Some of these places/moments/states of mind have been in the Adirondacks with the incredible beauty of nature in front of me, standing in Saint Peter's square at night with very few people around, and lying in bed in deep meditation.
These moments seem very much a paradox. They feel very personal in nature, but inclusive of something much bigger than myself. I also realize that I'm far from understanding them.
Usually I cannot predict when they will occur, but Christmas Eve seems to be one of those moments that's most consistent. Tonight I carried my camera with me to the Christmas Eve service. There is a moment at the end of our service that everybody moves to the outside walls of the sanctuary with candles. The lights are turned down, so the room is only lit with candles. We sing "Silent Night". I had planned to take photos at that moment because it is the most beautiful to me. This is the sacred moment that is most consistent. Once again I felt the moment, and could not bring myself to take one photo. I was once again caught in the moment.
Instead, I brought the bulletin and candle home and photographed this photo. I like how the photo turned out, and think it will remind me of the moment.
I'd be interested in hearing about moments like this for you. I also realize that they are very personal, and you may not want to share. But if you feel moved, please do.
My wish is that all can experience these moments, and I hope everybody does.
Whatever your beliefs, and wherever you are in your journey, may you find moments to feel the sacred. Have a joyous Holiday Season.
Lesson Learned:
- There are moments when photography is inappropriate for me.
9 comments:
Great shot! I bet this would look good with a vignette.
Also, good job with the candle flame. I can never get fire to work out how I want it.
It is a moment to be touched.
Merry Christmas.
From the Far East.
Best regards.
That is an absolutely, brilliantly beautiful photo! Great job!
Hogs and kisses Stevo :)
When I see this pict, I get the emotions, the feelings, and the story... Well captured..
I have followed your blog for a while ... and ( today of all days ) wanted to post and say how wonderful I felt your post was.
It is now 17.50 - CHristmas Evening and we are all reclining with full stomachs and full hearts !
I had that " moment " this morning in church.
We were singing Away in a Manger and it reminded me of when my Darling Dad used to sing to my brother and I at bed-time.
Thankfully my father was along the pew from me - but my brother is celebrating Christmas elsewhere this year.
It made me appreciate family and loved ones and how thankful I am.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.
Thank you for an inspiring and entertaining blog.I look forward to following you in 2010!
Cai graham
This gave me chills.
Every year we aren't sure where we'll end up for church on Christmas Eve (depends on who's family we are visiting), but we always go. For some reason I always get tears in my eyes and can't quite explain why. I think it's just the emotion, beauty and calm of the moment.
Silent Night gets me every time. Perhaps it's the beauty of the glowing candles, the harmony of everyone singing together or even just that moment in time when everyone comes together in peace and joy.
Magnificent photograph. Best wishes for a very Merry and Magical Christmas to you and your family.
Fabulous shot! Love the way you composed it! And I liked the lesson for this shot: I've felt that way on occasion myself. Merry Christmas! Hope you and your family had a great day!
Nice candle shot. The sheet music is most appropriate.
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