright Denesa Chan, all rights reserved. Feel free to share/repost as long as you include this copyright statement and tag @DenesaPhoto. Thank you for not using in other ways without prior written consent. I love collabs. DM me to get started. . . #majestytribe #heartisttribe #denesa #denesaphoto #southislandnz #southisland #newzealand #purenewzealand #nzmustdo #purenz #unfolding #heartcentered #openheart #ecoconscious #naturephotographer #mothernaturesbeauty #naturesart #sacredearth #connectwithnature #youarelight #womenempoweringwomen #elevatetheeveryday #everydaymagic #innerwisdom #youarelight #womenempoweringwomen #gettingchillswiththrills (at Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park)

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On the road again! We've set off for the North half of the South Island! . Ah! I am most alive in nature. My full radiance has the space and time to shine out from deep within me. . Nourished by the rhythm of waves north of Christchurch, cradled by the dunes beside me, a peace-full excitement dances me to its music. There is so much to be grateful for. . Thank you to the original Wild Thang @pelesdollymama for making this photo of me in my element on the Wear Coast of the Big Island (Hawaii), and huge love to you all! . . . . . #majestytribe #heartisttribe #luckywelivehawaii #bigislandlove #bigislandhawaii #808lifestyle #denesa #denesaphoto #oceanlove #oceanvibes #oceanphotography #oceantherapy #sacred ocean #sacredwater #inward #lookinside #gowithin #metime #nourishyourself #youarelight #elevatetheeveryday #everydaymagic #innerwisdom #motherearth #naturesgifts #powerofnature #naturespirit #naturemagic #whispersfrommotherearth #yellowslywisjestoyouall☀️ (at Two Step Beach Hawaii)

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It is the birthright of every being on our Earth to be bathed in the unimaginable beauty of nature. . Yes, including you, you gorgeous light! You've done enough. You are enough. You don't have to earn the right to enjoy life. . You deserve to marinate in blissful lusciousness every single day, to be serenaded by orchestras of leaves dancing in the wind, to be scooped up and held by the vibrancy of a sunset, to be kissed by soft subtle snowflakes and warmed by the glow of auroras, to be massaged by a sky full of stars and rocked to sleep by the brilliant embrace of the moon. . These are my wishes for you this day and all days, dear one. . . . . #majestytribe #heartisttribe #denesa #denesaphoto #rainbowcolors #colorheals #rainbowtribe #quotesoflife #magicquotes #whispersfrommotherearth #risesisterrise #spiritualawakening #spiritualgrowth #raiseyourvibration #followyourbliss #heartcentered #soulhealing #soultribe #risesisterrise #spiritualawakening #spiritualgrowth #raiseyourvibration #followyourbliss #heartcentered #soulhealing #soultribe #youdonthavetoearntherighttosoakupnaturesbeauty💚 #thereisamazingbeautyineverymoment🌺 (at New Zealand)

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"Hearth" You know that cozy, safe, swaddled in warmth feeling of sharing a rambling conversation and a warm home cooked meal with someone who really gets you, while sitting around a hearth fire? . Yes, that's the secret, sacred intimacy that spoke to me the night I photographed this liquid lava dripping with heat onto the black volcanic rock that surrounded it, whispering simply "Welcome home." . It's amazing what whispers we hear when we stop and are truly present with the flow of life. I'm so grateful for our world. . . . This photo is available as a signed, limited-edition, eco-luxurious print which gives back to the incredible ecosystem and/or species in the photo. Reply in comments for info. . Photo + writing © Denesa Chan, all rights reserved. Feel free to share/repost as long as you include this copyright statement + tag @DenesaPhoto. Thank you for not using in other ways without prior written consent. I love collabs. DM me. . . . #majestytribe #heartisttribe #denesa #denesaphoto #hawaiivolcanoesnationalpark #hvnp100 #hawaiivolcanoes #lava #pelegoddess #fireelement #firetribe #lavaocean #luckywelivehawaii #bigislandlove #bigislandhawaii #808lifestyle #natureconnection #motherearth #naturesgifts #powerofnature #naturespirit #naturemagic #whispersfrommotherearth #ecoconscious #naturephotographer #mothernaturesbeauty #naturesart #sacredearth #connectwithnature #mothernatureisonthephone...itsforyou😂 (at Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park)

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"River of Life" The veins of a of broadleaf pulse with life-giving water, connecting every cell with vital nourishment. . I've always loved staring deeply into leaves. They are a beautiful reminder, a microcosm showing us that we are all cells in a vibrant whole, our lives intertwined in a vast network of interdepedence. . What happens to one affects us all. We may seem like seperate beings with very different forms: a tree, a jackrabbit, a jellyfish, an elephant, a woman, an elder, but we have more in common than we may think. . We are... all of us... made of stars. We are, all of us, deeply connected. We are, all of us, profoundly impacted by and have a profound impact on every other life. We are, all of us, members of a global tribe. When one rises, we all rise. . Shine on, bright ones! Together we rise! . . . . . This photo is available as a signed, limited-edition, eco-luxurious print which gives back to the incredible ecosystem and/or species in the photo. Reply in comments for info. . Photo + writing © Denesa Chan, all rights reserved. Feel free to share/repost as long as you include this copyright statement + tag @DenesaPhoto. Thank you for not using in other ways without prior written consent. I love collabs. DM me. . . #majestytribe #heartisttribe #ecoconscious #naturephotographer #mothernaturesbeauty #naturesart #sacredearth #rewilding #connectwithnature #natureconnection #motherearth #naturesgifts #powerofnature #naturespirit #naturemagic #denesa #denesaphoto #interconnected #weareallonepeople #peaceonearth #innerverse #lightwarrior #risesisterrise #spiritualawakening #heartcentered #soulhealing #soultribe #wearemadeofstars #itstimetobloom #iseeyoushiningbrightlikethestaryouare! (at Hawaii)

