nightshooter09
"Goodness is easier to recognize than define." ~ W. H. Auden
PROFOUND.
The most profound spiritual question that I have been asked since being on Flickr has been a surprise to me. It's this: How do you photograph in the darkness without being afraid and while still remaining safe?
To my amazement, the result of this woman's sincere question has brought to mind an entire philosophy of my life . . . my thoughts on light and darkness. Of course, it's not really appropriate for an intellectual discourse of darkness and light to unfold here on Flickr. But the goodness in this little scarecrow icon is perfect for this quote. Set in a backdrop of autumn that for some, creates a celebration of darkness, I've been thinking deeply about her question.
But in this setting and as for me, this I know and can state most briefly: That which I deeply believe and try to practice has changed me as a human being and how I experience other people as well. The journey has been defined by tremendous growth.
One of the most profound movies I have ever seen - also a life-changer - was that of the true life story: "Dead Man Walking". Sister Helen Prejean, CSJ, authored the non-fiction book which was later made into a movie starring Sean Penn and Susan Sarrandon. The final scene (the walk to the execution) is not one I would post. But the movie is an awsome testiment of a real-life woman's journey in living in a world where her belief in light is more powerful than the darkness. The impact through her on others - especially the murder - is an amazing true story.
Her impact upon me was to help me see how far I had to grow on this life's journey.
Sr. Helen saw "beyond" ~ she saw the good within each person, even the most self-confessed of evil men, the accomplice-as-murderer whom Sean Penn portrays. She believed that EVERY person matters and is not beyond grace. Even when I could not exactly define my thoughts and the changes which came about in me as a result of this movie, I recognized the profound goodness and light within Sr. Helen and knew that I wanted to be able to walk next to or even in darkness and still keep lit the inner candle of goodness which is not me, but what I profess.
Grace and forgivess are profound examples of goodness, in my opinion. Likewise, I believe are humility, amends-making and finally asking forgiveness when we know we've harmed someone. Goodness, like seeds, can begin taking root from this act.
The goodness she carried extended to all parties: the convicted killer and both of the victim's families. How difficult a line she walked by extending this hard toward darkness and balancing with reaching toward innocent victim's families. An amazing woman to walk safely through such an odd journey.
So I guess I'm less afraid because of how I see "good and evil" in the world. But make no mistake, Sister Helen was still afraid and out of her element in all this darkness. I, too, am not completely fearless in the dark. But I will not allow darkness to dictate to my choices. Nightshooting in safer settings is one of those carefully-modulated choices I make.
It truly is easier recognize good than it is to define it. But we know it when we see it. Who would have thought Flickr would have brought about such a profound spiritual insight about light vs. darkness into my life? Go figure.
Blessings on the journey to each who reads this story,
nightshooter09
"Goodness is easier to recognize than define." ~ W. H. Auden
PROFOUND.
The most profound spiritual question that I have been asked since being on Flickr has been a surprise to me. It's this: How do you photograph in the darkness without being afraid and while still remaining safe?
To my amazement, the result of this woman's sincere question has brought to mind an entire philosophy of my life . . . my thoughts on light and darkness. Of course, it's not really appropriate for an intellectual discourse of darkness and light to unfold here on Flickr. But the goodness in this little scarecrow icon is perfect for this quote. Set in a backdrop of autumn that for some, creates a celebration of darkness, I've been thinking deeply about her question.
But in this setting and as for me, this I know and can state most briefly: That which I deeply believe and try to practice has changed me as a human being and how I experience other people as well. The journey has been defined by tremendous growth.
One of the most profound movies I have ever seen - also a life-changer - was that of the true life story: "Dead Man Walking". Sister Helen Prejean, CSJ, authored the non-fiction book which was later made into a movie starring Sean Penn and Susan Sarrandon. The final scene (the walk to the execution) is not one I would post. But the movie is an awsome testiment of a real-life woman's journey in living in a world where her belief in light is more powerful than the darkness. The impact through her on others - especially the murder - is an amazing true story.
Her impact upon me was to help me see how far I had to grow on this life's journey.
Sr. Helen saw "beyond" ~ she saw the good within each person, even the most self-confessed of evil men, the accomplice-as-murderer whom Sean Penn portrays. She believed that EVERY person matters and is not beyond grace. Even when I could not exactly define my thoughts and the changes which came about in me as a result of this movie, I recognized the profound goodness and light within Sr. Helen and knew that I wanted to be able to walk next to or even in darkness and still keep lit the inner candle of goodness which is not me, but what I profess.
Grace and forgivess are profound examples of goodness, in my opinion. Likewise, I believe are humility, amends-making and finally asking forgiveness when we know we've harmed someone. Goodness, like seeds, can begin taking root from this act.
The goodness she carried extended to all parties: the convicted killer and both of the victim's families. How difficult a line she walked by extending this hard toward darkness and balancing with reaching toward innocent victim's families. An amazing woman to walk safely through such an odd journey.
So I guess I'm less afraid because of how I see "good and evil" in the world. But make no mistake, Sister Helen was still afraid and out of her element in all this darkness. I, too, am not completely fearless in the dark. But I will not allow darkness to dictate to my choices. Nightshooting in safer settings is one of those carefully-modulated choices I make.
It truly is easier recognize good than it is to define it. But we know it when we see it. Who would have thought Flickr would have brought about such a profound spiritual insight about light vs. darkness into my life? Go figure.
Blessings on the journey to each who reads this story,
nightshooter09