“Islands Blue” | Anthony Satori
Hills of green… Hearts of true… Oceans deep… And islands blue.
Islands Blue
photography
In Bloom
“In Bloom” | Anthony Satori
“Being aware of one’s life, one’s revolt, one’s freedom, and to the maximum, is living, and to the maximum.” – Camus
The vital energy of the universe is bursting forth all around us. When we become aware of this essence, consciously choose to pay attention to it, and tap into our own inner resonance with these universal vibrations of beauty and life, we are in that very same moment awakening the infinite connection to the eternal that resides within each of us.
Respice Finem
“Respice Finem” | Anthony Satori
Perhaps you desire to have more balance in your life, or more peace of mind. Hold this aspiration near to you. Whenever you have the opportunity to take an action, speak words, or pursue a thought, ask yourself, “Will this bring me closer to having more balance/peace in my life?” This is what respice finem means: Consciously choose your desired goals, and apply that understanding to how you place your energy and attention in this present moment.
“Respice finem, that is to say, in all your actions, look often upon what you would have, as the thing that directs all your thoughts in the way to attain it.” – Thomas Hobbes
Aspire to good things. Defy labels. Reach for new heights. Keep the goals you wish to achieve ever in your mind, while continually returning to the present moment, because it is in this present moment alone that we have access to both the pleasure of living and the power to act. Make small progress every day toward your aspirations, and even the shadow you cast will be amazing.
Moonbeams and Wind
“Moonbeams and Wind” | Anthony Satori
“You’re not like the others. I’ve seen a few; I know. When I talk, you look at me. When I said something about the moon, you looked at the moon, last night. The others would never do that. The others would walk off and leave me talking… No one has time any more for anyone else.” — Clarisse M. (Fahrenheit 451, Ray Bradbury)
Two Cheetahs
“Two Cheetahs” | Animal Spirits (pg. 36) | Anthony Satori
It was mid-afternoon, and I had been hiking for most of the day. I came around a hill and spotted two big cats at rest under the shade of a tree, most likely trying to escape from the heat of the afternoon sun. They were near enough for me to identify as cheetahs, but they were still quite some distance from where I stood. I had to get closer. I began to hike around some trees and rocks, slowly making my way toward another section of the hilly terrain. I trudged across a dry riverbed and up over a mound of dirt on the other bank. As the two big cats came back into my view, I realized that I was now at a perfect distance to capture the image that I wanted. I also realized, however, that there were no longer any physical barriers between myself and these incredible animals. I had hiked rather deep into their territory, and I now found myself standing a mere stone’s throw away from hundreds of pounds of teeth and claws and killer instinct. Just as this thought crossed my mind, one of the cheetah’s ears perked up. He turned his head and looked directly into my eyes. It was thrilling. Adrenaline shot through my body, but for some reason, I remained calm and still. It is an intense moment for a photographer to realize that you have just been noticed by the fastest land predator on the planet, and that you have no place to go, no truck to jump into, no barrier to hide behind. If this big cat had decided that I was dinner, I was easily within no more than four seconds reach. I knew that I could never outrun this animal. My heart pumped, my breath deepened. It was exhilarating to have such a direct moment of connection with such a majestic animal. I calmly raised my camera and took the photograph above, which is featured in my book, Animal Spirits (sold out). I then lowered my camera and slowly began to back away, returning into the hills, leaving the cheetahs to enjoy the leisure of their afternoon under the shade of a tree.
The Galleria (Milan)
Interior, The Galleria | (Milan, Italy) | Anthony Satori
It is difficult to rival the Italians when it comes to architecture as an art form. Consider the awe-inspiring Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, in Milan, Italy. It is a magnificent structure built with dramatically arching panes of glass, intricate cast iron latticework, and an interior filled with paintings, mosaics, and countless other elements of architectural and artistic style.
It was designed by Giuseppe Mengoni in 1861, and it was built between the years 1865 and 1877, also by him. The building was named after (and financed by) Vittorio Emanuele II, the first King of a newly unified Italy.
Other interesting facts:
1) It was intended to be exactly what it is, a shopping mall. And, over 100 years later, it still is.
2) Whenever you go to a modern shopping mall anywhere in the world and it is called “The Galleria,” it is a reference to this specific structure. (Whether the builders realize it or not.)
3) In an ironic turn of fate, Mengoni died soon after the Galleria’s completion. He fell off the roof of his own creation. (It is 154 feet tall.)
On a lighter note, a few years back I ate a Big Mac there. Madness, I know. A Big Mac in Italy, the land of incredible food. But there was a method to my madness. First, purely for the sake of the sheer juxtaposition of experience, it was novel and fun. Second, I have a healthy appetite, so there was no chance that one burger was going to slow me down. Third, and perhaps most significantly of all, you can’t have a Big Mac there anymore. That’s right, in 2012 the Galleria refused to renew McDonalds’ lease, and after a protracted round of legal jousting it was decided that the fast food giant would never return to the mall. That spot is now occupied by a Prada store. There was, of course, no way for me to foresee this at the time, but it definitely makes me all the more glad that I did it.
I suppose the point is, enjoy the moment. Have fun. A Big Mac is only as mundane as you allow it to be. Engage with the unique texture of wherever you find yourself. To be alive is amazing… savor it.
Blue Juniper
Blue Juniper | Anthony Satori
“Hearing me, eyes will glance upward saying, how can I reach the sea? And I will communicate, while saying nothing, the starry echoes of the wave. And thus, through me, freedom and the sea will make their answer to the shuttered heart.” – Pablo Neruda
Wild Horses
“Wild Horses” | Anthony Satori
To strive to be your best self — in a world that seems full of reasons not to — this is truly a worthy endeavor.
Champagne Moment
“Champagne Moment” | Anthony Satori
So, here we are. New Years Eve! As of midnight tonight, it will be January 1, 2015. It’s a fresh start, a new beginning, a Champagne moment. It’s an opportunity for us to feel gratitude for the gifts and good fortune that we have experienced throughout the year, to take ownership of the wisdom that we have acquired from the challenges, and then to simply let everything else just wash away. So, let us look forward with optimism and faith. May this coming year bring us closer to realizing our dreams, finding balance in our lives, and making good choices to improve our physical and spiritual well being. May we find ways to expand the love and compassion in our world, to live each day with thought and purpose, and to cultivate joy and gratitude in our hearts. If we do these things, we will truly be living well. So, I raise a glass to you all. Cheers, salute, Happy New Year!
Winter Solstice
“Solstice” | Anthony Satori
Tomorrow, December 21, is Winter Solstice. Every season has its beauty, and Winter’s stark wonder reaches its subtle peak tonight, the longest night of darkness in the year. There is deep beauty to be found by immersing oneself in the experience of the clouds, the rain, the wind… they are, without a doubt, genuine offerings of Demeter’s heart, and hold profound meaning in their nature. Do not become too mired in their melancholy, however… for the planet has turned on its axis, the captivity of Persephone has crossed its half mark, and the earth has begun its slow, steady thaw toward Spring. And Spring, after all, is where life is meant to thrive. Just appreciate every moment along the way, every step of the journey.
Satori Circle | Art & Culture 