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Unfocused

January 14, 2008

susan_preston_nelsonatkins.jpg

Unfocused ~ Canon 30d

When words become unclear, I shall focus with photographs. When images become inadequate, I shall be content with silence.

~ Ansel Adams


The blurred focus was intentional in this image, which was shot inside the Bloch Building of the Nelson Atkins Museum in Kansas City a few weeks ago. I just loved the way the hard angles in the architecture and the museum guard melted into each other, creating a feeling of peaceful airiness.

The world-famous architect, Mies van der Rohe, once famously said, "God is in the details." True. But god can also be found in the silent space of a sacred pause.

I realize this might sound a bit odd, but I think dying might look a lot like this picture. I intend to fade to white, not to black. I imagine a happy blur into Loving Presence ~ a sort of holy silence. Can you imagine passing freely through this world into the soft focus of oneness? I can!

Posted by vincent at January 14, 2008 06:27 PM

Comments

What a lovely description Susan... passing freely through this world into the soft focus on oneness. What a beautiful thought to start my day. Blessings to you.

Posted by: jayne at January 15, 2008 06:33 AM

Thanks for that Susan. That was inspirational. I, for one, don't think it is odd to think about death. That is what the entire book of Ecclesiastes is about. "Vanity of vanities" is this life if you do not move through it mindfully. Lest that day take you "unawares".

Bob

Posted by: Bob at January 15, 2008 12:25 PM

I agree with you. Thanks for sharing it and the quote too.

Posted by: yolanda at January 15, 2008 01:25 PM

Beautiful, Susan. Thank you for such a lovely description........ I hope I die that way. The photo is wonderful........... soft edges and bright light. Thanks

Posted by: janet at January 15, 2008 04:04 PM

mmmmm...yes...me too

one of my focus areas for the new year is stillness...becoming a student of stillness...because what you say about God being in the pause is becoming more and more true for me so i want to create more of those moments of pause & stillness.

Posted by: la vie en rose at January 16, 2008 02:45 PM