What Does The Word Mean?

WORDS

We speak them every day. We make a sound or a combination of sounds that communicates a meaning. We write them. We read them. WORDS carry immeasurable significance. The universe was created with WORDS.  "God spoke the world into being by the power of His words."  Hebrews 11:3.

I know how to read words, to write them, to speak them, but photographing the meaning of WORDS is a big challenge. A group organized by one of my favorite photographers and teachers, Kim Manley Ort, is trying to do just that. We're using the book Consolations, The Solace, Nourishment and Underlying Meaning Of Everyday Words, by David Whyte for our prompts. Whyte turns our attention to 52 ordinary words "each it's own particular doorway into the underlying currents of human life. Consolations invites readers into a poetic and thoughtful consideration of words whose meanings and interpretation influence the paths we choose and the way we traverse them throughout our lives." (from David Whyte website.)

This has been a very challenging experience for me. I have been known to say that I don't "philosify" about my photos. I take them for pure pleasure, but this gathering has taught me to look at things differently. To take the week's word, mull it over in my mind, decide how I could represent my feelings of the word in a picture, and then actually find and take the picture; as I said very challenging! I'd like to share these words, my thoughts or sometimes just a quote, and my photos with you.

ALONE

where I can hear my thoughts

where my mind can rest

where I can feel delight

"In solitude

the mind gains strength

and learns to lean upon itself."

~ Laurence Sterne

AMBITION

Ambition is the inner force needed to propel me to my goal even though there may be struggles and hardships. I've always been amazed at how a delicate mushroom can push through the hard ground as it seeks the light. Nature is a wonderful teacher.

ANGER

"Anger is like a storm

rising up from the bottom of your consciousness.

When you feel it coming,

turn your focus to your breath."

~Thich Nhat Hanh

BEAUTY

I am a seeker of nature's beauty.

I am in constant awe of God's creation.

"He who seeks beauty will find it."

~ Bill Cunningham

Beginning

"All glory comes from daring to begin."

~ Eugene F. Ware

Do I dare often enough?

"Words mean more than what is set down on paper.

It takes the human voice to infuse them with deeper meaning."

~ Maya Angelou