On Fearlessness

Don't Fall, Tel Aviv, Israel, November 2012, Nikon D600 with FX 28-300mm VR lens, 
28mm, 1/500 sec @ f3.5, ISO 100, -0.3 EV, no flash © Steven Crisp  [Click on the photo to enlarge]

Stop!  Don't Jump!  Or Slip and Fall!  Or get accidentally pushed over the edge!

Do you ever have that feeling of vertigo when you get near the edge of a top floor on a tall building?  What is that exactly?  I'm not sure, but it does lead me into my topic today.

And that is fear, and its alternative, fearlessness.  It's something I've been struggling with a little just under the surface of my everyday existence.  

Things going well, life arranged as one had planned, financial situation comfortable, family situation wonderful, etc. etc.  Pretty much the definition of happiness.  And yet there is the small tingle of underlying fear.  Nothing grave.  Just that lingering worry that at any instant, something beyond your control could completely topple your well organized life.  A major illness, or an accident, or a financial scandal, etc.  (I know, this is the kind of problem many people, facing real tangible crises and challenges, would like to have.)

I think these fears are common, but my sense is they are preventing deep, abiding inner peace and contentment.  This morning I received this article on fearlessness by one of my favorite spiritual authors, Thich Nhat Hanh.   My plan is to reflect on it and see to what extent I can work on addressing this underlying fear.  We'll see how it goes.

Oh, and have no fear ... no flowers were hurt during the photo shoot ;-)

Clowning Around

Clowning Around, Waikiki, Oahu, Hawaii, December 2012, Nikon D600 with FX 28-300mm VR lens, 
72mm, 1/500 sec @ f5.5, ISO 100, -0.7 EV, no flash © Steven Crisp  [Click on the photo to enlarge]

I was walking around seeing the bubbles coming from somewhere, so I figured there must be one of those machines somewhere shooting out soap bubbles.  Well, in a way I guess there was.  Only this one was wearing a clown suit and using two giant fly swatters.  Pretty clever.

This was in the finish area of the 2012 Honolulu Marathon.  Everyone was hot, sweaty, thirsty, and tired, but this guy managed to bring a smile to people's faces.  Who doesn't love a clown?

So the next time you or someone else you know needs a little cheering up, break out that rubber nose and start clowning around.  Laughter really is the best medicine and pick-me-up.

Moon Rise

Moon Rise, Berchtesgäden, Germany, September 2012, Nikon D5000 with DX 18-200mm VR lens, 
225mm, 1/100 sec @ f5.6, ISO 200, 0 EV, no flash © Steven Crisp  [Click on the photo to enlarge]

It was a beautiful crisp morning, and this photo was taken right outside our hotel.  We were very lucky to have such nice weather.  And officially, it's a moon set, not a moon rise.

But as happy as I am with this photo, it is not really why I brought you here.  Instead, I think you will be amazed by this Moon Rise video below.  Simply amazing.  And here is the description about the video:

Full Moon Silhouettes 
Video Credit & Copyright: Mark Gee; Music: Tenderness (Dan Phillipson)
Explanation: Have you ever watched the Moon rise? The slow rise of a nearly full moon over a clear horizon can be an impressive sight. One impressive moonrise was imaged two nights ago over Mount Victoria Lookout in Wellington, New Zealand. With detailed planning, an industrious astrophotographer placed a camera about two kilometers away and pointed it across the lookout to where the Moon would surely soon be making its nightly debut. The above single shot sequence is unedited and shown in real time -- it is not a time lapse. People on Mount Victoria Lookout can be seen in silhouette themselves admiring the dawn of Earth's largest satellite. Seeing a moonrise yourself is not difficult: it happens every day, although only half the time at night. Each day the Moon rises about fifty minutes later than the previous day, with a full moon always rising at sunset.

