Real mindfulness, real meditation is not sitting cross-legged on a yoga mat. Such sitting is calculated and is structured to gain something… (which is greediness). On the other hand, innocent, pristine awareness throughout the day (that is not merely influenced by the patterns and symbols that others have provided) may be very prudent. Is it real awareness when one is looking with what other people have poured into one? Is real awareness, real living, what can take place through the secondhand edicts or patterns provided by others? When perception takes place through mere symbolic images and via learned psychological separation, is such perception what was copied from others and (additionally) limited and superficial?
It may be that secondhand has little to do with actual living. However, many rely on (and habitually exist “as”) secondhand, without question.
0.5 cm Scarlet-and-Green Leafhopper (1) Photo by Thomas Peace c. 2017
0.5 cm Scarlet-and-Green Leafhopper (2) Photo by Thomas Peace c. 2017
Tom's Nature-up-close Photography and Mindfulness Blog 
Brilliant macros….where were they taken?
At our backyard right by the river. The river humidity attracts all kinds of animals and foliage. 🙂
Beautifully said Tom. There is ‘real’ freedom in finding self, and appreciating our world, one sacred moment at a time. A tough concept to explain if you’ve never experienced it. Once found, you just know it and all else is second hand. Thank you for your words and images today.
Thank you, Ed! 🙂 Yes, there can be a real freedom there. I personally do not like to categorize it in the realm of regular experiencing… and i’m sure that it can never merely be known. Thank you regarding the words and images! 🙂
One sure hopes that they help make a difference.
i think both types of mindfulness and meditation exists and whatever floats your boat…as long as something good comes of it
I disagree. I used to (eons ago) try the other kind. Fortunately, i was familiar in self-hypnosis and realized that intentionally sitting on a mat (and all that kind of thing) was a form of self-hypnosis. Way back then, when one was doing it, some superficial things happened, but nothing extremely profound. It was only when i went beyond what everyone said to do, only when i went beyond all the practices, methodologies, and intentional sitting, that something immense took place. Do what you want, but i wouldn’t go back to the “intentional-practicing” realm for all the man-made treasures in the world. Mesmerization may work for some gullible people; what they get out of it, though, will never be the living immensity.
Glory to God’s color palette and design!
They are beautiful creatures, yes, but one prefers not to anthropomorphize it or attribute causality to some artistic deity. 🙂
Enjoyed your words and images. That leafhopper is SO pretty.
Thank you Sandy! 🙂 Yes… and so very small!
wow…
🙂 Thanks, Leyla!
It’s amazing the colors that nature and it’s creature dress up in. Great photo.
Yes indeed! Truly amazing! 🙂 Thank you!
What a beautiful little critter!!
Yes, Roda! They are quite small. There are a few really neat leafhopper species in our (Illinois) area. 🙂
I don’t think we disagree.
Good! 🙂
I have no words to write so much beauty in such a small insect, its color is beautiful, it looks like a jewel! 🙂
It also looks like a colorful aquarium fish! Great capture Tom!
It sure has very tropical-fish-like colors! 🙂
Wow, that is a remarkable photo capture, Tom!!
Thank you, Amy! They sure are tiny! 🙂
There’s an entire world people overlook by never taking in their
surrounds – nature is the greatest artist of all.