Today I stopped on Spring Gulch Road. I stopped because two motorcyclists–as if central casting had picked two characters from Easy Rider–had stopped. In the middle of the road. Where they were taking turns, to pose, and snap photos against the jaw dropping backdrop of the Teton Mountain Range. Spring Gulch Road is a dirt road, and no thoroughfare. So I waited, and vicariously enjoyed their enchantment. And I am better for it. . .(and then I tried to talk them into being spokespeople for my weekly invitation to pause — Sabbath Moment.)
In our world, I believe that we’re short on enchantment. Or we are experiencing some kind of diminished capacity.
When you go to any amusement park, there are helpful signs, “Take photo here.” Now, I have taken photos of those signs, and they’re not that memorable. . .
I find it interesting that we need to remind people to stop. Not just to take a photo, but to pay attention. And there is a part of me that is uncertain about the need to photograph everything we do. There have been times when taking the photograph can get in the way of my “seeing.” I believe that the truly beautiful and poignant photos are really that — “seeing” as opposed to photo-taking. Because in the “seeing,” a moment is captured. . .because–like the two cyclists–someone stopped to “soak it in.”
The beauty of the trees, the softness of the air,
the fragrance of the grass speaks to me.
The summit of the mountain, the thunder of the sky,
The rhythm of the sea, speaks to me.
The faintness of the stars, the freshness of the morning,
the dewdrop on the flower, speaks to me.
The strength of the fire, the taste of salmon, the trail of the sun,
and the life that never goes away, they speak to me
And my heart soars.
–Chief Dan George
The best way to pay for a lovely moment….is to enjoy it. Richard Bach
4 Comments
Thank you for this beautiful post. I had a Sabbath moment, a “moment of enchantment” the other night when my husband and i watched the Perseid Meteor Shower. It was wonderful. I thought about taking my camera, but decided against it. I knew that I would be so worried about the technicalities of getting a good shot and would miss the experience of laying under the stars and just paying attention and being witness to a miracle. Usually photos heighten my low vision, but this time I left the camera behind. I think I made the right decision. I wrote about my meteor shower experience at http://wp.me/pRdWn-kK
I love the blogs – I always “pause” and read and relish the pictures and comments. I used to get the Sabbath Moments. I will again. The spirit in which you write is so refreshing it makes me feel like I’m in a different chronos; taking the time to read your messages changes the atmosphere as I absorb myself in every word – almost like I’m there with you in the moment. Please know you are APPRECIATED!
Terry – I have little or no video of my kids birthdays, soccer, cross country races etc – as I wanted to WATCH them! I have lovely memories in my head – very few on tape…and that is OK.
Belinda. What a great blog. I love that you wrote that the meteor shower was not on you “list of things to do.” You gave up some of your expectations. . .and were surprised by joy. Just like you say, sometimes we can un-do an experience by being elsewhere in our mind. . .I know in my case it happens when I strive for the “perfect” event.