Stud Muffin

Stud Muffin, Ewa Beach, Oahu, Hawaii, December 2012, Nikon D600 with FX 28-300mm VR lens, 
105mm, 1/30 sec @ f5.3, ISO 560, 0 EV, no flash © Steven Crisp  [Click on the photo to enlarge]

Perhaps not the photo you were expecting from the title?

Trust me, this old man (I think he's 15 years old or something) truly is a stud muffin.  As in $500 stud fees.  I'm not kidding.  We spoke with the owner when we were visiting our daughter in Hawaii.

So what do they say -- beauty is in the eye of the beholder?  Apparently so.  Beauty, and some earning potential ;-)

Dancing Sunset

Dancing Sunset, Tel Aviv, Israel, February 2013, Nikon D600 with FX 28-300mm VR lens, 
300mm, 1/30 sec @ f13, ISO 1000, -0.3 EV, no flash © Steven Crisp  [Click on the photo to enlarge]

I'm not sure if you can easily see it in the photo, but look closely where the waves are crashing on the rocks, and you'll see the sunset dancing in the wave spray.  Cool.

But really I just wanted to use this photo to segue into this cool video I received a while ago of a sun that is truly dancing.  Now this is some amazing photography.  Note that this 17 second movie actually represents 4 hours of time-lapsed photography of this coronal mass ejection.

Before ... and After

Wild Stallion, Jaffa, Israel, November 2012, Nikon D600 with FX 50mm lens, 
1/15 sec @ f1.8, ISO 1600, 0 EV, no flash © Steven Crisp  [Click on the photo to enlarge]

Now that is some impressive graffiti.  Certainly a talented artist made this mural on the side of a concrete bulding.  And I love how the artist ignored the depth and material changes in his "canvas".  I think it is really impressive.

Now if you take a look at the photo below, you will see what the building looks like without the mural/grafitti.

Now you might think this is a "Before and After" comparison, and it is.  However, the second shot is the "after".  Yes, for some reason, the building owner (I assume) decided to paint over the mural with this really attractive grey paint ;-)

Now I don't begrudge the owner doing whatever he thinks is needed.  Nor am I lamenting the loss of that great Wild Stallion mural/grafitti.  No, my point is that you must not assume things will always remain as they are.  Everything is impermanent.

That's not good or bad, it just is what it is.  So seize the day, and make your art while you still can.   Tomorrow, who knows?  Your mural may be lost, but everyone who has seen it will be the better for it.  And now look what you have -- another blank canvas.  What more could an artist hope for?

Catch It ...

Catch It, North Shore, Oahu, Hawaii, March 2011, Nikon D5000 with DX 18-200mm VR lens, 
300mm, 1/1600 sec @ f5.6, ISO 200, 0 EV, no flash © Steven Crisp  [Click on the photo to enlarge]

Catch it ... and then let it go.  You must if you wish to ride it.

I love this shot, with the wind so clearly whipping the waves in the back of the frame.

This was a red-flag day, and you had better know what you were doing to be out in the water.

But if you have the skill, and the guts, you might just have some fun.

Don't cling.  Roll with it.  Go with the flow.  You know what works.  And what doesn't.

The Unfurling

The Unfurling, Akaka Falls, Big Island, Hawaii, December 2012, Nikon D600 with FX 28-300mm VR lens, 
300mm, 1/30 sec @ f5.6, ISO 720, 0 EV, no flash © Steven Crisp  [Click on the photo to enlarge]

Are you managing and controlling all aspects of your life?  Checking off your to do list?  Ensuring each day is crackerjack-full of productive activities?

Or are you letting your life unfurl before your own eyes?  Are you open and receptive to opportunities that might just be around the next corner?  Are you leaving space -- precious space -- during your day for something magnificent to unfurl?

We've been conditioned by time management experts and self-help gurus to shape our lives to fit our preconceived notion of success ... only to realize later in life that we may well have been sold a bill of goods (quite literally).  

What would our life be like if we followed our nose to see just what opportunities were ever-present that ignited our creative spirit, or touched the depths of our soul, or let us express our deepest compassion.

