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Wisps

May 02, 2006

ph_may_wsp1.jpg

Vincent Whispers ~ Canon 30d

There may be a great fire in our soul, yet no one ever comes to warm himself at it, and the passers-by see only a wisp of smoke.
~ Vincent Van Gogh, a tender soul.

This one is so simple compared to the other incense pictures. I feel as though the ripples have calmed on the surface of the water when I look at it. It's not a bad symbol to meditate upon when trying to calm the cyclone that is my mind. We're so busy shuffling thoughts about this and that, obsessing about ourselves, failing to recognize the glorious fires burning in the souls surrounding us.

During the meditation class I attend each Wednesday night, I find this peaceful spot as the mental chatter quiets down... and although there are a few hundred people surrounding me ~ some in whicker chairs, others perched atop their peaceful pillows ~ everyone is so still, so quiet. I almost feel like I'm alone, in a sacred space surrounded by candles. And, then Tara taps her bell. I open my eyes, and I realize all those candles surrounding me? They're people.

Posted by vincent at May 2, 2006 04:06 PM

Comments

I am loving the wispy smoke photos. They're beautiful. And your thoughts are profound. I know the exact feeling you're talking about in this post. I experience it on Monday nights at a friend's house where we participate in "Soaking". It's a very similar experience. There are usually only 10-20 of us though. I love it.

Posted by: candy at May 2, 2006 10:45 PM

A lovely image, but your words have inspired me to try to see all people, even criminals and certain government officials as bright, glowing candles. This must be the hardest work that practice entails. Some days I think I'm getting close, and then it's gone.

Posted by: jzr at May 3, 2006 03:34 PM

wow! powerful thought. that's one of the reasons i love this bloggin' world...it's a chance to see the light of so many precious candles...

Posted by: la vie en rose at May 3, 2006 04:43 PM

jzr ~

yeah, that's really difficult. It's the part of lovingkindness meditation that you sometimes have to enter into carefully... especially if you've been terribly wounded by someone. I do believe it's possible, though.

Posted by: Susan at May 3, 2006 06:45 PM

Tomorrow, I will make a point of recognizing all the glorious fires burning in the souls around me.

Posted by: Lynn at May 4, 2006 02:10 AM

Make the reservations for October. Call.

Souls as candles. How beautiful. Your meditation prayer has changed my prayer and meditation time.

Posted by: janet at May 8, 2006 03:19 PM