Photography as Meditation: The Friday Flower. Sometimes just photos. Sometimes with writing. Appearing on Fridays.
© 2009 Mahala Mazerov
These flowers, liatris, make me think of candles. The small flowers bloom on long wands from the top to the bottom. To me it’s like flames and wax dripping down. I actually thought one name for them was candle flower, but that’s another plant entirely. Liatris are also know as “blazing stars.”
They remind me of all of the candlelight vigils I’ve ever attended — Kent State University, where I was a student not long after the 1970 shootings. Antiwar protests. Nuclear disarmament. Vigils with the local Tibetan community. Chanting for peace.
I don’t think I’ve ever been in a candlelight vigil under clear skies. There always seemed an endurance test of wind and weather to solidify calling of the heart. It was so hard to keep a candle lit.
Sweet bonds were formed in those moments when we shared our candle flames with one another. No matter how soaked or cold we were, that simple act of rekindling another candle was part of what made the endurance worthwhile.
I have the flu and my candle is flickering a little. I’m doing my practices but there’s not a lot of fire behind them.
I want to tell you something that took me a long time to realize, because I was so focused on trying to save the world.
I am a bringer of blessings, but I can also rest and be a receiver. The same is true for you.
I know you have things you care about. Causes and people that depend on you. But you are not alone. You’re not the only one.
Every day there are people working and praying for the benefit of all beings. May all beings be happy and safe. May they be healthy. May they have everything they need.
It’s so easy to forget when you’re making these prayers, doing good work in the world, that you are also part of all beings. The prayers and the work are for you, too.
Keep a tiny light glowing inside of you. It doesn’t always have to be a blazing fire. Sometimes all you can do is keep a small ember from going out entirely. And if you can’t do even that, don’t worry. Someone will come along, share their flame, and get you glowing again.
When your light is flickering, for whatever reason, know at this very moment you can drink in the efforts and aspirations for your well being.
Someone is working and praying on your behalf at this very moment.
