Self-Reflection in Ink

"A good penman can make rivers that race to the sea, rivers as wild and dizzy as a flume in the Alps, as choppy as the Isarco, as wide and smooth as the Tiber at Ostia, or as deep as the Po where it rolls into the Adriatic."  

                                                      - from A Soldier of the Great War by Mark Helprin

A meditative state results when writing in cursive. It stimulates both sides of the brain. The hand moves to energize the brain's logical side. Letters form words in artful flow from the right side's intuitive cells. Integration of both sides occurs as a result. The physical process of writing connects the writer on a sensual level.  

Cursive writing has become a lost art. Children today do not learn it as a requirement in elementary school. Many individuals do not even know what a fountain pen looks like.

Technology requires the fingers to push keys on computers, cell phones and ATM machines. A world of total keyboard input might work for everyone but writers. A pen gripped by fingers stimulates creativity and lets out the magic of words..

When writing with a fountain pen, the wetness of the ink drying on the page reflects a scent of its own. Feeling the elegance of writing and seeing the splash of color adds to the creative flow. Mindful moments with a pen slow and focus thoughts. 

As fingers blend with swirls, loops, and angles of letters, relaxation of the mind occurs. 
The rhythm moves the writer away from the rapidity of life's requests that bombard the psyche. 

Return to your emotional core and connect by thinking and writing with a pen. Without a fountain pen, try any pen that flows. Avoid the use of a pencil.

Experience a freewrite for ten minutes. Find self-reflection in ink.

All About the Climb

I climb these hills as if walking on air
body too light to fall
bamboo staff resting against a great stone
torn cloak snapping in the wind
a lone bird soars the azure depths
far distant springs reflected in its eye
carefree, singing a timeless song
gone – on a journey without end

     - Shih-shu, written in roughly 1703. 

Granite echoes waves of the wind.

     An invitation to climb,

                 where no one has traveled.

Clouds move

    past elephant and tiger bodies

                        to ramble and search

                                    beyond the mind's limitation.

During the days I hiked to all high points in Yosemite, dwelling in the valley too long did not appeal. I needed the climb.

On the way to the highest ridges, nature provided lupine, lizards, and squirrels during the trek in long, expanses of flat terrain. Stellar jays cavorted. 

The climb to the next summit beckoned as my heart raced to the changes in elevation.

An airplane's view looking down at peaks does not satisfy without the effort to arrive there. Growth occurs during the upward ascent in mind and spirit. The body gains strength from each acceleration.

The challenges and vistas along the way nurture the adventure. Hidden spaces and valleys emerge at each chosen turn. A feeling of not knowing moves one beyond the fear of being lost when discovering streams and ponds that explode with wildlife.

Scents of pine and twitters enhance the experience of a mind's journey.

Storm Writing

Before the storm, the sea flaunts its personalities. During their flights of defiance against the wind, seagulls ripple on the currents like kites. They evade the force as long as possible, wielding magic in the thrust of wings. 

Pigeons circle in formations catching the drafts. Subtle changes alert the birds' radar to seek shelter before intensity could whip them from the sky.

On the edges of cliffs as winds broil, pelicans and seagulls find protection  Cormorants rise into the branches of pine trees and preen. A winter sea and sky toy with the color wheel and capture a view that defies a camera's eye.

In India, darshan means getting a view. The clouds escape to reveal a panorama of the Himalayas from the foothills.  The Himalayas give up their darshan.  They're letting you have their view.

The Pacific ocean has provided a darshan on its day of wonder.  It doesn't show itself right away.  The tease encourages a search for your own words and imagery of discovery. 

The sky provides an opening.  

Where does it lead?

As the storm passes, the sky returns to calm the sea and reflect the blue. 

Seagulls ready their feathers for flight.