We, just as we were taught, look at death with (and “as”) measurement and time, and so we do not understand it one bit.
All of us tend to look at death as we were instructed to. We see it through (and “as”) a screen of limitation, fragmentation, measurement, and fear. I say that it’s a distorted, lopsided way to perceive death. Our primitive society misconstrues a lot of important things. We don’t understand death because we don’t understand life. We are too busy existing in our illusory world involving acquisition, achievement, and success… (such that we never ponder deeply and wisely enough). Or we accept some antiquated fairy-tale nonsense handed down to us, originating from a very primitive past.
Am i going to hand you (on a silver platter) answers to what death is? No. It is something that one has to figure out for oneself. If one told the answers to that riddle to others, it could definitely be misused. Additionally, i would like to point out that most people assume that they are alive. They may, however, be assuming wrongly. It may be that real life does not consist of existing in (and “as”) dead, fragmentary symbols, one habitually occurring after another ad infinituum. Most of us see the world through (and “as”) thought-oriented symbols… which isn’t really perceiving at all. Living is not symbolic, imitative, second-hand, fragmentary, indifferent, and stale. Please transcend beyond mediocrity.
Tom's Nature-up-close Photography and Mindfulness Blog 
Tom, I’m particularly struck by the beautiful colours of the flowers contrasted by that delicate butterfly.
Immediately spoiled by thoughts of feeling emotional and consequences of actions by Trump! 😫😭
Thanks, Marge… nature is beautiful and amazing!
It’s going to be a long 4 years with a narcissistic felon in the White House. A White House harboring dark evil is what now is. 🙁
Our culture doesn’t pass on lessons of the acceptance of death. And I’m afraid I myself, have not passed on wise lessons to my own children as I’m still attempting to understand life and death. The more I live, the less I know – which has surprised me. I used to have such concrete ideas and now…all greys, no black or white, all questions and no answers. This is a great post Tom, I find it infinitely interesting.
I’m so glad that it got you pondering, Sylvia! 😊 You may be flowering in philosophical/spiritual realms more than you think. Too many of us carry concrete ideas. Too many of us think that we know the answers… (answers that were poured into us, by the way). But questioning and looking with a clean slate may be a profound key to deep insight and true understanding. Keep at it!
What I witness in nature is that life and death are part of one round with one becoming another. Absolutely gorgeous photo Tom and so full of LIFE!
Yes, Sara, with nature there is a deep connection between the two… like a oneness, as you suggest.😊
Thanks about the photo!
What a gorgeous photo Tom – you’ve outdone yourself with the colors here, first with an exquisite and perfect Swallowtail butterfly. So often their wings are tattered or they are missing hindwings – this one is unmarred by imperfection, just like the Coneflower.
And on a more somber note, studies may show we live longer, but for what may I ask? Sure, the life expectancy rate may be higher than ever before, but with all that is swirling around us these days, will we last to that ripe old age and, if we do, will life be worth living and I don’t necessarily mean health-wise? Last year I had a trust put in place as I have no family and had to have a stranger, an attorney, become my POA for everything … a very sobering project which I am happy to have done. I had to look ahead and imagine the worst, because each day I go out of the house I never know if I will return.
Thank you regarding the photo, Linda!
Well, we live in a very dangerous world these days but it’s always been dangerous. Yes, locally, there are more crazies running around that would gladly harm you So please be prudent and do not wander off too far into the nature preserve areas where some nut could have his way with you. Even i have to be careful these days. There are all kinds of crazies out there.
You’re very welcome Tom – it all came together … perfect flower, perfect butterfly and beautiful color. I will have a Black Swallowtail this Wednesday, the only one I saw in 2024.
Thank you for your thoughts Tom – I am very careful and always carry my pepper gel with me, plus a large whistle. I even bought a small siren as well but have not tried it yet as I will likely not use it until Summer. I have not gotten many walks in due to the bad weather. Not good for my squirrels and birds either but I am reluctant to take chances in the ice/snow, although it was clear as a bell during the Polar Vortex. You can’t have it all I guess. There are too many incidents out there now, so I don’t go veering off into some vast area of any parks … I was pretty worried the day I got lost in the forest at Crosswinds Marsh. It was very hot that day and difficult to find my way out. Thank goodness for a woman walking her dog who helped me get back to the main entrance. I have not been back there since, but if I do, I’ll try an easier route.
Yes, stick with the easier and more people-populated areas that aren’t too isolated (and keep that pepper spray handy). I find that just pulling the car along a wooded area in farm country (and just walking out a short distance, mostly along the road next to the woods) often gives some amazing nature shots. Ticks scare me a lot too these days.
Too much going on these days Tom – it leaves me wary about everything. I’m hoping this brutal cold spell we had with the Polar Vortex last week zapped all the ticks. I had one in my ear last year and I didn’t discover it for two days after I walked (a new venue with lots of overhanging trees) … luckily it had not attached, but I won’t be going back there as it was a little too raggedy and unkempt for my liking. I know they were trying to preserve the natural aspect of the venue, but the long grasses were problematic too. I am thinking of getting a pair of gaiters to wear over my pants. Not sure because the safer bet would be to stay on the trail and not step in high grass next to it.
Muy hermosa! Amazing and beautiful capture Tom!
Gracias, Marcela! 😊
Beautiful image, and so many thoughts that require more reflection. Thank you for planting the seed, Tom!