Visual Meditation: “a million particles of water”
October 1, 2008 · by Christine
In Greece,
a long time ago,
an old couple
opened their door
to two strangers
who were,
it soon appeared,
not men at all,
but gods.
It is my favorite story–
how the old couple
had almost nothing to give
but their willingness
to be attentive–
but for this alone
the gods loved them
and blessed them–
when they rose
out of their mortal bodies,
like a million particles of water
from a fountain,
the light
swept into all the corners
of the cottage,
and the old couple,
shaken with understanding,
bowed down–
but still they asked for nothing
but the difficult life
which they had already.
And the gods smiled, as they vanished,
clapping their great wings.
-Mary Oliver, from Mockingbirds


-Christine Valters Paintner @ Abbey of the Arts
Posted in Visual Meditation |








October 1st, 2008 at 7:57 am
This is pure magic, my dear. Those pictures…how, where…did you take these? They are the perfect adjunct.
Mary is rockin’ as usual. I have not seen this poem. As usual, I love it. Savored it three times over!
Thanks, once again, for starting my say in such a sacred fashion.
October 1st, 2008 at 8:41 am
Thanks Suz, on a very sunny day I can increase my shutter speed quite high which captures the water in a still motion effect. Pretty cool.
You’re welcome!
October 1st, 2008 at 1:46 pm
Very cool indeed! I found myself using the photos like Rohrschach (sp) tests…….I immediately saw female images in two, three hearts in three, and one I’m still studying. The shutter speed practice is an amazing one to me……one I would like to study and use but on the other hand, as I replied to yesterday’s post……I’m trying to center myself on the art that I feel is best for my growth and joy now. So, I’m going to leave that shutter thing up to you and just sit back and enjoy your beautiful results!
xoxo
October 1st, 2008 at 7:21 pm
Intriguing idea SS, I won’t try and analyze your responses though (let’s leave that to your wonderful sister!)
I think centering yourself on one art form is extremely wise, something I still need to learn!