The skill of observing involves using all of the senses, as appropriate, to find out about the characteristics, properties and attributes of objects, places and events. Observations can be made directly with the senses or indirectly through the use of instruments that extend our capacity to observe.
Ritva Sillanmäki invites an exploration of “Taking the mundane and shining a different light on it. Highlighting an object or scene that we normally pass by without notice, and making it something special. This process allows us to appreciate the beauty and significance of everyday things that often go overlooked. By giving attention to these ordinary elements, we can find inspiration and joy in the simple moments of life”.
I once read that a photograph of a peanut taken at a distance is just an image of a peanut. A photograph of a peanut that fills the image space is art.
This week Albatz Travel Adventures (Elizabatz) invites photographers to offer examples of diptych, two images placed in proximity to one another, forming a pair. She notes: “to make a successful pairing there should be several things in common, and something very different, contrasting”.
I wish to thank Elizabeth for introducing me to the word diptych. Earlier this week, I also became acquainted with the word, polyglots, “individuals who can speak several languages – usually having a grasp of at least somewherebetween 3-5 languages.
Imagine the dimension of time as a vertical line. Place yourself in the present on that line with the past above you and the future below you. Establish yourself in time. See all your ancestors that have come before you. The youngest generation of your ancestors is your parents. All of them are above you on this line of time. Then below you, see all your dependents, your children, your grandchildren, and all their future descendants. If you have no children, your descendants are the people you have touched in your life, and all the people they in turn influence.
In you are both your blood ancestors and your spiritual ancestors. You touch the presence of your father and mother in each cell of your body. They are truly in you, along with your grandparents and great-grandparents. Doing this, you realize their continuation. You may have thought that your ancestors no longer existed, but even scientist will say that they are present in you, in your genetic heritage, which is in every cell of your body.
Look into a plum tree. In each plum on the tree there is a pit. That pit contains the plum tree and all previous generations of plum tree. The plum pit contains an eternity of plum trees. Inside the pit is an intelligence and wisdom that knows how to become a plum tree, how to produce branches, leaves, flowers, and plums. It cannot do this on its own. It can only do this because it has received the experience and heritage of so many generations of ancestors. You are the same. ~Thich Nhat Hanh (No Death, No Fear, 137-138)
This posting was created in memory of Dustin, Bob, Elberta, Donna, Chris, Larry, Margaret, Thella, John, Clive, and Jeff who all live on within the lives of my beloved.
You must be logged in to post a comment.