In The Deep

After three extremely memorable years, two successful template changes, 75 meaningful posts, over 1,000 insightful comments, and 12,000 extraordinary visitors sharing my quest for happiness and true love, I have made another momentous chapter in The Unbearable Lightness --- my new header. =)

Allow me to share a little anecdote about each panel.



HAPPINESS

“This is the true joy in life, being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one… My life belongs to the whole community and as long as I live, it is my privilege to do for it whatever I can. I want to be thoroughly used up when I die, for the harder I work, the more I live. I rejoice in life for it's own sake. Life is no “brief candle” to me. It is sort of a splendid torch which I have a hold of for the moment, and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it over to future generations.”
~G. B. Shaw

The first panel represents happiness – like the feeling of a child chasing down dandelions on a warm sunny noon, the feeling of stillness, of fulfilment, of satisfaction, of being with the ones you love, of remembering your own spirit. The panel also symbolizes faith and hope, that after the deepest, darkest nights, the sun will surely rise to cast its radiance amongst the shadows that lies within.

FREEDOM

“To live content with small means; to seek elegance rather than luxury, and refinement rather than fashion; to be worthy, not respectable, and wealthy, not, rich; to listen to stars and birds, babes and sages, with open heart; to study hard; to think quietly, act frankly, talk gently, await occasions, hurry never; in a word, to let the spiritual, unbidden and unconscious, grow up through the common --- this is my symphony.”
~W. H. Channing

The second panel symbolizes spontaneity, freedom, and vitality. It reflects vigour, energy and dynamism --- for we are always ever-changing, we are all capable of growth and self-actualization, and we need each other in order to survive. For as long as we are alive, we play a huge part in the intricacies of this universe, in this cosmic destiny, and in this inexplicable circle of life.

PEACE

“People spend a lifetime searching for happiness; looking for peace. They chase idle dreams, addictions, religions, even other people, hoping to fill the emptiness that plagues them. The irony is the only place they ever needed to search was within.”
~R. L. Anderson

The third panel reflects peace of mind, tranquillity of spirit, and the unity of mind, body and soul. That amidst this world of hatred, pain, and chaos, our most-yearned personal peace is attainable, just look within the silence of your heart, and if we’re lucky enough, is just one shower away.

INNOCENCE

“It is in deep solitude that I find the gentleness with which I can truly love my brothers. The more solitary I am the more affection I have for them…. Solitude and silence teach me to love my brothers for what they are, not for what they say.”
~T. Merton

The final panel shows an angel --- in a silent, introspective, contemplative mood, with a veiled, mysterious smile and an oversized unfolded wing, symbolizing innocence, purity, and goodness of spirit. With the image, we are reminded that we are all capable of goodness because of our intrinsic worth and dignity, and the heaven that we all aspire for is just a wing spread away.

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We are all individuals of beauty and goodness, of radiance and warmth, of wisdom and character, of harmony and balance --- all packed-up in facets, in panels, forming a composite of our own personal selves. I just hope, and pray, that in this short, ephemeral existence of ours, may we all learn how to spread our wings, and soar the highest, the deepest, the farthest point our soul could reach, to that place where true happiness, freedom, peace, and innocence springs eternal.

What are the facets of your unbearable existence?

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Images from flickr. Do you like my new header?