Life has its own way of unfurling, and will do so quite nicely without any help from us, thankyouverymuch.  Can we learn (or unlearn) to accept that unfolding, and consider what is the wisest response to each situation?  

You will be surprised the degree of peace that can arise from that unknowing, that lack of control.  Indeed, it is our desire to control our world that introduces tremendous stress and suffering (when things inevitably don't follow what we had in mind).  

So resign today from your envisioned job as master of the universe.  And watch the miracle of life unfurl all on its own.  And then ... be at peace.

Caught You

Shades 'o Green, Waimea Valley, North Shore, Oahu, Hawaii, December 2012, Nikon D600 with FX 28-300mm VR lens, 300mm, 1/30 sec @ f5.6, ISO 180, 0 EV, no flash © Steven Crisp  [Click on the photo to enlarge]

Are you conspicuous or inconspicuous?  Do you like to stand out or let yourself fade into the background?  There's no right or wrong answer.  Sometimes either action is required.

But I would make one recommendation.  Ask yourself what your motivation is.  What is driving the decision?  The particular situation?  Or the ego?

And if the latter, consider trying the alternative approach.

My observation is the ego can get you into some trouble.  It might just get you caught.  Camouflage is an excellent evolutionary development.  Give it a try, especially whenever you see the ego looking for some extra attention.

Stop Counting

Time to Stop Counting, Big Island, Hawaii, December 2012, Nikon D600 with FX 28-300mm VR lens, 
76mm, 1/30 sec @ f5.6, ISO 640, 0 EV, no flash © Steven Crisp  [Click on the photo to enlarge]

I came across this T-shirt while strolling through Kona center on the Big Island with my family.  It made me chuckle.  And think.

I really don't think of myself as being as old as my birthday would indicate.  After all, it's just a number.  Rather meaningless, actually, when you realize the standard deviation around average life expectancy.

Kinda like dog years.  Those never mapped very well either, as far as I could tell.

They say you are as young (or as old) as you feel.  I think that is absolutely true.

So in case anyone asks, I'm 33 years old (and that's actually quite a bit older than I've been in the past). Yes, I'm a bit more mature lately.  But not too much.

And if you want to apply some other yardstick to yourself,  perhaps it's a good idea to use dog years for your age.  That way you are sure to be far from "average" ... in fact, you'd be well off the charts ;-)

Impressed?

Impressed, Big Island, Hawaii, December 2012, Nikon D600 with FX 28-300mm VR lens, 
78mm, 1/30 sec @ f5.6, ISO 1600, 0 EV, no flash © Steven Crisp  [Click on the photo to enlarge]

So are you?  Impressed, I mean.

No, not about the photo.  Although I have to tell you I really like this shot.  I was walking by an art studio that was closed, and saw this through the window.  What you might find surprising is that the piece is actually facing away from you.  It's the "negative" if you will.  And I really like the textures and the light.

But I was talking about you.  Are you "impressed?"

You know, with preconceived notions, parental biases, cultural taboos, and the like.  I would be willing to bet that you are, even if you can't discern them (much like the proverbial fish who can't see the water).  So the question isn't whether you can be completely unbiased or objective.  But rather are you tuned into detecting your biases before they cause you or others any suffering?

Take another look that the photo.  Imagine that is your impression.  And see how there is no person there now.  Imagine you have "stepped back" from the impression you just made, and now you can walk around it and truly examine it.  Now you can look objectively at both your perfections and your flaws.  And decide where you want to change, to grow, to improve yourself.

That's all we can do.  One day at a time, one step at a time.  And if we are guided by compassion, rather than ego ... well, then we just might make some progress.

And truly, I tell you, that would be impressive!

What is your gift?

It's a Gift, Tel Aviv, Israel, January 2013, Nikon D600 with FX 28-300mm VR lens, 
85mm, 1/80 sec @ f5, ISO 100, 0 EV, no flash © Steven Crisp  [Click on the photo to enlarge]

Walking along the streets of Tel Aviv recently, and what did we come across?  Three colorful statues on a balcony appearing to sing to the folks on the street below.  Quirky?  Yes.  Unnecessary?  Perhaps.  Worthless?  Heck no.

