Beautiful essay, Julie. This series is a masterclass, thank you for all of the care and thought and love you pour into each. Light and dark, day and night even the portrayal of yin and yang, we dwell in both, and both dwell in us. As Suzanne commented, balance is key. Your words spoke to me in so many ways. I am seeing and agreeing we can't know one without the other. We can unexpectedly be light in someone else's darkness or sadly darken someone's light. thank you for expanding this powerful image, I'm going to go have a cup of tea.
This is lovely, and had me sending screenshots to loved ones this morning! It also got me thinking about the complicated nature of the light/darkness dualism. The way it's been associated with both gendered and racial hierarchies, which continually troubles me. And that got me thinking about Taoist teachings (among others!) that value the balance of light and dark, of yin and yang, of inner and outer, of male and female, and teach that these things are in a constant state of transformation, that balance is a dynamic state. And THEN I started re-reading this poem, as less of longing to counteract or nullify one state of being (sadness = bad, joy = good), and more about a prayer to bring BALANCE. Thank you so much for these meditations! They are so inspiring, and really helpful to give a focus for reflection! This is wonderful.
Thanks so much, Suzanne, for sharing your experience and insights here. YES - a prayer for balance! And, remembering that always-implied "sow" lingering in the background. I too have been picturing the ying-yang symbol as I write. I really appreciate the connections and conversations around these posts -- it's a delight to witness the wisdom and heart of readers. 🕊🤍
The simple act of lighting a candle can be so powerful if we evoke intention or prayer. It's something I rarely do in the morning so I appreciate this reminder. This may be my favorite of all your paintings Julie, it's amazing!
Thanks, Donna! It’s one of my faves, too. And I love beeswax votives — the smell and color are such a treat. To picture the grains of pollen on the bees’ leg hairs and the miracle of them making sunlight into wax. . . .
Beautiful essay, Julie. This series is a masterclass, thank you for all of the care and thought and love you pour into each. Light and dark, day and night even the portrayal of yin and yang, we dwell in both, and both dwell in us. As Suzanne commented, balance is key. Your words spoke to me in so many ways. I am seeing and agreeing we can't know one without the other. We can unexpectedly be light in someone else's darkness or sadly darken someone's light. thank you for expanding this powerful image, I'm going to go have a cup of tea.
Beautiful, Leslie! Thanks for coming along on this journey. And for sharing your thoughts. 🕊️🤍
This is lovely, and had me sending screenshots to loved ones this morning! It also got me thinking about the complicated nature of the light/darkness dualism. The way it's been associated with both gendered and racial hierarchies, which continually troubles me. And that got me thinking about Taoist teachings (among others!) that value the balance of light and dark, of yin and yang, of inner and outer, of male and female, and teach that these things are in a constant state of transformation, that balance is a dynamic state. And THEN I started re-reading this poem, as less of longing to counteract or nullify one state of being (sadness = bad, joy = good), and more about a prayer to bring BALANCE. Thank you so much for these meditations! They are so inspiring, and really helpful to give a focus for reflection! This is wonderful.
Thanks so much, Suzanne, for sharing your experience and insights here. YES - a prayer for balance! And, remembering that always-implied "sow" lingering in the background. I too have been picturing the ying-yang symbol as I write. I really appreciate the connections and conversations around these posts -- it's a delight to witness the wisdom and heart of readers. 🕊🤍
Now I understand your tea bag surprise. It really IS perfect! 🥰
You can’t make this stuff up.
I love this! I think of darkness as the unknown, but it can be known. There is a mystery in darkness, and it often takes courage to investigate it.
Well said. Carl Jung’s guidance on befriending the darkness within us is profound. Any spiritual growth or evolution demands it.
The simple act of lighting a candle can be so powerful if we evoke intention or prayer. It's something I rarely do in the morning so I appreciate this reminder. This may be my favorite of all your paintings Julie, it's amazing!
Thanks, Donna! It’s one of my faves, too. And I love beeswax votives — the smell and color are such a treat. To picture the grains of pollen on the bees’ leg hairs and the miracle of them making sunlight into wax. . . .
I agree, they are the best candles.
Another excellent Rumi quote!