the reverse side
also has a reverse side.
-japanese proverb
i have been down with a very nasty cold this past week since returning from the burning plains of idaho. i don't know if it is because of all the smoke and ash in the air, or simply the unlucky exposure to some virus or bacteria that proved stronger than my immune system. either way, i have been provided some time between coughing and sleeping to contemplate. while thinking about the drawbacks of being ill for a time, i remembered this japanese proverb and began looking at the situation from a different vantage. one that is not necessarily viewed as being anti- or negative... not wrong or evil. simply *different*!
i don't know why i hadn't thought of this before. "the reverse side also has a reverse side." of course! i use this to my advantage all the time in my art. using the reverse side of fabrics for a different shade or texture. discharging color from cloth and fiber with bleaching agents to reveal the reverse side of colors. studying the reverse side of embroideries to see what different shapes and avenues may be suggested. placing such things as knots on the side reverse to what is ordinarily thought of as the "usual" side to introduce new textures and designs. and so i am now looking at this cold, now slipping away, as the reverse side to my being healthy and running about, sometimes aimlessly, and forgetting to be mindful of each step along the path of my life...
i see so much more right now. paths not taken that are waiting to be explored. activities that have pleasing reverse sides of non-activity. where i had originally sat down at my computer to apologize for not being around and actively posting this past week, i now find myself sharing an idea that was born in that inactivity and challenge you, gentle reader, to see the reverse side of your own reverse sides more often, and to be present to what you may find therein. you may be surprised!
namaste'
Like a mirror reflecting infinite mirrors... the reverse side of the reverse side is something good to ponder!
ReplyDeleteyes! and even so, one sees the first side in one of those infinite mirrors...and they are no longer the same...
Deletetime away from the ordinary is a wonderful time to contemplate and become more enlightened.
ReplyDeleteyes! the trick, then, is to fine that wonderful time to contemplate and become more enlightened in the ordinary time!
Deleteah yes, being ill (and accepting that one is frail...)
ReplyDeleteit reminded me of my six-week-stay-at-home three years ago as I was struck by a severe case of pneumonia and to make matters worse I'd infected our two sons!! So there we were: all three of us together in our bed and my husband having to take care of us and the dog and well, everything! It turned out to be a lot of fun: I read the collected Greek mythology to the boys and they were amazed at the whims and cruelty of these gods....we were 'forced' upon eachother, I loved every moment and did not have to worry about the many chores, as we had to rest so much, a blessing-in-disguise....
what a wondrous story, saskia! i remember dancing with my mother once...in the living room...in our pajamas...whirling around and around to the sound of music flowing from the old console television/stereo system! her nightgown knocked over a porcelain mackaw and broke its tail...eliciting a moment of sadness and tears...but the joy of the dancing overwhelmed us and we danced some more!
Deletei hadn't thought of this in years....thank you for bringing it back to mind!
Joe...I do love this proverb, so much to ponder in that simple set of words. Thank you for sharing some new eyes!
ReplyDeleteyes. it has great power...and none at all. enjoy the new eyes and never stop allowing more and more to make you wonder! :)
DeleteI love this proverb, Joe. It resonates with me deeply. I have MS which obviously has its down sides - but if I didn't then I'd probably still be working a full time job and would not have been able to see the parts of the world we've seen, made the friends I've made and definitely not had the time to immerse myself in the wonderful world of fabric and thread. I am content with my life in a way that I may not otherwise have been. I think this proverb deserves a place on my inspiration board - to remind me.
ReplyDelete