It's a gift.  Something unique and compelling, that makes you wonder and think.  Why is it there?  What does it mean?

So what's your gift?  To the world.  To yourself.

No one else can say what it should be.  If you haven't found it yet, keep looking.  It's there, waiting for your discovery.  And the onlookers below are curious.  Just what are you all about?  Time to belt out your song for all to hear.

Spice things up

Spice Things Up, Carmel Market, Tel Aviv, Israel, October 2012, Nikon D600 with FX 50mm lens, 
50mm, 1/30 sec @ f1.8, ISO 140, 0 EV, no flash © Steven Crisp  [Click on the photo to enlarge]

In a rut?  Doing the same thing over and over again?

Maybe it's time to spice things up.  Try something brand new.  Surprise your partner or your friend.  They have expectations on how you will behave -- see if you can catch them off guard.

Life's too short to be boring or predictable.  And how will you grow if you never stretch the boundaries of your behavior.  Why not challenge your habits once a week?  I'm willing to bet some of the new things you try will become your favorites.

Not all of them, of course.  But that would be too predictable and boring too.  Gotta keep everyone, including yourself, guessing.

Enjoy the change.  You know what they say ... "Variety is the spice of life."  How true!

Too much drama

Storm Clouds Brewing, Herrenchiemsee, Germany, September 2012, Nikon D5000 with DX 18-200mm VR lens, 
27mm, 1/500 sec @ f3.5, ISO 200, 0 EV, no flash © Steven Crisp  [Click on the photo to enlarge]

Check out those clouds.  Looks like a big storm is brewing.  Better batten down the hatches; board up the windows.  Just listen to the folks on the news, they'll tell you how bad things might get.

Or you perhaps could realize that I tweaked a few settings on my post-processing, and just made things look this dramatic.  Nothing unusual going on.  The sun will still rise tomorrow.

It's easy, if we're not careful, to get caught up in the "drama" of a given situation.  Over analyze all the possible outcomes, and worry about the worst ones.  But that's lots of needless hand-wringing.  Better to not let yourself get "hooked" by the drama.  Carry every situation as lightly as possible.  Be free to let go of any worrisome thoughts.  Stay present with what is really happening, and just take things as they come.

So what if you see a sky that looks something like what you see in this picture?  I'd just grab my umbrella.  Simple as that.

I'm happy ... Are you?

Happy Boy, Königsee, Bertchesgäden, Germany, September 2012, Nikon D5000 with DX 18-200mm VR lens, 
180mm, 1/640 sec @ f5.3, ISO 200, 0 EV, no flash © Steven Crisp  [Click on the photo to enlarge]

Are you happy?  As happy as this dog?

This guy just seems so content with his big stick.  He's smiling at the camera.

You know what they say ... you're as happy as you make your mind up to be.

So I'd say take your cue from this happy boy, and smile, smile, smile.

Gotta Run

Gotta Run, Maui, Hawaii, March 2011, Nikon D5000 with DX 18-200mm VR lens, 
300mm, 1/100 sec @ f5.6, ISO 200, 0 EV, no flash © Steven Crisp  [Click on the photo to enlarge]

All my bags are packed, I'm ready to go ...

Heading off on a trip today, where it will be warmer, and yes, beach running will be an option.

I've been slackin' (well, at least in terms of my running), so hopefully I'll get a few long and enjoyable runs in while I'm in Israel.

But for now ... let's just say ... I gotta run!  Bye.

Like water off a duck's back

Duck's Back, Sweden, September 2011, Nikon D5000 with DX 18-200mm VR lens, 
300mm, 1/100 sec @ f5.6, ISO 200, 0 EV, no flash © Steven Crisp  [Click on the photo to enlarge]

Ever have someone say something to you that didn't quite sit right with you?

