I sit before flowers hoping they will train me in the art of opening up. I stand on mountain tops believing that avalanches will teach me to let go. I know nothing, but I am here to learn. ~Shane Koyczan
Remaining open is a challenge in this life, but I think it's key to growth and evolvement...I say this not because I've grasped this concept, but as a reminder. It's natural, I think, to want to close our hearts down...to harden them against being vulnerable. Throughout my life I've instinctively done this again and again, but at least I'm aware now when it happens...for years, I did it unconsciously.
I think it's a type of self-preservation to put up those walls, because life can be brutal and hard and we want to protect ourselves from pain. A hurting heart never feels good. But remaining open lets all the good stuff in, too, and there's so much good out there.
I like that the above quote describes opening up as an art...it's very true. Like any art form, it takes practice to develop the skill. If you walk away from the practice sessions, you will never become good at it. I'm still an amateur at opening up, but I aspire to one day be a professional. And I agree completely with Shane Koyczan: there is so much to learn, if we'd only remain open.
I'm linking up today with Photo Art Friday, which has a monthly prompt. The theme this month was "open". I played around with my rose image, using Bonnie's "Heavenly" texture at Vivid Light/43%. I also added a texture with some handwriting for the background, and used the cutout effect.
Click on the button below to visit Bonnie's Pixel Dust Photo Art site - she has another prompt coming up in January. It's a lot of fun to play around with altering your images - I highly recommend it! It's a good exercise in being open, and letting go. :)
Your rose is just gorgeous with this texture, and i love that quote. It is , really, an art to remain open. I try very hard to be open and transparent, but definitely limit what I am being open about so often. I really think it is something that can be so helpful to others when you are able to open up, as they can see much easier that their problems are not unique, but are part of the "human condition". We are having a snow storm here... hope you are having better weather. I am already hoping for spring! LOL
ReplyDeleteWonderful rose and the background. Ha de gott.
ReplyDeleteLove how you sprinkle the beauty you create with words of wisdom that make us think - and if we act upon those thoughts we can create an art form of our life.
ReplyDeleteThat is such a wonderful quotation to marry with your image, Sherri. Truly so much of what we need to learn can be learned from nature - and, with this post as the proof, from photo art created from our nature photography.
That's a great quote - together with a lovely image and your wise thoughts.
ReplyDeleteSo beautiful... both photo art and words... thank you for the reminder!
ReplyDeleteSo, so beautiful Sherri, both your thoughts and your photo art. I love the texture you chose and how the flower looks watercolored. "Remaining open lets all the good stuff in too," just so true! Last week was a little rough with our visitors and the beginning of this week I felt so closed up...thankfully some photos and textures got me through it!
ReplyDeleteGood for you to keep working on being open. It is hard to let ourselves be vulnerable, but you never who you will affect by sharing from your heart.
ReplyDeleteLovely with the script behind it gives it a timeless feel...
ReplyDeleteThis is exceptionally exquisite, Sherri. I always love to read your thoughtsandfeelings and am moved especially by these. That quote is something of a mantra. meaning, for me, that I am definitely here To Learn. that often feels like the entire point of my Life. to learn. and to learn. and to learn... your photo editing is always gentle and stunning. BE well my friend!! so nice to meet your here again after a very TOO LONG time...
ReplyDeleteBeautiful piece! The flower is gorgeous, and it looks wonderful against the equally-gorgeous background!
ReplyDeleteMy personal experience has been that when my heart is closed with pain, it is beauty such as this that helps me open up to life and love again. Thanks for sharing this beautiful image.
ReplyDeleteLovely quote and you've written very apt words to go with it. I agree wholeheartedly. (No pun intended.)
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