Absolutely it can. That said I have noticed that much can sit in the seemingly clear space between any two people. Translation, prejudice, requirement and more. When those are set down there is clear space and a reflection is seen. To notice all that happens in the space between really helps. When one is aware it is far easier to set down for a moment, and then there we are.
Yes! I love coming across different descriptions of this profound process, from individuals and traditions. The familiar, relaxed settling into an open presence of awareness, outer and inner senses coming more fully alive and connected. Allowing the space between any things or beings to awaken and grow more conscious, so we can perceive the myriad things that are in ‘the way.’ Then so, so softly letting-go, dissolving and clearing, opening out and in, releasing without judgment or desire through layer upon layer of human conditioning…
It is so very, very natural, yet few people find it easily without a catalyst and a process.
Your descriptions are delightfully insightful and inspiring in both your words and film. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for putting words to this gift that you have been graced with. I’ve recognized this about you from the very start, even though I’ve not (yet!) met you in person. 🙏💖 Thank you also for sharing your gifts so generously with us. 💗🙏
I believe you were here from nearly the very start. In those early days of maybe 2005 when I had a borrowed camera with no instruction book. When I had set off down this road with no map.
YES! I can’t remember now how I found you, but I knew right from the start what a rare treasure of an artistic creative human being you are. You were—and continue to be—such a huge inspiration! And you demonstrate that with whatever gear and without any map nor instruction book, wondrous creations are possible. I can’t imagine a greater source of creative inspiration than what you’ve been sharing for all these years.
What a big chance for this world that you have these abilities. May many people benefit from the spaces you create! It is an important moment not to hide our abilities!
To allow others the space to settle into themselves, their stillness, their truth is a gift. You have this gift, thank you for sharing with us so freely. I have followed you in the background for years 🙏🏼
Hey Oren, I remember the visceral experience of that call like it was now. Aren't we due for this decade's call? I looked up the original date, August 2011.
Omg, this had me laughing out loud. Travis and I have talked about this so often. This is why -explicitly/consciously- we adore your work. I’m glad you’ve come to that place that you can claim it. I think many (most?) of us already knew, smiles. 🙏🏽🤍
Perhaps it is a good idea to be aware of and to speak once or perhaps another once about it. But in general it loves creating its power and preferes not to be much spoken about. In contrary one should let speak the results in a way that make them sensible even when war and powerplay are dominantly in the field.
Thank you for opening the door to this insight, @Nick!
I like the sense of the first line of the Tao Te Ching "The Tao that can be told is not the eternal Tao. The name that can be named is not the eternal name." I have come to say much less over the years, realizing that the absence of words in general works far better. That said I did speak a lot in that video!
YES, what you offer overflows with utter & complete simplicity, without any conditions. BRAVO. Thank you. Please do continue to offer to your awesome self what you give to others..........
I've just read all the other comments, after writing mine. You see? We're all right, it's your gift! To allow people to be. Like watching the time lapse photos of a flower blooming from bud to blossom. It's a profound experience for us all. It's about time, I think, that you recognised it yourself🙂🌸
I see. Of course there is a subtlety in it all. The more people said I feel different you must be doing something to me (we seem to have this unquestioned assumption that we are central to cause and effect in life, it's just not true), the more I avoided my part. Because my part is largely the absence of interference. But the absence of interference - the stillness - is a significant part. Anyway ... I am trying! And in the end it works without any explanation or understanding. And that is almost comical.
Nic - people sometimes describe me as a catalyst. I rather like that term now, though I was uncertain about it to begin with. In a similar way, I perceive that you are also a catalyst.
