I’m trying to decide on my favourite photo. I’ve sat staring at this image for quite some time now. Is it incomplete or is it complete in so many ways? What story does it tell? Whose story is it to tell? Does this tail tell many tales?
Here is what I do know:
It defines balance. In a world where our pan balances never seem to reach equilibrium and we are faced with so much uncertainty, daily; we all look for “the perfect balance.” It is the fine line between money and happiness, failure and success, working hard and playing hard. A constant struggle. This tail, though perfectly balanced now, can fall off, and isn’t always perfectly positioned along a comfortable branch. But for a moment – for this moment – the balance is just right and it took a lot of dedication and persistence to perfect it.
It shows a relationship. The Marula branch provides safety, a place to rest and it gets nothing in return. Love, partnership, friendship and kinship. Probably the most desired aspects of our human lives. We long for support from one another and require it too. That very support that has no strings attached and the innate relationship this picture shows can sometimes save lives, allow an escape and bring strength. We don’t know why the leopard decided to climb that tree that day. The tree was there, selfless. We can be like the tree, be there for the people around us. Just be.
It displays beauty. If I can stare, so can you. We are fascinated by things that are beautiful; moments, nature’s wonders and people. Beautiful things encapsulate us, sometimes inspire us. But what I see as beautiful may not be beautiful to you. What’s important is to see it in as much as possible. See it in the tree, in the leopard itself, the panoramic surrounds, the agglomeration of sounds or even the people you share the moment with. Be enchanted by all the beauty around you.
It signifies difference. Each individual leopard has their own unique pattern; meaning every leopard with its own genetic line and inimitable story. All of us are different, having a matchless purpose here on earth and we look different too. If I were you and you were me, how would we find balance? How would we build a relationship? How could we see the beauty? It is good to be different and even better to make a difference.
This leopard is the individual it is and creates its own path. Create yours.
One image and it’s yours to interpret.
Your tales are different to mine but this tail can tell your story too. An image so incomplete but complete in its own way.
![Hamerkop Diving For Plattana [rcb] (26)](https://media.londolozi.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/10105855/Hamerkop-Diving-for-Plattana-RCB-26-280x178.jpg)
Dean, I love the picture of the Tail of the Leopard🤗
Great read and the picture is pretty cool too. Thinking now, thank you Londolozi. 👍
Love that photo. When I stare at it I become peaceful. I think because the leopard must have been at peace as well.
Oh Dean this is such a beautiful and insightful blog. It is so true. Just be your own unique self. Just live in this moment, this day. We never know what life bring tomorrow and in these difficult and uncertain times. We’ve just got to stay positive and know that all will be right again. My wish is that life will slowdowm and we will all live simpler lives. Stay safe.
Lovely reflections on life thru all that the leopard tail/tale might imagine!!!
What a fascinating blog! And so glad to see you back Dean!!
Beautifully written, with lots of food for thought during the day. I see something beautiful right now!
Balance… is ….as the eye of the heart beholds it to be …. in any situation, moment in time, photo or desire….true balance comes from the heart’s perception ( and therefore reality for that one person) place and time. A wounded heart’s
perception of balance is quite different than the never wounded heart.
Janice Meyer, MDiv
Chaplain and Author
Wonderful photo–even better literary imagery!
Dean, that is a great blog! Awesome photograph and sharp words …
Dean, your blog for today is SO AWESOME! It is so heart felt. It has brought tears to my eyes. – Thank you!
Beautifully expressed and so true. Your tail/branch image conjures up so many thoughts and feelings, and balance is certainly one of them. Keep up your writing…..
Amazing photo!! It is complete in perfection!
We loved the composition and the picture before we read your article …excellent job!
Prophetic
Dean, This time you made us really look inside our selves as we examined the deails in your awesome image! The concepts you challenged us with are real. We just wish there was the time to appreciate it in the ways your image suggests. Thank you for weaving such a thoughtful blog!
what a brilliant interpretation of your beautiful photograph…could’nt be better put !!! Well done in both your words and the photo shot 👌🏻🙏🏻💕💕
A really great conceptual image!!
Beautiful reflection Dean. I particularly appreciate how you distinguished “balance” in this image as understood, and maybe only understood, in this present moment. When else could “balance,” or any other experience for that matter, be understood other than in this present moment. That you captured it is great good fortune for you and for us!
I really love the photograph, this is one of those ‘less is more’ moments and the blog was pretty special too. Thank you 🙂
Dean – A beautifully written piece chalk full of inspiring take aways. Thanks!
Beautiful message – thanks
LOVE the simplicity of this photograph…
Exquisite well balanced tail, tree and tale. Thank you.
I love this picture Dean, and even more how you refer to the tree as being selfless and that we can all be a tree.
I just wish that humanity can be that simple, but as soon as we think we have finally balanced that tail.. It inches away from peace and slips away from the perfect balance.. This photo relates to the current pandemic.. With one lost in one’s own thought it might seem impossible to imagine that there is a balance.. Covid 19 managed to put so much doubt in our mind and made the image of a perfectly balanced tail slowly fade away! But maybe that’s the beauty in all of it… There will always be that perfect balance… And once we’ve found it.. A big story awaits…..
Perfect pic 👌