I'm always attracted to contrasts nestled side by side. In this case, it's a sprig of Oregon Holly-Grape jutting up out of the snow, next to an aspen trunk burned in last month's forest fire. To me, this sort of aesthetic visual contrast speaks of the importance of respecting the yin-yang aspect of life. Without something to struggle against, we would develop no psychological muscle. Without emotional suffering, there would be no sudden insight. Without the sense of separation, there could be no awareness of union. Without unrequited love for another human being, there would be no search for a Divine Lover. Without ego, there could be no enlightenment when ego is seen-through. And without the mundane events of life, there could be no ecstasy or epiphany. Obviously, we will all continue to work to end EXTREME suffering - unbearable physical or psychological pain, debilitating disease, poverty and oppression. Too much pain does nothing but squash the human spirit. But mild or moderate suffering is the gas that fuels the spiritual journey. It is the fire of trials that brings the greenness of new life. This, I've come to realize, is a major reason why I love spending time exploring, photographing and contemplating in forest fire burn areas.
Photo: Fern Lake Burn, Rocky Mountain National Park, CO; December 29, 2012
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