It is essential to be attentive throughout life. If one is a mind that endlessly chatters (internally) about trivial things, with a lot of “noise” going on, which one is only half-aware about, then the mind becomes more and more cloudy, more and more dull. If reactions are going on, internally, it is prudent to be aware of them, not to have them occur while one does not perceive their occurrence or implications. Most of us are addicted to being in a realm of reactions; we crave more and more reactions to cling onto (and to exist as). Without merely resisting reactions, be attentive to them; perceive how the mind habitually depends on them (and exists as them). Merely resisting having reactions is another (additional) reaction. Without merely resisting, but just by simply observing without separative friction, the mind can be extremely attentive and alert. That attentiveness, that great alertness and listening may, at times, allow the mind to exist without merely depending on reactions.
So, many are — and exist “as”– mere reactions. Reactions are always secondary, mechanical, reactionary, residual; merely being “them” may not be real living whatsoever. There can be a stability that is beyond the mere limits and fragmentary attributes that mere reaction entails. That stability can be deep and profound. That profundity will perceive beyond all of the superficial illusions, all the fallacies, all the nonsense, all the petty escapes. It will be compassionate, caring, sensitive beyond measure, and will perceive far beyond the ordinary. A rather ordinary mind who meets such a mind, who meets a person with such a profound mind, will likely merely see “someone” who just seems to be another regular person. However, that profound mind is far from regular. It will have seen so much more than what most have seen or will ever see. It will have done so by not traveling an inch (to get something).
[Note: The top photograph is of a young Praying Mantis on a Lily Flower. The photograph below it is of a young Praying Mantis fossilized in 20 million-year-old Dominican Amber.]
Young Praying Mantis on Lily. Photo by Thomas Peace c. 2017
Young Praying Mantis in 20 Million-Year-Old Dominican Amber. Photo by Thomas Peace c. 2017
Tom's Nature-up-close Photography and Mindfulness Blog 
Amazing words. Truly beautiful.
Thank you, very WildPhotographer! 🙂
Wonderful post, Tom — excellent images of the praying mantis in life, and after life; sage words too.
Thank you, Jet! Keep clickin’! 🙂
People are always chatting about trivial things nowadays. I don’t like that, too, but then you’re 1% of 100. You’re words are very true, Thomas and wonderful photos, have a nice day, regards Mitza
Much appreciated, Mitza! 🙂 It’s probably more like 1% of a billion. Gave Tweetie some corn-on-the-cob today… which she really loves a whole lot! 🙂
I am not surprised that most people have difficulty in focusing their mind on any one thing. They have so many distractions that are easy to succumb to and people want to have them all at the same time. Great Post.
Thank you, Francis! 🙂 Yes, too many distractions and not enough depth and contemplation!
Cool pictures! I love praying mantises and just saw one on our front porch.
Thanks, S.B.! 🙂 You are very lucky to have them in your area. They are great at eating many insect pests.
I found a shed skin on my back porch today. Must be a good year for them and a bad year for some pest insects. 😉
Great words and awesome picture, friend
So glad that you see something there! Thank you, Leyla! 🙂
Love the “reactionary” analytics. Involves varied levels of ‘engagement’ and ‘perception’, I think. The “insight” is wonderfully contemplative, but infinintly relative… depending on the participants quality of verbal engagement. …. I think! Thanks as usual for the journey into my our minds.
Oh, and the Mantis images are amazing, bringing thoughts of evolution and wondering if the Praying-mantis is and has been “perfect” for at least 20 million years! M 🙂
Thanks much! 🙂
The changes over 20 million years probably were subtle improvements but nothing major. I also have a mantis in Burmite amber from 100 million years ago (long, of course, before the dinosaurs went extinct); however, that piece is much more difficult to photograph properly.
Love the juxtaposition of live and fossilized — matches your meaning perfectly!
Thank you, Lindy! Give Jello a big hug! 🙂
This is great stuff! Looking forward to clicking around your blog more!
Thank you, Brit! Much appreciated! 🙂 (And one certainly hopes you are referring to the words more so than the pictures.)
The mantises are so cool! I wanted to let you know I nominated you for the versatile blogger award because I enjoy all of your posts! From your photography to poetry. Best wishes! Keep up the awesome work!
Thank you, upintotheclouds, for the nomination. I’m not really interested in awards, but it sure was a nice gesture. 🙂 So glad that you enjoy the posts; i hope that you get something out of them in the “understanding” realm.
Yeah no problem, I just wanted you to get the recognition you deserve because your posts are very unique and mindfulness is a great topic I feel like it is easy to push aside or forget about sometimes, even though it is so important!
It is very important (i,e,, understanding the whole); however, “mostpeople” are merely satisfied with the details, not the whole. Without understanding and having some relationship with the whole, however, the world goes to pieces.
Another insightful post, Tom. Too many distractions for all ages…
Great macro shot!
Thanks, Amy! 🙂 Too many distractions, yes! I sure hope some get at what is being written and take it seriously!
wonderfully expressed!
imagine being preserved
in amber 🙂
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