I have faith, especially now, when the heart is already broken, when one can become dizzy wondering whose suffering to respond to, that lives anchored in kindness and compassion make all the difference. In the words whispered in my ear by a friend: Even now, when so much is collapsing, what is most available to us is love. Thank you Sebastiao Salgado, presente, and thank you Deena
Yes, James, exactly. That they see and acknowledge and are awed by what IS, it holds us, doesn’t it, and also are we not held by his vision. And here — more of his vision: https://youtu.be/-EwCQKv9Ew4
Thank you for your continued teachings/writings and responsible storytelling. I read the above and was reminded of a frequent refrain spoken/written by Krishnamurti, “Together we are considering what is taking place in the world outside of us…to observe what actually is going on in the world. We are thinking together…impl[ying]…a responsibility to look objectively... The speaker…has no authority…[and] is not trying to convince you of anything…but…[asking] that we observe together, as two friends who have known each other for some time, who are concerned not merely about our private lives, but are together looking at this world which seems to have gone mad.” (The Flame of Attention, 1984, p. 9)
Staged photos of suffering are both suffering and dehumanizing agency void pawn-like humiliation and revictimization. No, we do not need snuff films and the trauma that they depict and instill for a lifetime. And thank all that is good, that Salgado had the courage and skill to sensitively reveal so much during his life, as do you. Bearing witness, you know, also central to my philosophy, is a duty, and responsibility, and obligation born of reciprocity. For example, the events of 9/11 affected me, as they did countless others, in profound and lasting ways. At the time, I was living safely removed in central upstate New York, adjacent to Griffiss Air Force Base, which supported the response. Yet even then, although I knew and felt that I could not undo any of the harm or change the circumstances, and although I was not a thrill seeking spectator, my proximity, complicity, and personal consciousness demanded that I move closer and bear witness to the suffering and to the altered world, both up close and through my own eyes, that I might remember and be both tempered and transformed for good. Equally true, I understood that I, like many others, was obliged to help inscribe into the global consciousness something of what had transpired on that fateful day.
Recording and sharing history, sadly, does not prevent it from repeating. But it must change us and draw our attention away from the otherwise constant distraction of entertainment and the narcissism of detachment. Thank you for continuing to teach me during this critical period in humanity, especially when so little of that opportunity remains for me.
Thank you Mitch for your kind words. I am not certain, simply questioning whether it was correct or misguided to show the images from CECOT. I definitely agree that the fact that they were staged, that it was considered useful or important to show such violation, adds to the horror and humiliation. BUT this is where the President is deporting people and without trial and due process. We cannot look away. It is a dilemma. I am alarmed by the number of people who look away. Good to hear from you - always.
Thank you for this, dear Deena. I'm looking forward to following some of these links deeper into the world of Salgado's work and vision - thank you for sharing. One little part of this piece that deeply touched me, though all of it moved me was this: "This photo shows us human beings in the presence of the Holy." I'm so fascinated how we use "we" and "us" and something was so deeply touched in my heart at your use of "us" in your description of this photo. In fact, I think I need to close the laptop and go weep a bit. We are not just the destroyers, or their enablers. We are also those sitting rapt in the presence of the Holy and mourning its destruction. Thank you. Love you. Miss you. xoxo
Well, the use of ‘us’ had another intention. Because the Yanomami people are despised by so many modern people,as being ‘primitive,” I identified ”us" with their wisdom and spiritual vision as we are ones who are comparatively primitive and brutal in so many way.
That Phrase Deena, 'rabid individualism' bears contemplation... we are afflicted by a disease so universal that we don't know that we know. The suffering I experience knowing what I know about people and the innocent creatures of this planet just brings me to my knees in grief - and yet we must face it without flinching - thank you for including me - i would give anything to be a part of your group but just am in such a mess - needing to leave my home - finding a place to live - living hospice with a dying dog - I know little things seem stupid but right now I need to be grateful and oh I am for these writings of yours. Sara Wright
I have faith, especially now, when the heart is already broken, when one can become dizzy wondering whose suffering to respond to, that lives anchored in kindness and compassion make all the difference. In the words whispered in my ear by a friend: Even now, when so much is collapsing, what is most available to us is love. Thank you Sebastiao Salgado, presente, and thank you Deena
Yes, James, exactly. That they see and acknowledge and are awed by what IS, it holds us, doesn’t it, and also are we not held by his vision. And here — more of his vision: https://youtu.be/-EwCQKv9Ew4
More of Salgado’s vision: https://youtu.be/-EwCQKv9Ew4
That was spectacular. Thank you for sharing.
