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No one – not anybody – can accurately define what true awareness is… because true awareness is too dynamic to merely be put into words and categorized.
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[Local natural rock-work formation. (There is, by the way, something man-made in this photo. Can you see it?)]
Natural beauty! Photo by Thomas Peace 2014
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If you’re like me, you don’t let your good looks go to your head.
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Mantis of the year! Photo by Thomas Peace 2014
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A mind that is often aware without needing things or thoughts to “be aware of”… is a supremely free, non-dependent, unique, and rather majestic mind.
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[Dragonfly in flight…]
Free and uncluttered…. Photo by Thomas Peace 2014
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A mind that does not depend on images throughout the day (to be aware) can sleep without crass and crude dreams occurring whatsoever.
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[Leaf-footed Bug with its footing on a leaf. In these, the first three antenna segments are red or reddish brown; the forth is contrastingly yellow-orange or nearly white.]
Leaf-footed Bug exploring. Photo by Thomas Peace 2014
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A mind that merely clings from one experience to another in order to be happy is, unfortunately, a rather infantile, impoverished state of affairs; it need not be that way.
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[Poison Ivy leaf cluster in the fall.]
Not a good thing to walk through! Photo by Thomas Peace 2014
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Love often acts without self-motivation.
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[Grapeleaf Skeletonizer Moths are interesting in that they are both diurnal and nocturnal. I’ve got the same attributes for sure!]
Night or Day… Day or Night! Photo by Thomas Peace 2014
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This is how — being a vegetarian — I shoot my turkeys for Thanksgiving. (It’s not the best shot; they’re not that easy to shoot!)
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I bagged two at once! Photo by Thomas Peace 2014
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Going far beyond depression – rarely, if ever, letting it flower – is an essential function of a stable, healthy, compassionate mind.
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Together in nature. Photo by Thomas Peace 2014
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In most minds, the thought of “I” or “me” is the most exalted, elevated and high-ranking; but it is just another thought; real wisdom happily exists beyond such projections.
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[Black Turpentine Beetles eat the inner, lower bark of pine trees.]
Tree eater! Photo by Thomas Peace 2014
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The left arm can hate the right arm and think that it is separate… but it isn’t. Peace takes intelligence.
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[A unique variety of Heal All Plant growing on a river bank.]
Heal All. Photo by Thomas Peace 2014
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I’d much rather listen to a natural, babbling brook than the babbling from all the bourgeois, self-important, stale politicians and bureaucrats.
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[Close-up of a natural, babbling brook that one was passionately listening to.]
Alone again… naturally… Photo by Thomas Peace 2014
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True enlightenment — not all of that phony stuff — involves being beyond the “conditioned”; few ever exist in (and “as”) the timeless, the “unconditioned.”
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[A female Cabbage Butterfly resting. They were introduced into the U.S. from Europe at around 1860. Well… we’re used to immigrants!]
She’s not a legal citizen… but I won’t turn her in! Photo by Thomas Peace 2014
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The only true and profound revolution worth fighting for is a nonviolent, spiritual one.
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[A Meadow Spittlebug weathering out the rain. They are very small and feed on a variety of weedy plants. Adults readily jump or fly when disturbed.]
Raindrops keep fallin’ on my head… Photo by Thomas Peace 2014
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Happiness isn’t a warm gun; happiness is a warm (compassionate) heart.
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[Red Milkweed Beetles, I think, are among the most evolved and “intelligent” insects in our area. As I’ve mentioned before, sometimes when I approach Milkweed Plants these beetles will deliberately fly at a rapid rate into me, striking my face repeatedly to entice me to leave. Some panic and fly away. This one decided to “play dead.” It fell from a Milkweed leaf above. After I backed up and watched from a distance for a while… it subsequently straightened itself out and flew away. I laughed at its ruse!]
May he rest in peace! Photo by Thomas Peace 2014
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Poise is the elegance and sound balance that a truly aware and, hence, compassionate mind has… without following blueprints.
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[A Blue Bottle Fly and a Lady Bug. Blue Bottle Flies are most active during spring and fall. Lady Bugs are active spring through fall.]
A lady and her bottle. Photo by Thomas Peace 2014
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In life, everything hangs in the balance… (even if you are unbalanced).
