In photography, we want our cameras to be in good condition, with clear lenses that are not sullied with any debris or greasy smears. If the lens of the camera is opaque or grimy, we take care of it immediately.
What about consciousness? To be of keen understanding and discerning, holistic perception, the mind must be clear and untainted. Distortion doesn’t perceive things for what they truly are; therefore, it is prudent to care to observe without twisted or tainted patterns or values. A clear lens is a simple thing, even with complex, digital photography. A clear lens is not burdened with a lot of fabricated symbols, onerous images, or profuse patterns; it is simple and pure. The mind can be like that if it is lucky; but not if it is contaminated with the parameters and limitations that society implanted upon it. Indeed, our rote structures of rather mechanical and/or separative observation (that we have learned and blindly accepted), including our so-called separative countries, political groups, religions, hypnotic (mat-sitting) techniques erroneously called meditation, and that so-called separate “internal controller, called ‘I’,” are all, whether we like it or not, contributing factors toward limited and contaminated perception. Most of our mind-lenses are more than cloudy, yet we think we see just fine.
Only an inner lens untouched by man can be of the purity to transcend distortion.
Black and White. (1) Photo by Thomas Peace c. 2016
Black and White. (2) Photo by Thomas Peace c. 2016
Tom's Nature-up-close Photography and Mindfulness Blog 
>> Only an inner lens untouched by man can be of the purity to transcend distortion.
>> our so-called separative countries, political groups, religions, hypnotic (mat-sitting) techniques erroneously called meditation, and that so-called separate “internal controller, called ‘I’,” are all, whether we like it or not, contributing factors toward limited and contaminated perception.
🙂
Take care Tom
Regards
So glad that you are appreciative of pertinent points. Hoping your week is superb and enlightening. 🙂
Hello Tom,
As always the weekend went well. Hope you and your wife are having good time.
🙂
Take care both of you
Regards
Love what you did to the photographs.
Thanks so much, Sherry! It was a lot of fun! 🙂
Truth and beauty. Thank you.
Thanks much, Sandy! So glad you see it! 🙂
Beautiful photo and nice words, Tom. I think the best photos are those taken without intention and those we take while we feel free and can see everything around us.
Thanks, Majka! 🙂 Yes… and truth is often like that too; if we already know (or have an idea of) what we are looking for — as so many, unfortunately do — we merely find what we want or intend to find (which isn’t really truth whatsoever).
I can just agree, Tom. ☺ Have a wonderful rest of your weekend and the coming week.
So true – no matter how distorted our ‘vision’ we think we see fine!
Love the photos 🙂
Especially a lot of professional, hierarchical politicians, priests, and gurus, unfortunately! 🙂
Oh yes! 🙂
that’s true, Thomas, as always. Wonderful photo, too. Regards Mitza
Thanks, Mitza! 🙂 Yesterday I told Scarlet, another one of our feathered friends, to eat more of her food. She said, “I will.”
How many feathered friends do you have, Thomas? Scarlet seems to be very intelligent, too. So you are surrounded by very intelligent beings. Great! :))
Two that talk. I used to, before i got older and retired from being a teacher of the multiply handicapped, breed macaws. Scarlet is a macaw.
Most of our mind-lenses are more than cloudy, and most of the time we don’t even know it.
Well said, Tom. Great photo capture!
Thanks, Amy! Stay perceptive! 🙂
Wonderful picture.! Wonderful shot Tom.!
Thanks much, Francisco! Hoping your week is great! 🙂
You’re welcome Tom.! Thanks.! For you too.! 🍁
and yet perceptions, other peoples perceptions are so fascinating… The way I see one thing and someone right next to me sees it another way, all so that the world is multi dimensional. If we all saw it in the same light, wouldn’t that be just as distorted? We grow, we see things differently and then just when we think we get it, we have to try and portray what the heck we think it is and {{{giggle}}} we.ve not a flippin chance! Bless us all with compassion ❤
I am not saying that we should all see everything in exactly the same way; i never said that. However, so many of us do exist in the same way — seeing things in the same way — though we think we are so different… and even though many claim to be of different countries, political groups, religious groups, and cultural groups. Though we (even in distant countries) seem so different, we are composed of the same kind of fears, desires, dependencies, etc., and — no matter where we are from — exist largely in (and “as”) symbols and ideas… though life is (really) so much more. I have seen a lot of people caught in the net of hierarchy and power — and caught in systems and patterns created by others — without ever seeing things purely and directly for themselves. The hierarchy and the systems are designed to shape the way people perceive things… and if they would perceive things beyond these systems, they wouldn’t be just puppets of the hierarchy and corrupt establishment. Compassion is helping people to understand this and perceive for themselves (without depending on — and being — mere symbols).
Your work is beautiful Tom. Love the metaphors and comparisons…intriguing. Great close-ups too.:)
Thanks so much, Stormie! So glad you perceive it! 🙂
Insightful writings…
Absolutely stunning photos. And I love your words as well.
Thanks regarding both, Miriam! The meaning of the words (and what exists behind them) are most important to me.
Yes, I could feel that in your post Tom. It was heartfelt.
beautiful photos !!! Your work is beautiful.
Thank you, Gregory! Take care! 🙂
Hey Tom! Appreciate your visit to my blog. I’ve been exploring your space. Your photos…talk about up close and personal. Just beautiful.
gorgeous stunning pics like always and very good looking models!