Friday, May 26, 2006

A time to reflect

 

Reflectionssmall.jpg

 

Memorial Day approaches – a holiday left relatively unsullied by commercialism and which still holds much of its original intent.  And amidst the picnics and family gatherings and working in the garden I hope you’ll take a moment to remember those who have served and who still serve this great country – and no matter your politics, offer your thanks in your own way for the freedoms they secured and help to preserve for us all.

 

 

 

 

But also at this time of reflection, I like to take the time to look at life and upon the journey so far.

 

I love the picture above.  Its far from one of my best and I hope one day to capture that image the way I see it in my mind’s eye, but it speaks to me in many ways and – if you’ll permit – I’ll share a few of those with you.

 

The view is at the entrance to a National Park, less than 10 minutes from home.  It doesn’t take one’s breath away or make one feel infinitesimally small in the scheme of the universe like the Grand Canyon or Yosemite, but it is filled with nature and life and small pleasures at every turn and I love to visit and walk and learn and ponder.  And my favorite time of day to visit is when the light is right to cast this reflection.

 

To me, reflections are a metaphor for life – a yin and a yang, what is and what might be, the real and the imagined.  Sometimes the reflection is almost an exact mirror image of the reality, and virtually indistinguishable from it – re-affirming where we are and where we want to be.  Other times the reflection is slightly off-focus – a hazy dream that helps us to see and feel and imagine in a new and different way.  Sometimes the reflection is blurred almost to the point of being unrecognizable, perhaps reminding us of where we’ve lost our way and when a course correction may be in order.  And most disconcerting is when we confuse the reflection for the reality – and find that we are traveling a path that is upside down and backwards from what we intended.

 

None of the above viewpoints is really better or worse than the others.  Some make us feel good while others make us question – but all can make us think.  And when we think, we learn – and when we learn, we grow.

 

The next time you see a reflection – be it a graceful arch duplicated in shimmering water or a mirror’s honest view of the face you present to the world – take a look at what that reflection tells you about yourself and your life, where you are and where you wish to be – and then, perhaps, dare to plan the course ahead.

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

Beautiful pictuer.

Anonymous said...

This is beautiful and thought provoking.... thank you for sharing so much wisdom and beauty.  Michelle

Anonymous said...

Fantastic, perfect shot.   Did you know that the Round Robins are currently posting pictures of "Reflection??".   Come check mine out!
Nancy
http://journals.aol.com/nhd106/Nancyluvspix/entries/1208

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful entry and photo. Bridges are one of my favorite things.

Anonymous said...

you sure got a great pic there and it fits your entry. Just got back from vacation good to be back. Im so glad you have posted again. I love this entry

Anonymous said...

Hi this is one heck of a beautiful photo, Helen... http://journals.aol.com/rickardfoghorn/helenssnapshots

Anonymous said...

Beauitful entry! And yes-I'm fine! Hope you get a chance to read my new entry,
even tho it came out terriable, the text I mean; for some reason the first
couple of words had a mind of thier own, and would not take color; and when
I typed it out on WorldPad, it appeared to be fine, then I copyed and pasted it,
and it come out horriable. I posted anyway-thanks for your kind concern.
~Diane~  http://journals.aol.com/dizarra/StorysFromtheCityTalesFromtheSea                                                                                                    

Anonymous said...

This entry made me stop and think. How many reflections do I see but never really notice. Alot, I'll stop and take these rare moments in. Thank you.


Brenda

Anonymous said...

I agree, the photograph is exceptional.  It would make a great jigsaw puzzle, too.  I enjoy puzzles and those with reflections are very challenging.  Memorial Day is always a special time for our family.  Up until this year, we have had two major losses near this holiday and now, Den's Dad passed on Memorial Day.  It evokes more happy memories than sad ones as we have deep faith that life is eternal and we will see those we lost again and we know they are in a much better place.  Thanks again for your kind words and prayers.    Kathy

Anonymous said...

Hi there!  I was linked to your journal from another and have to say your photo's are wonderful!  I saw this one and my eyes about popped out of my head.  I'd love to be able to snag it and animate the water.  Do I have your permission to do so?  I will give you credit of course :)  Feel free to take a look around my journals to see the work I've done.  I look forward to hearing from you.
d
http://journals.aol.com/nightmaremom/Thisandthatandhockey/

Anonymous said...

I love reflections!  Great job on this shot!   btw... I found your journal at Greg Kiser's journal.
http://boiseladie.blogspot.com/