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[This Steel-blue Cricket Hunter is not, currently, interested in hunting any crickets. Adults drink nectar. Larvae feed on crickets and grasshoppers.]
Hanging in the Balance. Photo by Thomas Peace 2014
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Give a living, potted flower to an elderly friend… whom you expect nothing in return except for maybe a big, fresh smile!
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Lily. Photo by Thomas Peace 2014
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Man may exploit nature, use nature, try to cultivate nature, neglect nature, and even allow nature to be destroyed; but, in the end, nature always prevails.
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[Wild Grapes, using a tractor as an arbor.]
451 Cubes ain’t diddly. Photo by Thomas Peace 2014
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In a big way, everyone in the whole world is facing in one direction.
Can you turn around?
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[These are Tetras in one of our aquariums… all facing in one direction. The ones with the red dot on their sides are called Bleeding Heart Tetras. The others are Black Tetras. The plants are a type that grow on rocks or logs and do not need soil; they are called Anubias coffeefolia.]
One direction. Photo by Thomas Peace 2014
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One need not wince at one’s fears and endlessly run away from them if one intelligently realizes that one is not at all separate from what they are.
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[A couple of Fruit Flies and a hiding Lady Bug. Though the Lady Bug is carnivorous, the Fruit Flies need not worry; they are too large. The Lady Bug goes after even smaller insects, such as Aphids.]
A good day to explore. Photo by Thomas Peace 2014
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If you bully the small one… you are bullying the whole, bullying life’s child.
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[A Hover Fly and a couple of other small insects on a wild Chicory Flower.]
Little and frail. Photo by Thomas Peace 2014
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The learner is the learned; the controller is the controlled; the reader is the read.
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[A Red-winged Blackbird informing me that I’m in “his” territory. I promptly departed.]
This vast spot is not big enough for the both of us! Photo by Thomas Peace 2014
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True insight is instantaneous (and timeless)… no time (or practice) is involved for it to finally come about.
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[From earlier this year… these are the Stamen of a red Lily Flower. The Anther is the top part of the Stamen and contains the Pollen, the male reproductive cells. The Filament is lower down and holds the Anther.]
Pollen machines. Photo by Thomas Peace 2014
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Please don’t neglect the bountiful beauty of nature… which includes your own natural body and taking good care of it (and mother earth).
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[Polyporus squamosus , called Dryad’s Saddle or Pheasant’s Back Mushroom, is a mushroom that is low growing and has very scaly caps. This mushroom cluster is commonly attached to dead logs or stumps at one point with a thick stem. This mushroom is in a log crevice as the logs floats in a local river. It causes a white rot in the heartwood of living and dead hardwood trees. The name “Dryad’s saddle” refers to legendary creatures in Greek Mythology called Dryads who could conceivably fit and ride on this mushroom, whereas the pheasant’s back analogy derives from the pattern of colors on the bracket matching that of a Pheasant’s back.]
Polyporus squamosus Mushroom cluster. Photo by Thomas Peace 2014
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If you are very wise, every time you throw a rock it always lands in the same place.
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[Photos of local river in the fall season.]
Always and never (1) Photo by Thomas Peace 2014
Always and never (2) Photo by Thomas Peace 2014
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Let the authoritarians keep their gobbledygook. Look and feel for yourself!
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[Fall colors! That acorn may be the Oak Tree’s first move regarding continuing the game.]
Splendid fall colors. Photo by Thomas Peace 2014
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Being naturally/effortlessly silent – at times, throughout the day – is majestic and joyously deep, beyond words.
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Searching together. Photo by Thomas Peace 2014
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The essence of love is deep caring (beyond the limited self).
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[Lazy Susans at a Hospital Park… There are at least two Hover Flies resting upon them.]
Lazy for a good reason. Photo by Thomas Peace 2014
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Life is not dull or monotonous to a dynamic mind that inquires joyfully.
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And frightened Miss Muffet away! Photo by Thomas Peace 2014
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Have gratitude for the simple things in life… for they are usually the most precious.
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[Morrow’s Honeysuckle, which now grows wild, is one of several honeysuckle shrubs that have been introduced from Eurasia. Morrow’s honeysuckle was imported in the 1800’s for use as an ornamental, for wildlife food and cover as well as for soil erosion control. This one is growing along the bank of a river… which helps against possible erosion.]
