Pristine perception is beyond the limited; if it is very limited, it is not pristine perception. Such perception goes beyond the fragmented, limited labels that people assign to things. Such labels, however “accurate” they may seem, are always partial, circumscribed, and merely symbolic. Symbols are not actualities. The word “water” isn’t wet. Their essence may hold aspects of reality, but they may not be of actual truth whatsoever. Mostpeople cling to symbols and sequential conceptual terms; without them, they (i.e., mostpeople) are lost. Wisdom goes beyond this, and what is sees is far from ordinary.
Depression and melancholiness, worldwide, are rampant in people these days. A lot of the problem deals with the fact that they were primarily educated to merely exist and remain as symbolic thought (and all thought is merely symbolic). Being one symbol after another, in sequence, creates an atmosphere that can, indeed, be depressed or of melancholiness. Even when many chase after exciting experiences, these experiences are usually seen through (or “as”) a screen of symbolic interpretation and label-oriented imagery; then, it ends up being an extension of more and more symbols, which are intrinsically not what is fundamentally whole and pristine. It is very easy to get lost because of poor education. It is not so easy to perceive the danger of the false and go beyond it.
Mating Monarchs (1) Photo by Thomas Peace c. 2017
Mating Monarchs (2) Photo by Thomas Peace c. 2017
Tom's Nature-up-close Photography and Mindfulness Blog 
This is an important idea. To me, direct experience is the point of life. As such, I’ve often resisted photography as it adds a layer of remove. Its been interesting that as I’ve started blogging, I’ve wanted photos to illustrate my experience. I’m now experiencing the tug of war. What I’ve noticed, is that for the more “ordinary” daily experiences, its easier to take it in, then take a photo shortly thereafter, whereas for the more extraordinary events (the recent total solar eclipse), I kept my phone and its camera in my pocket during totality.
Yes, direct experience is important. Unfortunately, for many, it is often (and usually) tainted by learned and absorbed screens of recognition… which really means that it is not direct at all. It is easy to assume that it is direct. In a big way — although this may seem ludicrous — it is necessary to often go beyond mere experience; this doesn’t mean turning into a vegetative (unaware) state. My photography is merely an ancillary thing — to me — regarding my blog, though some, of course, see it as central. My words, hopefully, go far deeper than the superficial pictures; life is about going deeper… not being merely satisfied with the superficial. 🙂
inspired by
my perception
of these monarchs
& lesson, Tom 🙂
Stay perceptive and fluid, David! 🙂
It is not so easy to perceive the danger of the false and go beyond it. Insightful! Well said, Tom!
Thanks, Amy! We sure hope things improve in southern Texas.
Very interesting Tom! beautiful Monarca! 🙂
Much appreciated, Marcela! Hoping your week is magical! 🙂