"When you relinquish, then you will expand."
~Zen master Dennis Genpo Merzel
So simple, yet, for most of us, so far beyond our reach! One of those, 'easier said than done' kinds of things. It goes right along with the concept of living in the moment. There is another saying I've read that holds the same principle (at least, in my eyes, it does), and that is, something to the effect that, when you empty the bowl only then can you fill it. I think it is also akin to an open heart and an open mind.
In meditation practice, our greatest challenge is to quiet that 'monkey mind' of ours. All that chatter and dialogue that is constantly going on in our heads. When you can get to that state where the mind can be still, the magic begins. That peaceful flow of energy that enters your body, mind and spirit. In that moment, it is as though your feet are firmly planted on the ground while the rest of you reaches out to infinity. All at the same time. It's hard to get there, as we tend to carry everything with us! Yet, the simple act of relinquishing, of accepting what is and expecting nothing more is what transports us there.
I truly believe that when one is successful at letting go, at relinquishing to the Universe, it is then that the harsh edges of life soften and give way to more positive, loving experiences.
Yes, I know...easier said than done!
It is our life's work.
"Everything that we see is a shadow cast by that which we do not see." (Martin Luther King)
Every week, a group of us from around the world post our shadow shots over at Shadow Shot Sunday 2. Entertain your muse and be amused by stopping by to see what others have posted! You can view all of my 2011 Shadow Shot Sunday images on my Flickr account.
Click here to view them.
13 comments:
Such a crisp, sharp shadow shot for the day, Paula! And wise words that we can all use!! Enjoy your weekend!!
The world outside can be busy and brusque - we get caught ip in it speed so much that we forget to pull back and gather our thoughts - only then can solutions be examined and a charted course be pursued. Half full is always the case if we relax our minds a bit...great shadows - it looks almost as if it is a chessboard, which is perfect for your theme. In chess, moves are not quick but studied...Excellent post!
Monkey Mind....
THAT is the problem ~ you hit it on the head Paula :)
Ah, mindfulness. I guess it must take a lot of practice, and is indeed our life's work.
Yes, beautiful composition, excellent play of light, shadows and lines. Greetings.
love that grid pattern......
Love how the grid of shadows has soft shadows in each shape! Lovely angle!
superb shadow shot!
Fantastic shot Paula!
Shadow of Snowman
Have a lovely weekend. Come and drop me a line or two when you get a chance.
your post reminds me of this...
"we are cups constantly and quietly being filled. the trick is, knowing when to tip ourselves over, and let the beautiful stuff out" ray bradbury
great post paula...and fun shadow shot for today.
You post inspired me...
'The purpose of art is washing the dust of daily life off our souls.'
Pablo Picasso
Wonderful shadow you captured there.
Letting go isn't easy for me, but I'm ready to begin.
I can't believe that you've posted about letting go. I'm actually working on a post now (to come out in a couple of weeks) on how to learn to let go of your anger. Something I found difficult to achieve in my younger years. Thank you for this lovely post.
Greetings from London.
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