Red Gems. Photo by Thomas Peace 2014
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The Zen all-meaning circle… it’s just a symbol, but whoever initially came up with it was attempting to convey something profound.
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[A dried, fall wild vine…]
Zen all-meaning circle… Photo by Thomas Peace 2014
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To wisely question may be more intelligent than having concrete certitude.
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[Eyeing the camera (with a smile)…]
Captured by the Hopper’s lens. Photo by Thomas Peace 2014
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You can buy stuff, but you can’t purchase integrity, compassion, and deep insight.
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[Local Creek in Fall]
Local Creek Up Close. Photo by Thomas Peace 2014
Local Creek. Photo by Thomas Peace 2014
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Go beyond what all the pundits and so-called experts teach… and inquire for yourself beyond tradition.
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[The Heal-all Plant (Prunella vulgaris) is edible, and can be used in salads, soups, stews, and boiled as a pot herb. The Cherokee cooked and ate the young leaves. The Nlaka’Pamux drank a cold infusion of the whole plant as a common beverage. The Heal-all Plant contains vitamins A, C, and K, as well as flavonoids and rutin. The Heal-all Plant is taken internally as a medicinal tea for sore throat, fever, diarrhea, internal bleeding, and to alleviate liver and heart maladies. Topically, a poultice of the plant can be applied to irritated skin, as from stinging nettle toxins. A poultice of the Heal-all Plant also serves well as a disinfecting agent and is used to pack wounds in the absence of other wound-care material. It has been cherished by the Chinese to “change the course of a chronic disease.”]
Native Americans loved it! Photo by Thomas Peace 2014
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Life is far too precious to sweep it under the musty rug of indifference. Help save the planet and go green!
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[One of the local Tarnished Bugs investigating a wildflower. Tarnished Bugs seek out nectar and pollen.]
At the edge of one’s habitat. Photo by Thomas Peace 2014
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See each facet of life as part of the undivided whole.
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[A Horsetail Plant growing through some Queen Anne’s Lace. The Horsetail Plant is an extremely primitive plant; indeed, it looks rather Devonian-like in appearance. The stems are hollow, with no true leaves. The Horsetail Plant likes wet areas, such as ponds or marshes. Horsetail has no known food value to wildlife.]
Horsetail Plant extending through Queen Anne’s Lace. Photo by Thomas Peace 2014
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If one merely thinks according to what was taught by society — as most do — one is thinking and living their thoughts, which is rather second-hand. Live!
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[Digger Wasps are often seen on flowers during the day. During the night, they rest upon vegetation, singly or in small groups, or burrow into the soil at the base of plants. Digger Wasps will readily sting if bothered enough.]
Digs sometimes. Photo by Thomas Peace 2014
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There is not just the human race; there are also the races of elephants, tigers, whales, wolves, etc.
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[This is a pair of mating Dragonflies in the standard wheel position. The copulatory wheel position is the way most species of Dragonflies engage in together. Note that the males and females of this species are of different colors.]
Dragonfly Mating Wheel. Photo by Thomas Peace 2014
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The ending of sorrow is the beginning of true and intelligent wisdom.
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[These are wildflower Chinese Lantern plants. They were found growing in a prairie near a local pond.]
Small but beautiful! Photo by Thomas Peace 2014
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Simple acts to help others, physical action to end suffering, and acting to help Mother Earth with actual deeds… is likely worth more than a million people praying.
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[Close-up study of a Begonia (Scarlanda green-red) in the outdoor garden of a large hospital/medical center.]
Begonia (Scarlanda green-red) Photo by Thomas Peace 2014
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True enlightenment occurs as actual, immense energy… not as mere ideas, symbols, and patterns “about energy.”
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[This Grasshopper has less “hair” (on his face, legs, and back) than I do!]
Not by the hair of my chinny chin chin! Photo by Thomas Peace 2014
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Peace never comes by mindlessly clinging to separative groups or leaders.
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[This is a Sheepshead Mushroom with a Midge Fly resting on it (to the left). The Sheepshead Mushroom is edible and is considered to be one of the best tasting mushrooms. They tend to grow at the base of Oak Trees.]