Nic, I've seen this happen, watched the way your filming has changed over the last, what, two decades? Initially, the people in front of your camera talked about their life, their journey, then some of the people were silent, I could see them realise that, by speaking, they'd be...less. So they just sat and were full, of their "inner selves", the knowledge of what/who they were, the things they'd experience that had helped create who they were, it filled them and the tears came, or they just sat, with the depth of themselves. You allowed them to be. In front of your camera, your presence allowed them to be completely themselves. And that's a lot. It's your gift. It's why those people are so profoundly touched, moved, by the experience, and so are we, the ones who watch them emerge. I don't know how else to explain it, or what you call it, but it's your gift, to them & to us.
Yes, Annie. You are correct. Over the years it has changed. It took quite a turn when I started filming in amongst people so that the 'audience' (it turns out subject and audience are the same) get to see the camera's eye in large scale projection. Here the entire experience goes straight in. The film's I release are pieces of this main act.
It seems so rare to experience this piece of another. I wish it weren't. And if there were a mission I suppose it would be to encourage this.
I think you do encourage it, with your work, you're doing it! There's only so much one person can do, you give enough already, I imagine filming can be emotionally draining too? The gift of listening, just being silent and letting someone BE, is incredibly hard, and it's rare, I'm awful at it, the compulsion to try to 'help', offer advice, sympathy, is unstoppable for me, believe me I've tried. But you can, and it's awesome. You can only do what you can only do! You can't teach your gift, so I think just accepting that one man, you, is doing all he can, will have to suffice🤷🏼♀️. Believe me, you are truly appreciated!
Strangely it is only emotionally draining when someone fights what is coming.
I have noticed with practice - which is really a process of becoming aware of what is in the way then setting it all down, a subtraction of most everything including preferences for joy over desolation - my capacity has become stronger. And as such I know I can show others this way of no-thing (subtraction) and their capacity becomes stronger. It is simple but takes noticing, patience and ‘practice’ (i.e. giving it a go and noticing once again).
Thank you Elizabeth. Maybe. I did hesitate many times before posting. Actually as per the post I have hesitated for years. So much easier to blame it on the camera.
I remember often hearing the question 'who am I?' from people in front of the camera. I would always wonder why people had that question. It seems in the way. Even self inquiry seems in the way of(which might make me unpopular). A late addition in words to this - "This exists before anything. Before any method. Before any description. Before any thought. Before any step towards."
I've noticed that nearly every question one asks sends one to a place that is not this. But we are so intoxicated with the development of our state of mind. Questions help that, but not this. A question can help shift a mindset. But this is not about a mindset. It is about what's underneath that.
I suppose if a question has emerged out of the ether, then that might work well. It does. The challenge is to know its origin point.
Thinking out loud ... which is always kind of dangerous.
I have always known this Nic. I have been in your presence many times. You have been looking for what you have always known while reminding us that we didn't have to look but allow ourselves to be found. Thank you for having the courage to say this out loud. There is a risk we all share when telling our truth but we have have nothing else.
Thank you. Yes, what has always been known. I remember that last encounter with the camera. A universal experience for so many who have stepped over the edge of this. A misunderstanding from many that surround us.
I also noticed how I bristled on reading "I have been in your presence many times". I suppose that is why I wrote this piece. I am pretty sure one doesn't possess presence, but yet it seems that way.
It is all very confusing to the part that wants to understand it well. I revert to that often given invitation to join the 'Glorious Ignoramae'! (as per the poem the Glorious Ignoramus).
it can be
the same
for everyone
when you sit in stillness
and look directly
into another’s eyes
for long enough….
you literally see
your
‘self’
Absolutely it can. That said I have noticed that much can sit in the seemingly clear space between any two people. Translation, prejudice, requirement and more. When those are set down there is clear space and a reflection is seen. To notice all that happens in the space between really helps. When one is aware it is far easier to set down for a moment, and then there we are.
Yes! I love coming across different descriptions of this profound process, from individuals and traditions. The familiar, relaxed settling into an open presence of awareness, outer and inner senses coming more fully alive and connected. Allowing the space between any things or beings to awaken and grow more conscious, so we can perceive the myriad things that are in ‘the way.’ Then so, so softly letting-go, dissolving and clearing, opening out and in, releasing without judgment or desire through layer upon layer of human conditioning…
It is so very, very natural, yet few people find it easily without a catalyst and a process.
