Thursday, October 15, 2009

A World of One

Photo: A single home sitting on stilts, off the coast of Nias Island, Indonesia 2009.
This post is dedicated to my dear friends in Brazil: Fernao Silveira and his lovely wife Bianca, their beautiful parents Antonio Jose Rossi and Teresa Dos Santos Rossi. For they have taught me so much during my last assignment.

Sometimes, when I put my camera down and take just a few steps back, the world before me swallows me whole--finds the rhythm to my heart--and some how, I am able to march to the beat of my own solemn pace. Lately, I've been traversing from city to city, country to country--living a life lost in sublime poetry. A million people pass me by, thousands more rub shoulder to shoulder--yet in a world of billions, I've come to realize that we are all mere mortals marching to the beat of one. One planet. One people.

I've seen the world from one end to the other, ventured into the depths of danger and back and even walked the path less traveled--yet, if you were to ask me which destination is my favorite--I'd be at a loss for words, freeze in the moment--and like an actor without lines, I'd find myself improvising, looking for a way out, trying desperately to slither my way off stage. I've seen so much through my lens, but to see the world without scripts and screenplays,lights and cameras--I must admit that I've seen so little. It's different when you view the world through elements of film and glass. You only see what you frame.

I cannot begin to tell you where my favorite locations have been, which country is better to vacation in or where the best foods may prevail, but having framed much of the world, what I can tell you is that the world is much smaller than you think--much the same--as you'd never thought it would be. You'll never hear this from a travel agent, but believe me, the sun rises the same way in Indonesia as it does in Brazil. The Pacific Ocean ebbs and flows, travels between land and sea the same way as the Atlantic. Beauty is all around us. And if you look to where everything begins, you'll see that we all breath the same air, drink the same substance and walk upon the same land that stretches far beyond our reaches. You too will realize that the only thing that divides us--that makes us different and unique from one another are mere lines of latitude and longitude--invisible to the naked eye. Our languages and cultures crisscross and weave into the very fabric that defines our existence. At the end of the day, we are all humans. We all reside on one planet.

Flying out of Brazil, I sat beside two men: one from Israel, the other from Lebanon. Two foes sitting side by side, leaving a country no where close to their home--yet, by virtue of 35,000 ft, they were the best of friends--sharing stories, laughter and fellowship.

I don't know what I've done to deserve to see the world like I do, or what obstacles and challenges may come my way, but the one thing that I will always cherish is the notion that we are all interconnected--marching triumphantly to the tune of one symphony, one beat--in a world of one.

Blogger Note: I apologize for my lack of posts as of late. My travel schedule has been hectic--flying out of Brazil, straight to Toronto and then to New York. I'm back at base for the next few days, then I will be leaving for an assignment in the Middle East next week. I hope all is well with you, my dear readers. Thank you for reading.

16 comments:

The Rambler said...

Ron...I completely love reading your posts. You always put words together in ways that are so thought provoking.

xoxo

Vera said...

This post says that you are a natural creator of words, Ron, and I felt privileged to read your words. I feel the heartbeat of the world as well. All one people, travelling a similar road, just as you said. May the light shine within you.

Wander to the Wayside said...

I find myself doing the same thing every time I get ready to comment on your posts. Instead of just starting off typing right away, I sit here with fingers to keys, thinking. Then I go to 'show original post' to read the post again, so that I give the comment the tone it needs to fit your beautiful posts.

You say "I don't know what I've done to deserve to see the world like I do, or what obstacles and challenges may come my way, but the one thing that I will always cherish is the notion that we are all interconnected--marching triumphantly to the tune of one symphony, one beat--in a world of one."

What I say is that it is people just like you, who have been beyond the borders of what we know as 'our country' (the U.S.), who bring to us proof that this is true, that we are one. In our case, your vehicle for sharing this information is right here, on a blog, with the sharing of your words and your photos.

In a recent post you were worried about the people you've met in Indonesia who suffered from the tsunami. Have you been able to make contact with anyone to ease your troubled spirit?

Dan said...

Brilliant, Ron. Too often our world is tuned in to our differences and not enough into the things we share in common. There are for more commonalities, right? Great post. Good to see you today.

Deboshree said...

