I just returned from another visit to Niagara Falls and it never ceases to amaze me that I never tire of looking at the Falls. The Niagara River flows over and this physical “falling water” phenomenon occurs. The fact that water falling has this magnetic power over me and millions of other people says something about the captivating nature of a waterfall.
Although I enjoy taking pictures of the Falls, my favourite time is when I’m sitting in the hotel room and just taking in the beauty of the Falls and the surrounding natural scenery. This time of sitting with the Falls could almost be called “contemplation” or “meditation.” There’s no sound because I can’t hear the Falls in the room. It’s just myself and the Falls sitting together silently. The art of doing nothing is not a passive state; the Taoist term for the art of doing nothing is ‘wei wu wei,’ which means : …the ‘action of no action,’ a way of acting without trying to act. Action happens by itself, spontaneously – rather than being contrived, it is more direct and natural. (thewayofmeditation.com.au) This is not a common state for me – so whenever it happens, it’s a time of real connection with what I commonly call my “self.” This leads to connection with other phenomena as well.
― Shunryu Suzuki
In my opinion, this feeling of “oneness” is difficult to achieve in the human experience. We seem to be more and more disconnected. Every time I read the newspapers, or listen to the news, or even go to Facebook, I’m reminded of all the disparities around me. Having the opportunity to watch water falling and sitting with it as I sometimes do – brings me back to the feeling of interconnectedness that I have with all living beings and the Universe. It is a wonderful connection.
― Mehmet Murat ildan
For each person, the time and space that is carved out for sitting meditation, aloneness, mindfulness, or whatever one wishes to call it, will be different. I’m happy to have been able to find this time to watch water falling at Niagara and regain connectivity with myself and all living things. Hope you enjoyed the images and this time with me.
Meditation is to get insight, to get understanding and compassion, and when you have them, you are compelled to act. ( Nhat Hanh)