Looking at the world closely is something we often avoid. But putting our hands over our eyes and over our ears is not evolved. It is not helpful. The only thing to avoid is avoidance itself. Avoiding close observation and subsequent action is historically proven to be downright destructive.
We are no longer in the time of ignorance. The facts are before us – ready for a closer look. In fact often we have so much information we have to look closely to work out what are facts and what is just trickery. We must look closely now with all the mechanisms and science and education that inform our thoughts, and our choices and lives.
When was the last time you bent right down until your nose could smell the flower and then looked at all those tiny blooms. Or examined an insect in its critical ecosystem. Breathe. It’s OK. We can look closely.
When was the last time you read a piece of text or report, pulled out a pencil and broke it down into a list of facts we can prove or rhetoric that is designed to make us look away and “leave it to them”.
Get close.
This is pretty close for a lavender:
There is beauty and sometimes downright ugliness when we look closely – so be brave.
My son works in macro photography, it is a passion for him, and through his lens he looks deep into a subject with focus and clarity. The camera can be quite objective.
Looking closely with an open mind can bring positivity to our lives. It can bring light.
It is ok to go off course. It is ok to make a mistake. It is ok to make assumptions without gathering the facts, we all do that, course corrections are wonderful things, but it is not ok to deny yourself a deep look, in case you are taught a lesson you might not want to learn.
Because most of these close up lessons will fill us with awe at the sights and awe at our ability to see so clearly. Clear is hard. Being objective as a camera with footage in the raw is very hard. But. Stay steady. Most close up lessons taught from our precious simple earth will make a difference to how we treat others and how we manage our corner of the world.
Keep forging forward. Keep learning those lessons.
And if you need a little down time. A little rest from living actively: here is Chapter Two and Three of Winnie the Pooh.
A bedtime story we know so well allows the mind to rest. To drift. We all need a rest. Don’t forget look after yourself. Thank you so much for listening. I think of you as I read. I do.
Our archive pictures are from April 2013.
Sheila and Charlotte
Daisy and Hairy McClary
BooBoo and TonTon
BooBoo and Big Dog
Big Dog did not much like Boo so we can make an informed guess as to how this moment ended!
Have a great weekend. Let me know how you all are in the comments.
Lots of Love in these troubled times.
Celi
The Kitchen's Garden 
17 responses to “zooming into the truth”
Excellent writing and underpinning message. And photos. When as it is, the fear is real, it can be tempting to shift to soft focus and hum lalalala. I have no idea what we can do other than stay aware, informed, real, prepare our lives personally and tend especially to our support networks. Somehow current events feel reminiscent of the stress, divisiveness and processing too much information of the Covid-19 era all over again. The one thing we can’t afford to lose this time is our community in real life and online because it will be our mainstay.
I can accurately report that I am ok. I had my annual wellness checkup two weeks ago and passed easily. I enjoyed birthday #78 this week with pot roast, carrot cake, and a shot of Jameson Whiskey. Dinner with friends tonight.
I agree about taking a close look at both the world’s inner and outer spaces. We’ve much to learn.
it is my daughters birthday today and second sons tomorrow! They are in good company I think!
Some fine folks have Feb birthdays. 🙂
I just bought a ring flash, though I plan to be using it for food and plants rather than insects.
Those dear pig sisters, then Hairy and Daisy, followed by Baby Boo and Big Dog – I seem to remember that Ton Ton wasn’t that keen on Boo to start with either!
Hairy and Daisy are just too cute!!! And baby Boo!!
Look at that puppy! Boo was already a much bigger dog when I joined the farmy. God lord he was a cute little pup. I’m hanging on by a thread over here. The state of the world and how awful it keeps getting is very heavy and overwhelming.
he’s very talented, these are so beautiful
Cameras have developed so much since I was a photographer.
Baby Booboo, such a cutie! All the animals bring back the adventures and antics of the time. Your son’s photos are excellent. I love the spider eyes.
Well said Cecelia…
Thank you Linnie. Have a great day!
Wonderful photographs….Your son has a very good ‘eye’
Sunny, breezy and cold, although not as cold and we’re to warm up to the 50s this coming week. It’s about 31 degrees F while I write. Brat is happily asleep in his crate (silly cat loves his crate).
Bless Brat.
Very beautifully penned and expressed!