Understanding the whole is not possible if the mind is distorted. So, obviously, the instrument of the mind must be orderly and uncontaminated for clear, holistic perception and understanding to occur. A mind full of antiquated patterns, opinions, and fragmented systems that include conflict, friction, copying, and learned anxiety, is likely not what is capable of perceiving purely (beyond the distorted). A mind burdened with the conditioning of a violent, primitive society — such as ours is — is likely too stagnant and adulterated to perceive purely.
So the first step is to perceive beyond — and without — the past conditioning. Many of us may agree, but few will actually deeply look into doing it. Most of us are tethered to the “old ways” in ironclad habits and stagnant patterns. To leave those patterns seems frightening and too unconventional. So we keep reacting (rather like lemmings). Most take the easy path (which is, really, an unalive path).
The old, fragmentary ways of looking at things via separation, conflict, psychological distance, pigeonholing, and using symbols (such as words) as if they are realities, can drop away without needing secondhand methodologies, techniques, and calculated systems. Such calculated systems take time, and they are limited and fragmentary in themselves. Looking without contamination and conditioned parameters does not take time. Time may be a postponement and an easy excuse. Organized religions all take time and emphasize “gradually improving.” True inner silence and profound awareness do not take time, nor are they necessarily two separate things.
Tom's Nature-up-close Photography and Mindfulness Blog 
“ So the first step is to perceive beyond”
Isn’t the first step to look within, where then the subject and object can become one to remove the conditioning that produced such duality?
I think what you’re doing here is creating awareness of our biggest problem, in which I agree. Fine post again Tom.
Thanks much, Jim!
Yes, looking within (and out) without so much conditioned separation, fragmentation, and conflict. Mental images and learned patterns often contribute to the problem… not direct and pristine perception.
An interesting post Tom and I note you called the photo “Leaves of Grass” – I know you enjoy that Walt Whitman book. I enjoyed seeing that pretty Buckeye Butterfly.
Thanks, Linda, and yes, you got it… i was reflecting on Whitman’s wonderful Leaves of Grass book. Buckeye Butterflies are one of my favorites. They are so very beautiful and they like to socialize with each other a lot. You will often see two together on a single flower.
Yes, I remember your fondness for that book Tom. I have never seen a Buckeye Butterfly but I have been following a photography site of photos taken at our 13 Metroparks and they are often found at Kensington Metropark, which is large and has a diverse collection of birds, insects, butterflies, critters – even snakes, not found in my local Metroparks.
Reminds me of: “It takes a clear mind to make it”…no, “It takes a clear mind to take it” Very cool Tom! #GoodWorks
Yes, M.T., and thank you! Keep pondering! 😊
You’re very welcome Tom! #GoodWorks
Oh that butterfly! Stupendous photo and so perfect for this post! “True inner silence and profound awareness do not take time, nor are they necessarily two separate things.” They are the same are they not? they are for me anyway…. just don’t understand why I am not getting notifications from you when I am subscribed to your posts… they have changed things again on wordpress – honestly I cannot keep up
Yes, they are the same, Sara… and thank you! 😊
Yes, that’s weird that you are not getting notifications of my site postings. You should probably resubscribe and/or send a note to WordPress to find out how to fix the problem. (I wonder if other followers are having the same problem regarding my site and other sites?!)
good question ! – I feel so frustrated with wordpress – I have to keep checking to make sure I haven’t missed one of your posts – ugh.
Yes, Sara, i understand your frustration with WordPress. You can write to them for help, though, and they will help you to resolve the problems.
Gorgeous photo… such beautiful light!
Thank you, Nicole! Keep snapping those pictures! 😊