“Winter is the oldest season and it has some quality of the absolute about it. Yet, in truth, beneath the surface of Winter, the miracle of Spring is already in preparation. The cold is relenting, seeds are waking up, and colours are beginning to imagine how they will return. Then, imperceptibly, somewhere, one bud opens, and the symphony of renewal is no longer reversible. From the black heart of Winter, a miraculous, breathing plenitude of colour emerges.” – John O’Donahue
Painting a Christmas card design for the Chisholme Institute, inspired by the beech hedge which runs through the middle of the vegetable garden.
I had the privilige of being at an event organised by the Chisholme Institute this weekend, The Poetics of Science: Through Itself, video recording all of the talks and workshops. I also had the opportunity to present and speak about my artwork.
I shall not sleep tonight,
for I shall attend the
wake of the Infinite
the vigil held for the one
forever dying inside us.
However, I do not go in mourning,
nor do I wish to share sorrow
or bond in grief.
I go because
the one forever dying
is the one forever rising.
The one who chooses today
despite all yesterdays,
the one who smiles
despite all demise,
the one who sings at dawn
despite the deepest,
most fearsome dreams.
I shall attend the wake of the Infinite
so I may also learn how to die,
and yield to this river moving through me
nourishing my constant rebirth
into greater and greater clarity.
“Chisholme is here for those who seek to know themselves essentially and to understand the reality of the world in which we live.
The guiding principle here is the essential Unity of all Existence, a wholly inclusive perspective, not limited by dogma or religious considerations. This perspective, which lies at the heart of the great wisdom traditions, is of particular relevance today.
The Chisholme Institute was established in 1979 on a beautiful 18th Century Scottish estate 60 miles south of Edinburgh. Since then, its focus has been to provide education in the art of self-discovery to students from all over the world and to promote an increased awareness of the real value of our connection to the world and each other.
The courses and retreats at Chisholme address body, mind and spirit in a balanced and integrated way, through programmes of study, meditation, work and devotional practice. Every aspect and activity, from the baking of bread to the planting of trees, is seen to be part of the education offered here.
Chisholme offers a range of courses throughout the year and welcomes volunteers to come and work in the house, grounds and beautiful walled organic gardens.
Visitors are always welcome for both short visits and longer stays.”
‘A Discovery’ – new painting, acrylics on canvas board
I once knew a man who went on a grand expedition to find the centre of the Universe, in the hope of discovering the source of all things. Each time he thought he had found it, it slipped away, or was proven false. The man kept searching, but eventually became bitter and exhausted.
One time, I found him wearily contemplating the movement of fish, back and forth, back and forth, until he suddenly burst out laughing.
“Such beauty!” he cried, over and over again.
I asked him what was so funny, for I had never before heard him laugh.
“The centre of the Universe?” he cried happily. “How could it be anywhere other that here? I’ve been looking for myself all these long years!”
To witness the ephemeral in each instant, yet to know simultaneously the unchanging, universal presence underlying everything, is a beautiful, mysterious and unfathomable experience, discovered in moments of stillness and contemplation. This is an attempt to explore this feeling.
