Shadows

Ariana Durling 6/17/2020

It’s no secret that I LOVE shadows. The way the light shines “around” but not through, something and the object is momentarily made into a piece of art on the ground, or wall. It may or may not be discernible by our eyes as to it’s identity by the viewer, as it is disfigured, twisted and “molded” by the light’s ability to manipulate the scene. Other times, depending on the location of the light in relation to the object it may be a perfect outline.

I realize there is so much science behind all this. I know there are people who study these things and can recite all the technological terms for all this wonderful phenomenon. But I prefer to just let the wonder wash over and through me every time I experience it.

My husband and I took an evening ride into the woods the other day. The sun was a huge ball in the clear sky beginning it’s descent towards the horizon, yet through the thick trees and undergrowth the sun can pierce through somehow reaching an area almost black in the darkness. Just one sliver that amazingly makes it feet, yards, increments of miles and lights up just one branch of a green bush, and makes it appear to be a lantern among it’s counterparts.

It filled me with joy, it literally brought a tear to my eyes. My husband and I sat in silence as we watched and observed the light piercing through the trees and plants, it’s intricate and complex path from the edge of the woods into where it could penetrate the almost total darkness of the inner woods. It giving the last fleeting heat and life-giving light to the inner sanctum. Changing by the second as the sun crept into the horizon. I longed to be able to see the line, the exact path the rays had to take to enter and get that distance. I imagined the lasers you see in the movies that the spy has to avoid to go undetected. The only known comparison I had. My phone camera could not capture the beauty and the sense this created. I am positive the most skilled photographer would struggle to get the shot, and even if the photo was perfect, it would not capture the “feeling” and sensations surrounding the scene.

So we sat there, soaking it in. Every emotion appeared, if just for a second. As somehow this invoked melancholy thoughts, a scant dose of fear as darkness encroached, loneliness, sadness, all passing through for just a second as my guard was down and my mind allowed the stress and concerns of the crazy world we currently live in attempt to overthrow the majesty of the surroundings. I acknowledged each thought and allowed it to dissipate into the cooler night air. And as my thoughts spiraled about, I realized how terrific it is to have these angles, these perspectives. And I was filled with hope knowing that no matter how dark and dreary any situation is, the light can and will find a way in.

Mountains are the same. One side will not be illuminated until a totally different time, maybe not morning at all. Maybe the “light time” for it’s inhabitants is evening or noon. No matter, even the places where the direct light never pierces through, the light “creeps” in. It may not be obvious how and from which direction but it finds a path and it’s benefits are obvious.

My life and moods have dark times, but I am forever looking towards the light, finding that sliver that is seeking it’s way in somehow. I LOVE the shadows because it makes me so aware of the sunshine in my days.

I pray that each of you notice the shadows in your day. Notice the light too. And if it seems dark, look for the slivers trying to illuminate you. Allow the feelings associated with each ray or shadow come and the go. Your benefits will be illuminated.

Peace to you.