"For things to reveal themselves to us,
we need to be ready
to abandon our views about them."
Zen Master
I love this phrase because it helps me let go of all preconceived ideas
of what I think things are and how they should be.
With an empty mind and an abstract eye,
I'm able to enter into the essence of a subject.
The image above was taken down by the lake, and what drew me in completely
were the gorgeous dancing reflections on the side of the boat
created by the moving water.
I stayed in this spot for a long moment, just immersing myself
in the beauty and aliveness of what was before me.
Wavy reflections
and a contemplative mood
All yellow and blue
It was a windy day and the colourful bunting drew my attention
towards the sky.
There's something incredibly joyful about bunting flapping in the wind,
don't you think?
It's true, when we abandon our views
things are revealed to us in a truly magical way.
I think abandoning preconceived ideas is very wise. When I do so, I am free to understand anew. Your boat reflections are wonderful. I would be mesmerized by the moving water and the reflections, too.
ReplyDeleteYes, emptying our minds of this and that and just enjoying what we see and allowing ourselves to be touched by it.
DeleteThat is a wonderful quote and yes to not getting caught up in preconceived thoughts. These are wonderful Sandra, love the complimentary colors and the reflections. Beautiful edits. At first when I read your title and saw the boat I was afraid you were having flooding. Talk about preconceived thoughts!
ReplyDeleteWell I am indeed grateful that we are not having flooding like so many parts of the world with the constant rain. We are finally getting winter here with snow flurries.
DeleteI need to print this quote and keep it on my refrigerator....It's so easy to get caught up in preconceived ideas and miss new ideas and new ways of seeing things.....What could make better photographs than boats and water....wonderful captures....
ReplyDeleteYes, Nancy, boats and water are often fascinating subjects and are ever-changing thanks to the light and time of year.
DeleteMagical shots and a wonderful quote.
ReplyDeleteWater is so inspirational, isn't it? I know you love it too!
DeleteFab post, as ever Sandra. Good quote too. xxx
ReplyDeleteAh yes, Thay always gets to the heart of the matter, doesn't he, in a few simple words. That's exactly what I would like to do too -- and sometimes manage! This week I was shooting reflections too with the same experience as you. I love your blue and yellow one -- it's stunning.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sherry. I would imagine that you have many wonderful opportunities to study reflections with all your times on a boat!
DeleteYou have a good eye for the unusual - such bright clear photos of the watery reflections.
ReplyDeleteWater is such a fascinating element, Elaine, because it's forever changing!
DeleteI had that experience yesterday. I made myself stay in one place and really soak up the view, the environment and I was greatly blessed. Learning to slow down, it is such a hard lesson to learn.
ReplyDeleteYes, soaking up what we see is really gratifying. I love doing it on small details I see without taking in the whole picture. Thank you for popping in and leaving a comment!
DeleteOh Sandra, this is such a beautiful post, both the words and the images. I cherish the moments when I find something like the reflections that draw me in and captivate my attention. In those few quiet moments of watching I feel such peace.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Cathy. There is something so peaceful in calm water and dancing reflections, isn't there?
DeleteHow lovely! I love your message as well. I find it so interesting because I've recently run across this concept a couple of times. If we can let go of judgements and remain judgement free, the positive side effects are enormous.
ReplyDeleteKate :}
Thanks, Kate. Follow the link to Thich Nhat Hanh and maybe you will find a gentle philosophy that goes with how you feel.
DeleteThis is indeed very true, Sandra, and what wonderful photographs you captured here. I especially love the first one. Very relaxing.
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful weekend!
So nice to have you visit, Lisa! I loved being in the atmosphere of that first image too. The moving patterns and shadows on the side of that boat were simply fascinating!
Deletesuch lovely images
ReplyDeleteand reminders of being still and letting life offer itself anew
thank you
Thank you, Tammie. You've got it perfectly!
DeleteYes, it's so important to let go of preconceptions -- in photography and life. Your images capture that so well, Sandra. Your lake image is lovely and really speaks to me.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Gina. The best position we can take as much as possible is that by being neutral. In photography, I love getting into an abstract frame of mind which allows me to see things completely differently.
DeleteWhat a wonderful quotation..I will be saving that one and keep it where I can see it! I love the dancing reflections also!
ReplyDeleteLetting go of our preconceived views really does open us up for seeing and finding wonderful things!
Thanks, Mary. Yes, some quotations really hit home, don't they?
DeleteI like any water reflections as you can see things differently, these are lovely shots especially the first one.
ReplyDeletehope you have a lovely day.
Tenderness...beauty..life..
ReplyDeleteAll along
Even with these objects :) Cheers!
Thank you for your sweet visit!
DeleteWhat a timely reminder. Thank you!
ReplyDelete