This was a wonderful read and the photos perfectly match your words. I must say the backlit photo of the green leaves and tree branches captures the light remarkably well.
Also, this short paragraph really resonated with me “But what saves me every time is a desire to let light in. To seek it out and banish darkness from within. To stay pure of heart, for I know that if I can do this, I am winning.” This is a beautifully stated thought.
Your photos really reflect the mood and message of your writing Andrew. I agree too that sunlight can change our outlook both physically and mentally. Thank you 🙏
(Love the photos and your observations on the importance of light both physical and metaphorical. Reminded me of a mini revelation I had many years ago. In pursuit of a change of direction I left my steady job with the local authority to pursue a different career. It meant moving my family of wife and three children under five from a house we ‘owned’ in Manchester which we were unable to sell because of negative equity (the bust years of Thatcherism) to Nottingham to study for a degree. Without warning I began to have severe panic attacks plunging me into a dark despair. Obviously the result of such a huge and stressful move. It lasted for almost a year and rather than seeking medication or counselling I made the decision to practice meditation and breath work. It’s a long story. However, one day I was sat cross legged with my back to the wall of a small prayer room at the university. Above me there was a small window and on the opposite wall there was a plain wooden cross. As I stared at the wall suddenly the sun broke through the clouds and brilliant light flooded in through the window. This caused the cross to cast a shadow so black it looked like it had been painted on the wall. In the silence I felt an inner voice say, “The darker the shadow the brighter the light”. I understood then that however dark things can seem there is always light, inextinguishable light. We have to find that light within us and the light in the world around us, so wonderfully captured in your photos, reminds me of that. Thank you - Hadge)
This was a wonderful read and the photos perfectly match your words. I must say the backlit photo of the green leaves and tree branches captures the light remarkably well.
Also, this short paragraph really resonated with me “But what saves me every time is a desire to let light in. To seek it out and banish darkness from within. To stay pure of heart, for I know that if I can do this, I am winning.” This is a beautifully stated thought.
Thank you Mike, I appreciate the thoughtful comment!
Your photos really reflect the mood and message of your writing Andrew. I agree too that sunlight can change our outlook both physically and mentally. Thank you 🙏
(Love the photos and your observations on the importance of light both physical and metaphorical. Reminded me of a mini revelation I had many years ago. In pursuit of a change of direction I left my steady job with the local authority to pursue a different career. It meant moving my family of wife and three children under five from a house we ‘owned’ in Manchester which we were unable to sell because of negative equity (the bust years of Thatcherism) to Nottingham to study for a degree. Without warning I began to have severe panic attacks plunging me into a dark despair. Obviously the result of such a huge and stressful move. It lasted for almost a year and rather than seeking medication or counselling I made the decision to practice meditation and breath work. It’s a long story. However, one day I was sat cross legged with my back to the wall of a small prayer room at the university. Above me there was a small window and on the opposite wall there was a plain wooden cross. As I stared at the wall suddenly the sun broke through the clouds and brilliant light flooded in through the window. This caused the cross to cast a shadow so black it looked like it had been painted on the wall. In the silence I felt an inner voice say, “The darker the shadow the brighter the light”. I understood then that however dark things can seem there is always light, inextinguishable light. We have to find that light within us and the light in the world around us, so wonderfully captured in your photos, reminds me of that. Thank you - Hadge)
Thanks Hadge, and thanks for sharing this mini revelation. Small moments like these have such power.