Thursday, August 31, 2006

Blending in the background

Screen silhouette, Humayun's Tomb, Delhi, India, August 2006, HP Photosmart R817, Exposure 1/90 sec @ f3.2, ISO 200, no flash © Steven Crisp [Click on the photo to enlarge]

This is another picture from Humayun's tomb. This "screen" is carved out of a 2" slab of marble. Each of the many windows had a different screen pattern. Interestingly, I did make it to the Taj Mahal (which I'll show later) and it was fantastic, but the screens there were not as nice as right here in Delhi.

I remember when I asked my coworker to take this picture. He said "you'll never show up, it's too bright." I said "I know, that's the point."

To blend into the background, to become part of the background, to dance between the light and dark. After all, that is what you are, part of the everpresent background. So stop trying to stand out. Stop trying to call attention to yourself. And notice the background presence instead. Be that presence.

2 comments:

Pat said...

Great, great photo/message! Love it! What a kick start to the day! Plus, you've inspired the artist's muse…
Thank you for being so present to that moment.

Steven Crisp said...

Thanks for the comment Pat. I'm glad you like the message as well.

It is so counter-culture for us in the West, and in the USA especially, the land of proud individuality. Yet that only serves to aggrandize our egos, which is absolutely the wrong direction to take if you wish to be in touch with the Divine.

It's an interesting realization, and always a challenge to live up to.