We talk to ourselves internally all of the time; most of us do this most of the time. Most of us delineate and interpret the phenomena of the world through words and learned images. Words are the modus operandi by which and through which most of our minds function. We recognize the world’s phenomena by words, patterns, and images which we have absorbed from others. We continue to categorize and measure via learned words; we are not separate from what these patterns of words are, though we think (as we were told) that we (from some kind of internal distance) “use” them. All words are symbolic.
Divinity itself is even promised by others via words. They tell you to read and believe in a certain book, or system, or series of stories; then, so they say, you will come closer to the divine. Some will even claim to give you what can reach the divine (by way of repeating certain special words or mantras over and over again).
It’s all too easy to follow and cling to the words of others (especially when they promise to give you something fantastic, just like so many politicians do). It is easy because each of us clings to words repetitiously (as a habit) day in and day out. What isn’t easy — what is arduous and what is rarely done by anyone in this violent, chaotic world of ours — is to understand one’s mind (from moment to moment) throughout the day, without merely being dependent upon symbols, images, separation, judgement, conflict, control, and what was absorbed from others.
Unfurling (1) Photo by Thomas Peace c. 2016
Unfurling (2) Photo by Thomas Peace c. 2016
Tom's Nature-up-close Photography and Mindfulness Blog 
Reading this post of yours, I am thinking, “A picture is worth a thousand words”…very nice pics (I especially love the effects that you applied to the bottom one, it almost looks like a metal print) 🙂
Thanks Jennavive! 🙂 A picture is worth a thousand words, but a thousand words isn’t worth nearly as much as going beyond mere words and images.
Beautiful images — I love ferns!
Thanks, Karen! 🙂 (Kind of like your profile image!)
your words and thoughts enlightened my day, Thomas, as well as your photo. Have a nice day, too, regards Mitza
So good to hear, Mitza! That is what one was aiming for! 🙂 I was talking to Tweetie Pie yesterday about going beyond “thinking.” She seems to be very keen on the idea IMHO! 🙂
:)))
Man like picture of fiddlehead. Man like eat fiddlehead too.
I’m a vegetarian and even I will pass on those. 🙂 These are a garden variety and may not be edible; not all varieties are.
Ah – to understand one’s mind – I wish!
Very interesting post – words have become so important to our communication, but much more is said in silences.
And what an amazing plant you captured 🙂
Yes, Sci, silence is golden… kind of like the second photo. Thank you! 🙂
(Check your yard for squirrels!)
There are squirrels everywhere at the moment. Must be storing up food for winter. 🙂
Moments are so overlooked by most of us because of the busyness of our days. A brain tumor actually released me from me. I had no choice but to find my moments and make something wonderful out of them. Good read Tom
I was just commenting to my wife today about how so many people we know of have (or had) brain cancer. We watched a special today about how the polio virus (of all things) combined with chemotherapy has had some remarkable success with brain cancers. I hope you continue to do well, Alesia! 🙂
More people need to take alpha lipoic acid as a supplement as they age. It is one of the few vitamins/antioxidants that penetrates the blood-brain barrier. We synthesize it naturally when we are young, but as we age we become unable to make as much.
I had heard about Alpha lipoic acjd. I will look into that. Thx I am doing fairly well. I have the reminder of pain, but hey I am alive and blessed. Be well.
Nine number of the nature! Great picture Tom! 🙂
Thank you, Marcela! Keep snappin’! 🙂
Great shots Tom, the golden one is spectacular!
Thank you, Karen! I liked the golden one too! 🙂
Interesting topic, words are mantras, however, they are also weights on the mind, which needs to be free of thoughts and words to replenish.
Terrific pics. 🙂
Lovely post Tom and I love the photos 🙂