Married to amazement
Autumn reflected in Reedy Creek, Umstead Forest, Raleigh NC
“When it’s over, I want to say: all my life
I was a bride married to amazement. ”
Recently I went to walk in Umstead forest, near my home in Raleigh, NC. I intentionally brought my camera, but also intentionally was NOT looking for a specific subject, or a specific scene to photograph. Rather, I aspired to soften my gaze and let the space tell me what wanted to be seen. It did! One result was that I made many images wider in scope than I typically do. The other result was that I began to feel enchanted. I began to feel I was part of the space around me.
I was so blissful, I almost felt guilty. In a world wrought with challenges, and so full of suffering, cultivating joy seems almost insensitive. And yet, what is the alternative? In the long run, don’t we each have to, need to, soak up the bits of bliss in whatever form they arrive? I recently heard a poem read by Harry Baker that moved me. It’s written by Donna Ashworth. Here’s an excerpt:
Joy is supposed to slither through the cracks of your imperfect life
That’s how joy works
You can not invite her
You can only be ready when she appears
And hug her with meaning
Because in this very moment, joy chose you.
I mostly agree with Harry, although I do think we can invite joy. She may or may not show up on command, but for me a sure way to invite her is to go into the woods.
During my forest wandering, I rarely made it more than a few dozen yards before something captivated me visually. I finally left because the light was disappearing as dusk descended. (And the gate to this public space closes at 6:00 pm.) I hope for anyone who is able, that you will give yourself the gift of wandering in the woods. Here’s a bit more of what I saw. As always, you can click the images to see them full screen. If you have the time, sit with them longer than you might normally. They do have things to say.
Here’s the last photo I made on this particular day. I remain married to amazement.