Lovely Ron..simply beautiful!
I'll say this again..The moment I start reading your blog, I'm lost..lost in thoughts so profound and beautiful that I can't help but feel what you feel.
I,too, have always felt that we are one people,joined together by a common link inspite of the many differences we have(or create).
There is something about you Ron. The way you write, it reaches out and touches our heart in an instant. The moment we start reading your blog, we can't help but read every word and appreciate it at the same time.
Lovely..I wish you the best for your next journey.

Love
Deboshree

Wallywall said...

You are my fav philosophical world-treking camera guy. Lovely words and always amazing photos, but I know the real crazy you! Be safe on all of your travels.

Wally
Homebase, Windsor

John said...

Hey bro, what a hectic schedule you're having!

Don't worry about my welcoming. I'll be in MO next Friday (23rd). And we can always go camping next year, cos it's already starting to freeze!

Take care, and you are in my prayers.

Farnnay said...

I like the picture :)

Ava said...

Ron, planet earth needs more people like you, having the thinking that we are all human -- no matter the race, skin color, language spoken. As my favorite John Lennon song says: "You may said I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one .... and the world will be as one."

TheChicGeek said...

I love this post, Ron. Have you ever heard this quote, "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. William Henry Channing, 1810 - 1884" This reminds me of what you have said about life being a symphony. We are all interconnected and so much the same in the ways that really count. It is the simple things in life that bind us together, the love, the fellowship, the simple beauty in nature.
Thank you for your heartfelt words. You always speak to my heart with your writing!

Stay Well and Happy, My Friend :D
Big Hug!
Kelly

PS: I've been on vacation so I haven't been by for a while. It's so nice to visit you again :D

Anonymous said...

It's totally your own fault that you live in a world of one. I don't know why you haven't already proposed to me yet.

Sebastian Anthony said...

*tips hat* Beautiful as always, m'dear Ron.

Here's still hoping that when I follow in your footsteps I remember to step back from the camera more often :)

Ron said...

Rambler: Thank you so so much for reading my blog. I'm thankful to have readers like you. I hope you're well.

Vera: You, my dear, are too kind with your words to me. Thank you. I must swing by your blog soon and see how you're doing with your farm. Hope you're well. Blessings.

W2W: I absolutely love reading your comments to my blog (and it's not because of your kudos to me), but because you always make me think even further with what I've written. One of my biggest fears is not living up to God's gift to me. I'm glad there's somebody out there who likes what I'm doing. Thank you!

As for your question about my friends in Samoa/Indonesia--yes, i finally did hear back from them. They are all fine. Thank God none of them were affected by the quake. Most of my friends are helping with relief effforts. I will be in Indonesia next month and will be able to give you a first hand account at how they're doing. Will keep you updated.

D2: Dan, there are things in this world that binds us together no matter where we're from or where we're headed. You, my friend is living proof that we are all interconnected--you and I are definately brothers!

Deboshree: Thank you so much for your loyalty to my writting. You're too kind. I hope all is well with you.

Wally: How's my favorite turtle/boob man doing in the big city? I miss you bro! Let's hope I see you before Christmas! It seems like Christmas is the only time I ever get to see you...and for some reason it's always at Nia's...hmmm...

John: I haven't forgotten about camping! You better be ready come next spring! Welcome to the U.S of A my friend!

Constructive Attitude: Thank you. I like your comment :)

Ava: Ahhh, I love that song! One of my favorites! I must go listen now :) Thank you, Ava for your kind words and for constantly reading my rants.

ChicGeek: Kelly you are my angel from above! I love that quote. Thank you so much for posting it. I've been reading it constantly!

Cheryl: Will you ..... me?

Sebastian: You, my friend are a great photographer and artist! You do not need to follow my footsteps, for you will make your own path. I believe in you!

miruspeg said...

Hello Ron
I am a friend of Kelly (The Chic Geek).
This is a beautiful post. Like you, I feel so many of us are walking the same path....hand in hand.
Regards
Peggy

Sebastian Anthony said...

Aw... thanks :)

I only worry because I already feel myself disassociating, when I look through the camera.

I think I'm going to try and travel with someone else, so share the experiences. I've always travelled alone up until now... perhaps that's why it's easy to lose myself behind the camera...

Unknown said...

Oh my... I (we) feel "special" to call you FRIEND. Thanks for remembering us.
It's really inspiring to read your posts, your impressions and feelings. You seem like a poet, man! :)
It really takes us on that journey with you.
Can’t wait to see all the pictures, please send us them all!
Lot of kisses from all of us.
Bianca