Your descriptions are delightfully insightful and inspiring in both your words and film. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for putting words to this gift that you have been graced with. I’ve recognized this about you from the very start, even though I’ve not (yet!) met you in person. 🙏💖 Thank you also for sharing your gifts so generously with us. 💗🙏
I believe you were here from nearly the very start. In those early days of maybe 2005 when I had a borrowed camera with no instruction book. When I had set off down this road with no map.
YES! I can’t remember now how I found you, but I knew right from the start what a rare treasure of an artistic creative human being you are. You were—and continue to be—such a huge inspiration! And you demonstrate that with whatever gear and without any map nor instruction book, wondrous creations are possible. I can’t imagine a greater source of creative inspiration than what you’ve been sharing for all these years.
What a big chance for this world that you have these abilities. May many people benefit from the spaces you create! It is an important moment not to hide our abilities!
Thank you for this. the same happens when i sit with people, but never wanted to speak that out loud too! x
Well now you have Roy!
Yes indeed! X
To allow others the space to settle into themselves, their stillness, their truth is a gift. You have this gift, thank you for sharing with us so freely. I have followed you in the background for years 🙏🏼
This is wonderful, Nic. The perfect start to the week, a grounding in the moment. Thank you…
I could feel this from you the one time we briefly spoke over a decade ago. Kudos 🙏🏾
Hey Oren, I remember the visceral experience of that call like it was now. Aren't we due for this decade's call? I looked up the original date, August 2011.
Omg, this had me laughing out loud. Travis and I have talked about this so often. This is why -explicitly/consciously- we adore your work. I’m glad you’ve come to that place that you can claim it. I think many (most?) of us already knew, smiles. 🙏🏽🤍
It wasn't meant as a comedy :0)
Perhaps it is a good idea to be aware of and to speak once or perhaps another once about it. But in general it loves creating its power and preferes not to be much spoken about. In contrary one should let speak the results in a way that make them sensible even when war and powerplay are dominantly in the field.
Thank you for opening the door to this insight, @Nick!
I like the sense of the first line of the Tao Te Ching "The Tao that can be told is not the eternal Tao. The name that can be named is not the eternal name." I have come to say much less over the years, realizing that the absence of words in general works far better. That said I did speak a lot in that video!
YES, what you offer overflows with utter & complete simplicity, without any conditions. BRAVO. Thank you. Please do continue to offer to your awesome self what you give to others..........
Thank you Maggie. I will attempt this. Of course I have realized the irony of it all. One's work is one's work.
I've just read all the other comments, after writing mine. You see? We're all right, it's your gift! To allow people to be. Like watching the time lapse photos of a flower blooming from bud to blossom. It's a profound experience for us all. It's about time, I think, that you recognised it yourself🙂🌸
I see. Of course there is a subtlety in it all. The more people said I feel different you must be doing something to me (we seem to have this unquestioned assumption that we are central to cause and effect in life, it's just not true), the more I avoided my part. Because my part is largely the absence of interference. But the absence of interference - the stillness - is a significant part. Anyway ... I am trying! And in the end it works without any explanation or understanding. And that is almost comical.
Nic - people sometimes describe me as a catalyst. I rather like that term now, though I was uncertain about it to begin with. In a similar way, I perceive that you are also a catalyst.
Nic, I've seen this happen, watched the way your filming has changed over the last, what, two decades? Initially, the people in front of your camera talked about their life, their journey, then some of the people were silent, I could see them realise that, by speaking, they'd be...less. So they just sat and were full, of their "inner selves", the knowledge of what/who they were, the things they'd experience that had helped create who they were, it filled them and the tears came, or they just sat, with the depth of themselves. You allowed them to be. In front of your camera, your presence allowed them to be completely themselves. And that's a lot. It's your gift. It's why those people are so profoundly touched, moved, by the experience, and so are we, the ones who watch them emerge. I don't know how else to explain it, or what you call it, but it's your gift, to them & to us.