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"Birth" Molten lava appears to float in mid air as it pours into the ocean, forming an ethereal pre-dawn mist as the Kilauea volcano expands the Big Island of Hawaii, giving birth to new land. . I hiked to the lava flow in the cool darkness of early morning, under a sky alight with stars. . Although beautiful, the plume emitted from lava is made up of hazardous gases like sulphur dioxide, carbon monoxide, heavy metals and tiny pieces of silicone and lava rock that can be deadly. . With that in mind, I took my trusty gas mask, studied the wind before and during the hike and made sure to stay tuned into my surroundings at all times. . Despite the danger, it was a huge honor to witness this incredible birthing process and marvel at the unfathomable power of nature to create a world of beauty. . . . . This photo is available as a signed, limited-edition, eco-luxurious print which gives back to the incredible ecosystem and/or species in the photo. Reply in comments for info. . Photo + writing © Denesa Chan, all rights reserved. Feel free to share/repost as long as you include this copyright statement + tag @DenesaPhoto. Thank you for not using in other ways without prior written consent. I love collabs. DM me. . . . #majestytribe #heartisttribe #hawaiivolcanoesnationalpark #hvnp100 #hawaiivolcanoes #lava #pelegoddess #fireelement #whispersfrommotherearth #lavaocean #denesa #denesaphoto #luckywelivehawaii #bigislandlove #bigislandhawaii #808lifestyle #ecoconscious #naturephotographer #mothernaturesbeauty #naturesart #sacredearth #risesisterrise #connectwithnature #natureconnection #motherearth #naturesgifts #powerofnature #naturespirit #naturemagic #myjobissosteamy😂🔥 (at Kilauea Volcano)

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Everything we do, every experience we've had, every little moment of connection is art. ✨🎨🌈🎨✨ YOU are art, inside and out. . ❤💛💚💙💜💗 . Thank you for filling my world with your beauty. ✨🌈🙏🌈✨ . . . . . #majestytribe #heartisttribe #rainbowcolors #colorheals #rainbowtribe #risesisterrise #spiritualawakening #spiritualgrowth #raiseyourvibration #followyourbliss #heartcentered #soulhealing #soultribe #denesa #denesaphoto #quotesoflife #magicquotes #whispersfrommotherearth #unfolding #openheart #yupeventhewayyouchewyourfoodisart🎨 #ourscarsarealsoart (at Ashburton, New Zealand)

[denesaphoto]

"Weightless" The full moon hangs in mid-air, fresh with ease in New Zealand's South Island. . We were on our way to visit Gav's parents when we rounded a corner and this magnificence stared into us. . I photographed in quiet disbelief, ripe with gratitude for having been going by this incredible scene at this exact moment from this exact vantage point. . I lingered, listening to the birds settle in for the night, miniature waves lapping on the shore, a refreshing chill kissing my cheeks. . And before long I was filled with a subtle ease, a weightlessness, a deep, round breath. . We deserve the love we work so hard to give to the world. We deserve our own time and attention. We deserve the ease and bounty of the full moon. . Sending you all full moon wishes for that gentle ease and boundless inner space. . . . . #majestytribe #heartisttribe #southislandnz #southisland #purenewzealand #nzmustdo #purenz #ecoconscious #naturephotographer #mothernaturesbeauty #naturesart #sacredearth #connectwithnature #natureconnection #motherearth #naturesgifts #powerofnature #naturespirit #naturemagic #risesisterrise #lightworker #highvibe #denesa #denesaphoto #ourmoonissoamazingitblowsmyfreakinmind #ourgorgeousmoonissooutofthisworld😂badpun😂 #fullmoonmagic #wisewomanway #lunarmagic #fullmoonblessings (at South Island)

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"Primordial" A thick firehose of lava pours out of a cliff into the ocean below as the sun prepares to rise. Because of the extreme temperature difference between the molten lava (about 2,000F or 1,100C) and the sea (about 74F or 23C), at the moment of contact, the lava explodes into black sand and rock, flying into the sky along with a plume of steam and gasses. It was a profound honor to stand in a little boat in the vast swaying ocean, witnessing the larger-than-life primordial forces that shaped our planet as they give birth to new land on the Big Island of Hawai'i. ... 🎉 Today marks the 10th anniversary of the continuous eruption of our beloved Kilauea volcano! Happy 10th birthday! 🎉🤙🔥🎉 Mahalo nui loa (huge thanks from the heart) for inspiring us to move with the heat of passion in the direction of our dreams. ✨✨✨ . . . . . #majestytribe #heartisttribe #ecoconscious #naturephotographer #mothernaturesbeauty #naturesart #sacredearth #rewilding #connectwithnature #natureconnection #motherearth #naturesgifts #luckywelivehawaii #bigislandlove #bigislandhawaii #denesa #denesaphoto #hawaiivolcanoesnationalpark #lava #pelegoddess #fireelement #firetribe #lavaocean #powerofnature #naturemagic #hawaiivolcanoes #kilauea #hvnp100 #soextremelygratefulicouldmelt🔥 #yupanotherpun😂 (at Kalapana Lava Flow)