26 November 2012

walkabout

helloooooo...


this pic is inspired by a talk I recently heard from Pema Chödrön
where she gave the image of intense emotion as the water raging in a river.

becoming swept along *in* the water is a form of distraction,

while observing the water (emotion) from the riverbank
actually allows us to connect and *be with* it.

many of us are conditioned to believe it's the other way 'round.
as if we're not truly feeling an emotion if its intensity doesn't envelop our whole being.

we are human, we slip into the river from time to time
and get bounced around on the river rocks.
in simply becoming aware of this
we see that we have the choice to come ashore
and in doing so, allow ourselves
to also see and possibly release whatever is drawing or holding us in the water,
be it fear of the emotion itself, guilt, unhealthy habit, beliefs, etc.,
and see the whole of the situation more fully and compassionately.
(my interpretation)



a wish for us all.


in and out.

2 comments:

ethiopifinn said...

I was just thinking that sometimes the river is not rushing, and one can float along down, resting on air, enjoying the river's bends. That is, soaking feet and seat and trailing fingers, stopping to submerge in the coolness of the waters as it moves you while you are in it. In. It.

It's a glimpse at the other side of the coin, I guess. Some like the raging rapids, some a meandering slow float, and others like to observe the light reflecting on the water from a bankside perch. Yet all are ways to experience the river.

Love you!

mella said...

Love *you* EthioPFinn! So happy you stopped by and shared your glimpse of the other side - enjoying that imagery - it and you are just so lovely...
I miss you.
xo