Thanks, Cheri, for a perfect theme for this first photo challenge in the new year. As we end 2015 and begin 2016, this is a great time to reflect on the past year and look ahead to the next.
Like many of us, I used to think that time was a straight line, a linear progression from point A to point B. My concept of the human lifespan was linear too–beginning at birth, racing through middle age, and slowing down in old age. But the longer I live here on this earth, the more I realize that our lives are guided by the circle. I recognize the wisdom of ancient matriarchal societies, where the circle was honored in architecture and religion, and used as a tool for self discovery. So with no further delay, here’s my collection of images which feature the circle in art, nature, religion, and architecture.
Circles in Art: Shot in the Modern Wing, the Art Institute of Chicago. This image reminds me that all living creatures are on the “endless round”–a circular path from birth to death repeated throughout the ages. It also reminds me that no age is better than another. Youth and beauty have their place, but there is joy and wisdom in mid-life and beyond.
In the Modern Wing, the Art Institute of Chicago. Shot with a Canon 70D.
Circles in Nature: Tropical Berries. Cocoa Beach, Florida. The circle is present throughout the natural world. It’s not surprising that it is a symbol of perfection, like the wild berries in the photo below and in the rainbow.
Berries with Fresco Filter, Florida. Shot with a Canon 70D.
Circles in Religion: A Madonna in Volturara Irpina, Italy. This beautiful mural of the Madonna and Child is in the local church in Volturara Irpina, where my grandfather grew up. You can see the circle motif in the halos, crowns, jewelry, and other religious iconography.
Madonna in Volturara Irpina, Italy. Shot with a Canon 40D.
Circles in Architecture: Circle Motif on the Street in Chicago. The circle is a powerful architectural motif, which is pleasing to the eye, perhaps because it signifies wholeness and completeness.
Circle Design, Chicago. Shot with a Canon 70D
As 2016 begins, I am reminded of the wisdom of the matriarchal religions. They remind us that life isn’t a contest to reach the finish line with our good looks still intact and as much money as we can accumulate. Instead, it is a challenge to discover who we are, to open our hearts to include others who are different from us, and to figure out how we can best contribute to the world to make it a tiny bit better and kinder. This is in fact my ongoing personal challenge for this year.
I’ll end this post with a quote from Albert Einstein:
Our task must be to free ourselves by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature and its beauty.–Albert Einstein
Have a wonderful 2016, everyone! I hope we all can bring a little bit more light and compassion into the world this year.
Categories: Photography
P.A. Moed 
Lovely,take on the the,e Patti, I like your take on life’s non-linear nature. Happy new year to you!
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Hi Tina. Many thanks! The older I get, the more I realize the wisdom of the ancients who honored the circle! All the best to you and your loved ones too in 2016. 🙂
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🙂 circle, circle, on the the wall…
‘Great entry!
A very HAPPY weekend to you 🙂
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Hi Happyface! Many thanks for your kind words. And all the best to you too in 2016.
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Happy 2016, Patti! I enjoyed exploring this week’s theme through your photos, and what a powerful quote to wrap up your post. The “circle of compassion” is a very moving concept — no beginning and no ending. I believe Albert Schweitzer had a similar quote. Great to be reminded of this a the start of a new year. 🙂
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Hi Jackie. Thanks so much! Yes, Schweitzer said this in a similar quote. I wish we could go back to Paris and walk the labyrinth again in Chartres Cathedral. It always reminds me of the circular path in life. Have you ever walked it? I’m always on the hunt for other circular paths like that.
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I think your selection is great! I also shot those berries when I was in FL. The Circle Design is also very nice.
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Thanks, Maria. I don’t know the name of the berry bush, but the color was so intriguing. So glad you like the selection! I’ll stop by your place next. 🙂
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Great choice for the theme! You always find a perfect, beautiful photo of an art work for WPC, Patti. Love it. 🙂
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Hi Amy. Many thanks! As you can guess, I am inspired by art! So glad you like it too. 🙂
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I love the first two photographs, Patti. The second one is especially good and a beautiful shade of purple.
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Hi Jean. Thanks so much! The purple is real–no Photoshop! I was struck with the color too when I saw the berries on the trail.
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Gorgeous photos, Patti, and calming meditations on the beauty and mystery of circles. I love the painting and the exquisite colour in those berries.
“Youth and beauty have their place, but there is joy and wisdom in mid-life and beyond” – absolutely, I’m speeding up with old age, not slowing down. 🙂
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Thanks so much, BB for your kind words and thoughts. I think it’s true that as we age, time seems to speed up. So much to do and so little time! 🙂
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