Annie
Yes, Annie. You are correct. Over the years it has changed. It took quite a turn when I started filming in amongst people so that the 'audience' (it turns out subject and audience are the same) get to see the camera's eye in large scale projection. Here the entire experience goes straight in. The film's I release are pieces of this main act.
It seems so rare to experience this piece of another. I wish it weren't. And if there were a mission I suppose it would be to encourage this.
I think you do encourage it, with your work, you're doing it! There's only so much one person can do, you give enough already, I imagine filming can be emotionally draining too? The gift of listening, just being silent and letting someone BE, is incredibly hard, and it's rare, I'm awful at it, the compulsion to try to 'help', offer advice, sympathy, is unstoppable for me, believe me I've tried. But you can, and it's awesome. You can only do what you can only do! You can't teach your gift, so I think just accepting that one man, you, is doing all he can, will have to suffice🤷🏼♀️. Believe me, you are truly appreciated!
Annie 🙂🌸
Strangely it is only emotionally draining when someone fights what is coming.
I have noticed with practice - which is really a process of becoming aware of what is in the way then setting it all down, a subtraction of most everything including preferences for joy over desolation - my capacity has become stronger. And as such I know I can show others this way of no-thing (subtraction) and their capacity becomes stronger. It is simple but takes noticing, patience and ‘practice’ (i.e. giving it a go and noticing once again).
This is magic Nic 🙌 There was something wonderful in the air in that conversation
Yes, as ever. If only people knew the very simple ingredients for such encounters.
This is so powerful for you Nic. I hope it moves you to places and people that will benefit from your presence and stillness.
Thank you Elizabeth. Maybe. I did hesitate many times before posting. Actually as per the post I have hesitated for years. So much easier to blame it on the camera.
INNATE
Within, at our core, there is an
innate naturalness
in life living itself, through us.
We burden the process with our thoughts of “who we are”, “what we should do”
Those thoughts, so hard to let go.
They’re the masks we use to put ourselves forward in the world.
We put so much into keeping them painted, and in place.
Living in that innate naturalness
happens in the timeless present, before mind grabs the moment.
Sadly, so often, the timelessness before mind interrupts
stays exceedingly brief, and largely un-noticed.
I remember often hearing the question 'who am I?' from people in front of the camera. I would always wonder why people had that question. It seems in the way. Even self inquiry seems in the way of(which might make me unpopular). A late addition in words to this - "This exists before anything. Before any method. Before any description. Before any thought. Before any step towards."
I've noticed that nearly every question one asks sends one to a place that is not this. But we are so intoxicated with the development of our state of mind. Questions help that, but not this. A question can help shift a mindset. But this is not about a mindset. It is about what's underneath that.
I suppose if a question has emerged out of the ether, then that might work well. It does. The challenge is to know its origin point.
Thinking out loud ... which is always kind of dangerous.
I have always known this Nic. I have been in your presence many times. You have been looking for what you have always known while reminding us that we didn't have to look but allow ourselves to be found. Thank you for having the courage to say this out loud. There is a risk we all share when telling our truth but we have have nothing else.
Thank you. Yes, what has always been known. I remember that last encounter with the camera. A universal experience for so many who have stepped over the edge of this. A misunderstanding from many that surround us.
I also noticed how I bristled on reading "I have been in your presence many times". I suppose that is why I wrote this piece. I am pretty sure one doesn't possess presence, but yet it seems that way.
It is all very confusing to the part that wants to understand it well. I revert to that often given invitation to join the 'Glorious Ignoramae'! (as per the poem the Glorious Ignoramus).
Perhaps being in your energy field is a better phrase than in your presence. Either way you have a gift that allows others to find theirs.