In reflection...
I learned that I often gloss over what I see if I'm not asked to reflect. I have seen this picture several times before and was quite indifferent to it. I wasn't really seeing. I also learned that reading how others experienced this picture gives me a much deeper insight into not only the art but our world. - Samika Swift
I found that my thinking about and feeling about sometimes ran into each other. I felt a certain amount of sadness on first glance at this picture. As I thought about it, some of my feelings were put into perspective and I could almost imagine the next photo of the dog jumping out in play. - Lurline Speer DuPree
I woke up this morning knowing that I would write something in reflection on this experience. I loved reading the passages of others and taking another look at In Tirely. I love the name In Tirely. This has been a week of dogs for me and beginning with this process gave me an even deeper reverence for the power of oxytocin. Yesterday when my daughter brought her new rescue puppy to meet the family, I was thrilled to see the magic of connection happen again. Worried at first that it might be a bumpy transition, I tried to prepare so that it would be a good welcome. I kept the picture of In Tirely in my mind, plus my experience with loving dogs, the anniversary of my little 14-year-old dog dying last September, and the entrance of our new rescue pup, Finnegan, arriving in November 2016. Watching my daughter with her puppy, her love, and attentiveness to a sweet creature looking like a black version of Wegman's dog was a tearful surge of joy. Full circle love. - Andi Larsen
We all see it differently and it depends on where we are emotionally. I always have wanted to see the best. If I felt like reading more into this post, I might become neurotic. My reflection is that there isn’t enough joy in the world today, so do that, do joy. If we want to wrap around the spokes over this picture, what happens when you post a picture of war? - Shirley Smith
After posting my own comments, I noticed that some other people said things that sounded clever, made interesting observations and interpretations. I noticed that I felt unsure of myself (Did I do it right?) and a little competitive (Maybe I should think of something insightful to say). Then I realized that I didn't want to. It felt good that I could recognize that in myself and let it go. - Tracie Wells
When I reflect on my responses to steps 1 and 2, I realize that I've moved away from personal identification with what is observed, and have moved into closer observation of what's actually there. For most of my life, I saw all things and beings as reflections of me, as entryways into my inner maze of meaning. Now I see that this isn't true; now, what I observe is usually just what is there, filtered through my best attempts at clear sight and witness. I'm grateful to notice that I've stepped a little away from the myopia of over-identification. Perhaps I'm allowing the world more room to breathe. - Harmony Harrison
Reflecting on my Talk + Listen experience, I learned that my first thought was based upon a negative perception of the picture; however, once I had a chance to reason out what I was seeing, I realized that the photo is NOT the whole "picture" (lol). It's a snapshot in time. There's nothing to be fearful of with regard to the well-being of the dog. - Melissa Cooper
What I see and think and feel depends on my perception in the moment if, for example, I'm feeling a lot of pain from my injury. Lots of variables here and if I'm feeling confident or not confident in myself. In the end when I'm being simply mindful of what is - the simpler the more accurate. I really enjoyed this work and reading everyone's observations. - Welles Grey Bay
Image credit: In Tirely, a photograph. Artist, William Wegman