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Do not merely make a meditative silence into something that is isolated and separate from noise in life. Be very careful in what you accept and do. In all probability, a separate silence that is cultivated, that is practiced at a special time or place, is a rather second-hand, merely learned, rather dead, kind of silence. Actual, profound silence is an effortless phenomenon that occurs without premeditation, beyond calculation, and beyond techniques involving time. As such it is a timeless phenomenon that may occur often, spontaneously throughout the day (without some separate controller “making it happen”), such as while one is walking, looking at nature, petting a dog or cat, or exercising. If it occurs at all, it occurs naturally, without any false effort expended by a supposed “center” or “controller” that is essentially a learned image (involving separation). It (i.e., such deep silence) is not something that is isolated from the rest of life. It is of life, in life; it permeates life, it flows with life. Real life is not something that is practiced; it is something that is lived. To manipulate the mind into some isolated silence may be like trying to catch the wind in a sealed bottle. Attempting to confine the wind in a separate, little, “special” space — called a bottle — may be rather ludicrous.
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On its way. (1) Photo by Thomas Peace c. 2015
On its way. (2) Photo by Thomas Peace c. 2015
Tom's Nature-up-close Photography and Mindfulness Blog 
Those odd unexpected quiet moments in a day truly are special. I really like your treatment of your second photo, that seems to capture movement. 🙂
Yes!… and some of them are not the result of conditioning or the self, just like real humility.
I like the way the second photo turned out too. Sometimes these artistic dimensions surprise even me.
haha 🙂
Love it. Was just talking about this phenomenon today
Thanks! Then the article came right at the appropriate time! 🙂
Yea, very wonderfully expressed. Silence is creating a deep romantic connection with the nature. And it happens when we slow down..to the speed of life. Glad to connect with you!
love the photo. Rich in detail and colorful patterns. Wise words. I tend to stumble on those moments in an almost after the fact manner. A nice surprise but better to know the when and enjoy no matter when the “when” is. Thanks for sharing your talents and challenging thoughts.
I just watched a yellow sunflower for a few days to see it finally opening yesterday. We did not plant it the birds did. Lovely picture Tom.