Action follows thought. Taking the time to act with intention is the result of responding to the word, action, person, or opportunity rather than reacting. Impulse control is hard.
I was fortunate to be in the temple in Japan where Hiroshi Sugimoto took his Sea of Buddha photograph (1995). We, like every other visitor, were told repeatedly that photographs were prohibited. I am not sure if it was the repetition of the message or the sheer awe and wonder I felt in the presence of these sacred objects, but once inside the temple, I wanted a more permanent reminder of the experience than a certain fade to memory. As I thought about it, my phone buzzed with a text message from one of my kids six thousand miles away. Some confusion ensued, and I almost lost my phone. I have thought a lot about that moment.
We live in a time with so many rules. I hope that the experiences of and with art can at least sometimes provide a respite.