Beloved Deena,
Thank you for your continued teachings/writings and responsible storytelling. I read the above and was reminded of a frequent refrain spoken/written by Krishnamurti, “Together we are considering what is taking place in the world outside of us…to observe what actually is going on in the world. We are thinking together…impl[ying]…a responsibility to look objectively... The speaker…has no authority…[and] is not trying to convince you of anything…but…[asking] that we observe together, as two friends who have known each other for some time, who are concerned not merely about our private lives, but are together looking at this world which seems to have gone mad.” (The Flame of Attention, 1984, p. 9)
Staged photos of suffering are both suffering and dehumanizing agency void pawn-like humiliation and revictimization. No, we do not need snuff films and the trauma that they depict and instill for a lifetime. And thank all that is good, that Salgado had the courage and skill to sensitively reveal so much during his life, as do you. Bearing witness, you know, also central to my philosophy, is a duty, and responsibility, and obligation born of reciprocity. For example, the events of 9/11 affected me, as they did countless others, in profound and lasting ways. At the time, I was living safely removed in central upstate New York, adjacent to Griffiss Air Force Base, which supported the response. Yet even then, although I knew and felt that I could not undo any of the harm or change the circumstances, and although I was not a thrill seeking spectator, my proximity, complicity, and personal consciousness demanded that I move closer and bear witness to the suffering and to the altered world, both up close and through my own eyes, that I might remember and be both tempered and transformed for good. Equally true, I understood that I, like many others, was obliged to help inscribe into the global consciousness something of what had transpired on that fateful day.
Recording and sharing history, sadly, does not prevent it from repeating. But it must change us and draw our attention away from the otherwise constant distraction of entertainment and the narcissism of detachment. Thank you for continuing to teach me during this critical period in humanity, especially when so little of that opportunity remains for me.
Always, much love, respect, and many blessings,
Mitch
Waving hello to you, dear Mitch. xoxo
Thank you Mitch for your kind words. I am not certain, simply questioning whether it was correct or misguided to show the images from CECOT. I definitely agree that the fact that they were staged, that it was considered useful or important to show such violation, adds to the horror and humiliation. BUT this is where the President is deporting people and without trial and due process. We cannot look away. It is a dilemma. I am alarmed by the number of people who look away. Good to hear from you - always.
Thank you for this, dear Deena. I'm looking forward to following some of these links deeper into the world of Salgado's work and vision - thank you for sharing. One little part of this piece that deeply touched me, though all of it moved me was this: "This photo shows us human beings in the presence of the Holy." I'm so fascinated how we use "we" and "us" and something was so deeply touched in my heart at your use of "us" in your description of this photo. In fact, I think I need to close the laptop and go weep a bit. We are not just the destroyers, or their enablers. We are also those sitting rapt in the presence of the Holy and mourning its destruction. Thank you. Love you. Miss you. xoxo
Well, the use of ‘us’ had another intention. Because the Yanomami people are despised by so many modern people,as being ‘primitive,” I identified ”us" with their wisdom and spiritual vision as we are ones who are comparatively primitive and brutal in so many way.
That's also beautiful and important. Thanks for sharing.
That Phrase Deena, 'rabid individualism' bears contemplation... we are afflicted by a disease so universal that we don't know that we know. The suffering I experience knowing what I know about people and the innocent creatures of this planet just brings me to my knees in grief - and yet we must face it without flinching - thank you for including me - i would give anything to be a part of your group but just am in such a mess - needing to leave my home - finding a place to live - living hospice with a dying dog - I know little things seem stupid but right now I need to be grateful and oh I am for these writings of yours. Sara Wright