At first glance we might see a glimpse of inner shadow in a passing stranger...but not usually. We are often too busy or preoccupied with our own lives to notice. 
And when we spend some time listening to someone, befriending them, connecting with them, holding a psychic space of safety...the shadows deepen a bit, they begin to be revealed...there is a shift that can be felt around the world. Can you feel it?
And with the shadows of course light is all around...an embrace of acceptance ensues because shadows and light need each other. Humans need each other.Blogging is a way to slow down, to listen, to learn, to connect...human to human, heart to heart, soul to soul. Reading the courageous, kind, compassionate, heart breaking, soul knowing comments from so many of you in response to my last post I feel gratitude...I feel warmth...I feel friendly connection...I feel like I must be doing something right...we all must be. It is easy to become caught up in the large looming shadows of news reports, for the world is filled with great suffering and yet here in the blogosphere, here in this safe haven of my blog site and in yours as well, we are speaking from our hearts...we are listening to each other, seeing each other in deep and meaningful ways. Whether strictly through images, words, music or a combination of these modes of expression, our inner shadows are safe to come out of hiding ringed in the light of loving-kindness...gemilut chassadim...metta. Thank you for your generous wise words to me. Thank you for sharing your inner shadows. Thank you for trusting that I will gently cradle your hearts, your tender story blossoms. We all have wounds we walk with, learn from teach from...what a blessing it is to know that we do not have to walk alone. The world is a place of shadows and suffering, that is true, has always been true. It is also a place of brilliant light and compassion...equally true.
Namaste
click on the link below to go to Hey Harriet to find a list of other shadow shot posts around the world!
This link will take you to Today's Flowers...gorgeous blossoms around the world!
Inspiring photos and inspiring words! Shadows and light co-exist and, as you say, need each other!
ReplyDeleteHave a beautiful weekend!
Namaste!
It seems easier to see the shadows in front of us as barriers, the dark space in front of us. We are then compelled to see the brilliance of nature, or at least try to see the brilliance of the sun and how it points out the beauty beyond the shadows. The pictures her are wonderful, nature allowing us to forget the bad and enjoy the entire beauty...
ReplyDeleteI've learned this mostly from my patients. When I really listen deeply, they tell me everything I need to 'know' about their suffering. Thank you for this gentle but firm reminder to listen deeply.
ReplyDeleteAnd thank you for 'hearing' me.
Hope you're having a gorgeous weekend, Laura.
ReplyDeleteIt's amazing how much depth is revealed by shadows :)
Well...y'know...I do my best to be as superficial and insincere as possible on my blog...nonetheless, this is gorgeous post, certainly revealing those inner shadows (I was gonna say something like "shedding light on those inner shadows"...but realized that shedding light on a shadow makes it disappear...metaphors are hard...).
ReplyDeleteWonderful and wise words. I love your posts. They are so inspiring
ReplyDeleteand it is so nice from you sharing them with us.Have a wonderful Sunday. I send you some Metta...
The shots of the bluets are taking me back to my childhood!
ReplyDeleteYes, I believe taking photos and blogging do slow us down, helping us to stop and reflect.
Beautiful photos and words! A lovely post! Enjoy the rest of your weekend :)
ReplyDeleteI like your idea that shadows and light are necessary to each other. It's a good thought to remember, that there is always light shining from somewhere, somehow, close by to the shadow.
ReplyDeleteI was just thinking that it never fails, every time, all the time we are walking towards light a shadow always follows us. Hanging on to our heals trying to trip and drag us down.
ReplyDeleteBeautifully conveyed. There is something in the written word. It is powerful to read, as we have time to return to it over and over again. Likewise, it is so liberating to write our thoughts down, as it clarifies our thinking.
ReplyDeleteI love your images and the text that follows them.;)
Hope your weekend is lovely,
xoxo
Great post, and inspiring for Sunday..You took beautiful pictures!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful posting!
ReplyDeleteHave a great week ahead,
greetings from Casa!
BLOGitsePHOTOS
We're on this same wavelength, to be sure, Laura! Very nice. God bless.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful flowers and words. Well said and photographed.
ReplyDeleteNamaste, my sweet kindred spirit. Someday, I would love to be able to take a walk(or whatever mode is necessary) with you so that we could connect in person.
ReplyDeleteBut until then, know that I hold you as dear as anyone whom I have met in person. Sometimes the "physical" is not necessary.
Love and gentle hugs,
Deb
Beautiful post and flowers.
ReplyDeleteso nice how your approach was getting in to the view...lovely macro! Have a nice week!
ReplyDelete-viennadaily
your voice is strengthened!
ReplyDeletesuch a remarkable statement of
our connecting in the world.
Namaste!
How beautifully illustrated and written. Your pictures are lovely, your words powerful.
ReplyDeleteHappy SSS!
Hi Laura,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the visit!
These photos are lovely; such delicate white flowers reflecting the light!
Thanks Laura. I feel safe with you.
ReplyDeleteWarm regards.
Blessings of flowers and Light. xo
ReplyDeleteIt is the shadows that add depth and meaning to life. Without the shadows we would not have definition. Definition of ourselves, of our abilities, all would be shallow and in haze. The shadows help define our inner strengths and weaknesses. They bring out the color in life. There is a balance yet Light predominates... If we focus on the shadows that is all we will ever see, but if we focus on the Light... all is visible, all is possible... Beautiful photography my friend, and a wonderful thoughtful post. You're light shines. Blessings to you and yours. Love and Light, Nina P
ReplyDeleteDear Laura,
ReplyDeleteu dont know how much u have helped me with your texts, photos, impressions about the life.
I like to read u.Soemtimes, I cry...sometimes...I smile so much.
Today i will do the most difficult part of the english exams: LISTENING.
Yes...cause after the stroke the doctor discovered that that part of my head - comprehension - is a little bit sick...but I get an excellent note at SPEAKING.And i dont know yet about READING(ifinished last week) and today...I will do LISTENING AND MAYBE WRITING.
But, I came here...to find courage.
I am preparing my life for to go back again to Africa...to meet the refugees children in Mocambique and, maybe, to do to them, more things than i have done before.
I published a book about their life, in portuguese and I hope so a day i can publish in english and i can send it to u.
have a nice day
thanks so much, dear Laura
graceolsson.com/blog
What an inspiring post! Love your pictures too, Great shots. Hope you have a lovely day always.
ReplyDeleteWhat a hopeful post. Sometimes I find in the shadows what I cannot see in the light.
ReplyDeleteNice Post~!!!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ReplyDeleteBeautiful. And now I need to go read the post I apparently missed. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you once again everyone for your abundance of heart healing comments! What a blessing, truly, truly, to touch and be touched, listen and be heard, see and be seen.
ReplyDeletegentle steps
Tiny, delicate and beautiful flowers and heartfelt, gentle post. Sweet visiting with you, Laura.
ReplyDeleteWell now...you just put everything into perspective for me ;) Blogging is my safe haven. My scared space to speak from my soul. Visiting blogs like yours validates the reason I love blogging. The beautiful connections... Much love and light to you!
ReplyDeleteThank you , Laura, for putting words to the feelings I have.
ReplyDeleteshadows and light.... our souls, created in mysterious beauty.
thank you for your heart felt words here-- the blogs are another way to connect with others that you have something in common with.
ReplyDeleteyes there's beauty in them shadows... and so heartwarming to feel the connections in our world...
ReplyDeletemuch love xx
Thank you for sharing this lovely post with Today's Flowers. Beautiful words and photographs.
ReplyDeleteI always leave your blog feeling soothed. Thanks Laura.
ReplyDelete