Ebb and Flow

Ebb and flow. We cannot force things to happen. Sometimes we think we can, but that always brings lots of suffering and pain; and the final result may not be what we truly want.

We have to be patient, and observant. We see the situation, see ourselves clearly. Expectation is one thing, fear of failure is another. We need to know what we are doing.

In the ink paintings, or calligraphy works, the immediacy of the strokes is right there on the paper or on the silk surfaces; so you cannot force it to happen. If I am tired, it shows; if I am mindful, it shows. It is a natural process.

Ebb and flow. Chinese calligraphy: 潮 (waves). Sumi ink on rice paper, mounted on paper. The size is 13 by 13 inches. The seals are an image of a fish, and my name: Chin.