Resting on a Sheepshead. Photo by Thomas Peace 2014
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Hate and indifference involves separation, distance, and a lack of compassion.
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[In cooler weather, Katydids often cling to the sides of houses or garages for extra warmth. Katydids have excellent climbing abilities. This one is clinging to the warm, reflective side of a garage… an effective way to beat the cold!]
Wall Walker! Photo by Thomas Peace 2014
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It’s likely best to be rather low-key and unnoticeable. For, in the long run, you will (especially if you are wise) really impress no one except yourself.
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[There is, within this flower, and unobtrusive, little winged insect… a Hover Fly… having the time of his life! There’s also an inconspicuous ant there too!]
Beyond the Camera Eye and Superficial Fame! Photo by Thomas Peace 2014
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The key to understanding life is not made to fit the rigid lock of powerful authority.
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[The Spotted Jewelweed is an annul plant native to North America. The Spotted Jewelweed likes to grow along creeks and rivers; this one is growing along a creek flowing into a nearby river. The Spotted Jewelweed (Impatiens capensis) was transported in the 19th and 20th centuries to England, France, the Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, Finland, and potentially other areas of northern and central Europe. These naturalized populations persist in the absence of any effort of cultivation by people.]
Love is the key. Photo by Thomas Peace 2014
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Hugging trees is great. But hugging the elderly and those with handicaps is even better!
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[This is a batch of Chicken of the Woods mushroom with little, winged-insects upon it. When I was out in the woods, photographing, I spotted this beauty from a quite a distance. One then thought: “Of course, it’s such a treasure, that it will be surrounded by my arch-enemy… poison ivy!” Upon approaching the Chicken of the Woods, I then observed that it was, indeed, surrounded by many patches of poison ivy. I carefully took each step towards the Chicken of the Woods, with extreme caution and deliberation. It was unreal; it was like walking through a puzzle (or working on a computer game)! Patches of poison ivy where everywhere! When I finally got to my prize, there was (of course) a big, tall plant of poison ivy right in front of it. I had to bend, with my camera, to get a decent shot. Getting out of the area was equally difficult; each step was a precarious, carefully calculated maneuver toward attaining freedom and safety! When I finally got home, I washed up using a special anti-poison ivy cleaning soap. I didn’t get any rashes! Whew!]
Chicken of the Woods surrounded by my arch enemy… poison ivy. Photo by Thomas Peace 2014
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Whenever nature may fall… it always springs back again. It is ever renewing.
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Fall by the Creek. Photo by Thomas Peace 2014
Fall Creek Leaves. Photo by Thomas Peace 2014
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A simple smile is often the kindling to intense and blazing compassion (that uplifts others).
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[These are the Sporophytes of moss upon a moist, large log in the middle of the forest. Sporophytes begin to grow by cell division out of the top of the archegonium on the female gametophyte moss plant… at which point it’s a parasite on the gametophyte plant, although it may produce some of its own food by photosynthesis in the early stages of growth.
Sporophytes consist of three basic structures, a foot, which anchors it to the gametophyte and helps to transfer water and nutrients from the gametophyte, a long erect stalk called a seta, and a pod-like capsule at the top-end where reproductive spores are produced. There is a Daddy-Long-Legs at the very bottom left of the photo, which can be seen partially; it is likely waiting for the many insects that crawl across moss. The larger leaves are not a different species of moss. They are the same species… and grow wider when more moisture is present in their immediate area. When moss gets flooded, it changes its shape, getting wider and more broad leaves.]
Sporophytes galore! Photo by Thomas Peace 2014
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There was a wise man… and every time he bent down, the whole world (including all the people, animals, and plants) bent down.
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[This Goldenrod is being bent over by the wind… not by the weight of the Hover Flies upon it. Hover Flies seek nectar from wildflowers, such as this Goldenrod, which is growing along the periphery of a local, nutrient-rich, rural pond.]
Bending together. Photo by Thomas Peace 2014
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If one doesn’t exist primarily in (and “as”) the present now… one is living in the past.
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[This Lady Bug is getting ready to leave a dried out Thistle Plant. Probably the Lady Bug had been searching for small insects to feed upon (that were nesting within the seed pod).]
Leaving Lady! Photo by Thomas Peace 2014
Tom's Nature-up-close Photography and Mindfulness Blog 