The story behind this Nurturing Thursday post begins during my time with the book “The sun my heart” by Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh. I am in love with the book and read every page at least twice. I try to relate the stories in the book by what I have heard/learned in different situations from different people in my life.
Then comes the weekly photo challenge theme: lines. I started looking for a photo with some interesting lines and I found one abstract phtograph. But with a questions, are these lines or just illusions? The line in this frame has only present neither past nor future.
As Alan Watts has said, ” I have realized that the past and future are real illusions, that they exist in the present, which is what there is and all there is”.
Now its time to share some lines from the book to nuture ourselves:
“From time to time you may become restless, and the restlessness will not go away. At such times, just sit quietly, follow your breathing, smile a halfsmile, and shine your awareness on the restlessness. Don’t judge it or try to destroy it, because this
restlessness is you yourself. It is born, has some period of existence, and fades away, quite naturally. Don’t be in too big a hurry to find its source. Don’t try too hard to make it disappear. …
Do not turn your mind into a battlefield. Do not have a war there; for all your feelings-joy, sorrow, anger, hatred-are part of yourself. … To meditate does not mean to fight with a problem. To meditate means to observe. Your smile proves it. It proves that you are being gentle with yourself, that the sun of awareness is shining in you, that you have control of your situation.
This is lovely, Rupali. I love the half-smile. It just seems to put everything in its place.
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I am glad you liked it Alison.
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Thanks for the book info – will surely look it up 🙂
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🙂 Enjoy!
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Lovely photo and such beautiful words from the book.
It has made me more curious; I think this is going to be my next read.
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🙂 Thank you for comment Sona.
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I love these words. They gave me a sense of peace, thanks for sharing!
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Thank you kindly!
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Beautiful, Rupali! The lines and lights are well captured. Thank you for sharing the book info.
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Thanks Amy.
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Wonderful excerpt, thanks for sharing ! Amazing click, you have captured the frozen water beautifully !!
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Sunlight turns all in magic 🙂
Thanks Megala for your positive words.
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This awesome photograph matches beautifully with your meaningful lines.
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Thank you so much dear.
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The image is beautiful and symbolic Rupali – it goes so well with the passage from the book ☺💖 xxx
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I am so glad you liked my efforts. Thank you Xenia.
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You are very welcome 💜
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Such an interesting photo… and the book sounds wise & wonderful! Great post!
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Thank you Linda.
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amazing photo with wise words, I am also a big fan of Alan and Thich Naht Hanh 🙂
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🙂 Thanks you Kate.
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🙂
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Thank you, Rupali!
I needed these nurturing words today.
Now I am sitting here smiling and feeling at peace.
And your photo is captivating…so mirror-like, ice-like, so interesting.
HUGS!!! 🙂
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I am so glad you liked it and found it useful Carolyn. Thanks a lot. Have a good relaxing weekend.
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Thanks.
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wonderful words
of Alan Watts, Rupali!
i feel more kindred with them now
than back long ago
when my college English instructor had us read them 🙂
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It is quite natural David. I think with each passing year we get kindred.
Thank you for your time David.
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Great nurturing post, Rupali. Spring coming to life with colorful flowers and chirping birds can add a smile to anyones face.
Isadora 😎
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So true Isadora.
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Lines or illusions? Both — every time we look at pictures with lines, our minds construct new patterns and we see them differently 🙂
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Yes indeed. Thanks Meg.
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