Monday, March 15, 2010

Reflection - In the Park


Bright sunshine, frost on the grass and daffodils waving in the wind are what I see on my way to the park this morning. But it's what I don't see at the park that makes today different. And it's not until I cross the bridge over the lake that I get it.

Here's what I don't see...waves, ripples or birds bobbing for fish. What I do see is the blue sky, puffy white clouds and trees that surround the lake mirrored in its surface.

I see reflection and stillness. I think about that word...reflection. What does it really mean? The dictionary definition of reflection is to bend or throw back light, sound or heat; to give back an image, mirror or reproduce; the fixing of the mind on a subject, serious thought contemplation; the result of such thought in words; blame or discredit.


I see that the word works to describe my physical and mental experience walking around the lake today. The still surface of the lake is indeed reflecting, throwing back sunlight and images of the clouds, trees like a mirror, I see that with my eyes. And I am reflecting on it...fixing my mind on the idea of reflection, with serious thought as I walk around watching the clouds and sky on its surface.

My reflective contemplation leads me to a 'resulting thought' - that stillness is possible in nature and in life. All I have to do is see it.

3 comments:

Susan Gallacher-Turner said...

Posted here for Patrick G because there's some problem with this blogs comments section.

Sculpting a life" is a great title for your new blog.
Some days LIFE is like modeling soft clay with your favorite tools
and other days it's like trying to carve the hardest basalt with your bare hands.


The definition of sculpt is subtractive.
Sculpting a life implies the via negativa
The removal of blockages that allow what is already present
to be seen and appreciated.


Sort of goes with your reflective mood today,no?


P

Susan Gallacher-Turner said...

Patrick,
Love your comment.
Last two days of my life have been a combination of both...hardest basalt and soft clay. I love your take on the title.
I hadn't seen it that way. I was thinking how to sculpt my life in and around all the many different areas of my life in and out
of the studio. I wanted this to be more inclusive of my life and share how I shape my day around all the things I love to do.

Thanks for visiting. I'll let you know what I find out about the comment thing.
Susan

Mike Turner said...

great reflection pic of the water fountain!