It might seep into your thoughts, cause you some anxiety, and create some negative energy inside you.

Or, you could just let it "roll off you like water off a duck's back."

Unless you see the comment as something worthy of your time and energy, and useful perhaps for reflection and personal growth, then I'd probably recommend the duck metaphor.

Makes life so much lighter and more blissful.

Slow Down

Slow Down, Böblingen, Germany, June 2012, Nikon D5000 with DX 18-200mm VR lens, 
195mm, 1/25 sec @ f5.6, ISO 1600, 0.7 EV, no flash © Steven Crisp  [Click on the photo to enlarge]

Our world, it seems, just keeps speeding up.

Information from anywhere on the planet now arrives in the blink of an eye.

No need to wait for the evening news.  CNN put an end to that long ago.

Want that new bauble?  Order by 3:00AM and have it at your door before 10:00AM.

And while we can't teleport ourselves across the globe, we can, at modest price, get just about anywhere in the world within 24 hours.  Something our grandparents couldn't have imagined.

It is really all very amazing.  And I'm not complaining -- really I'm not.  These can be real conveniences in our lives.  Or not.

The beauty can be found in the snail above.

For while the world seems to be spinning faster and faster, of course it is not.  You can still choose when to slow down your life.  That power remains with you no matter what new, amazing, shiny, computer/stereo/telephone/GPS/e-reader/camera/etc you happen to have in your pocket this month.

You still have the choice to slow down.  Boil some water and steep some loose herbal tea.  Grab a book and turn the pages one-by-one.  Walk to your local market, choose warm bread and fresh veggies and make a healthy, homemade meal.  Savor it over candlelight and conversation.

So pay heed to the lowly snail.  For no matter its destination, he may get there slowly, but get there nonetheless.

And there is something very satisfying and very beautiful when we make the choice ourselves to just slow down.

A simple flower

A simple flower, Bebenhausen, Germany, October 2012, Nikon D600 with DX 18-55mm VR lens, 
30mm, 1/125 sec @ f3.8, ISO 100, 0 EV, no flash © Steven Crisp  [Click on the photo to enlarge]

If we could see the miracle of a single flower clearly, 

our whole life would change.

-- The Buddha --

We can glance at a single flower like this and think nothing of it.  A dime a dozen.  They grow like weeds in the summer time.

But if we begin to consider the amazing nature of this flower, how its essence is held within a tiny seed, and with nothing but some dirt, a little water, and sunlight, we have this beautiful blossom, and a process for continued reproduction and evolution.

How incredibly complex the inner workings of a flower are, turning sunlight into plant energy, the interconnection between the plant's pollen, the fertilization of other flowers, and delicate dancing of butterflies and bees to carry that pollen.

It's really unfathomable.  We know there are botanists and biologists that study such matters, and certainly they can describe these complex processes in great detail. But does anyone really know how it works?  Could any of us create such a process?

No, and in that lies the miracle the Buddha refers to in the quote above.  Sit back and enjoy the show.  For every single part of the ballet and the orchestration are simply unbelievable and truly awesome.  Such gifts for each one of us.

We are truly blessed to be able to witness them.  May we open our eyes.

Eye Am Beautiful

Eye Am Beautiful, Art show in Jaffa, Israel, date, Nikon D600 with FX 28-300mm VR lens,
 34mm, 1/25 sec @ f3.8, ISO 3200, -0.7 EV, no flash © Steven Crisp  [Click on the photo to enlarge]

We were walking around Old Jaffa, and came across this enormous art show in a refurbished building in the Old Jaffa port.  The quantity and variety of art was impressive.

This one really grabbed my eye (sorry ;-)  It was much larger than life-sized, and created by zillions of little applications of color, making it look something like a grainy close-up photo.  Really cool.

And paired with this quote below, I think also quite meaningful:

"When you look and look and look into another person's eyes 

you are looking at the most beautiful jewels in the universe." 

-- Alan Watts